INTRINSIC VALUE YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE NOTICED: WHAT TYPE OF THINKER ARE YOU?

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Have you ever wondered or overheard the theory "Humans are only using 10% of their brains capacity"? Although lots of mixed opinions surround this statement, it is hard to deny that researching and revealing the hidden abilities of our brains still emerge as a widespread phenomenon, becoming a central issue in today's modern era. Experts in every industry are finding ingenious ways to measure and unleash the power of the brain. This report is not outside the inconclusive discussion circle of the aforementioned topic.

Before stepping into this article, let us come to a small reference question: What makes a group of people led and equipped with similar background knowledge but ultimately present different approaches and perspectives to solve the problem? This distinction proved to be largely dependent on how their brains accessed and processed information - their thinking patterns dictated almost everything! Are you curious and willing to explore what kind of thinker you are? All you need for this expedition is your precious brain! Let us spill the beans!

An elicitation serves as the opening for this journey...HOW MANY TYPES OF THINKING ARE THERE?

Everything in our thinking methods can be divided explicitly into thinking categories. There are countless ways to group thinking types according to purpose or application to logical situations. The following thinking genres are the most common ways to classify thoughts.

1. Convergent Thinking

Convergent thinking, also called linear thinking, synthesizes a finite number of available ideas and experiences to arrive at a single optimal solution. It focuses on finding only a well-founded answer to the problem, which means it does not require outstanding creativity. This leads to an obvious process that a convergent thinker tends to apply proven procedures to get the correct answer. The resolution of convergent thinking generally represents common cases.

This mindset is the "memorization" mindset which emphasizes speed, accuracy, and efficiency when the answer is already there; all you have to do is deduced. Convergent thinking includes most assignments and standardized exams in school (multiple-choice tests as an example).

2. Divergent Thinking

Divergent thinking, also known as horizontal thinking, generates innovative ideas by exploring numerous possible solutions. It commences analyzing the question, branching out into different answers, and bringing up a multitude of approaches. Therefore, divergent thinkers always use various ways to stimulate the creation to deal with the problem discovered. This way of thinking exerts its power in being creative and finding a solution to a new trial (even in an old situation).

According to J.P. Guilford (1967), divergent thinking has four primary characteristics: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. People who are inclined to divergent thinking do not hesitate to come up with "silly" ideas. Therefore, it can be asserted that the statements created in this thought process are often spontaneous and unrestrained.

3. Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking is an indispensable key when solving issues by breaking down sophisticated problems into different manageable components and determining their relationships. Analytical thinkers gather and make inferences from pre-arranged data; organize, synthesize and codify the information to detect probable causes; integrate and evaluate the most effective solution as well.

Analytical thinking does not involve aggravation or stagnation in decision-making; it helps us approach the goal step-by-step to ensure peak performance when researching and concluding.

4. Abstract Thinking

Abstract thinking (involves symbolic thinking) is the ability to think about objects, principles, and events that do not exist physically. Abstract thinkers absorb information from the senses, seek to visualize the connections between objects, and focus on discovering the abstruse meaning of underlying patterns behind the whole picture.

We can actively let our wild imaginations do their jobs, use theories (based on conjectures), metaphors and analogies to develop abstract thinking. The subjects such as Mathematics with dense formulas or Arts with its fluid lines seem to be common examples of abstract thinking.

5. Concrete Thinking

Concrete thinking is the predisposition that causes us to access, comprehend, and apply factual knowledge. Ironically, the term "concrete thinking" is a metaphor (and a metaphor is a type of abstract thinking). It targets ideas as specific items rather than as a theoretical discourse or a general abstract concept. Its reasoning concentrates on physical objects, practical experiences, and exact interpretations.

While almost all persons think concretely, concrete thinking is mainly carried out by small children. Concrete thinking is the first type of thinking mastered by babies, and they cannot think of things outside of what is physically present.

6. Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is the ability to pop up with new ideas by breaking down established principles, theories, and procedures. Creative thinking is the term closest in meaning to a common phrase you must have heard when feeling stuck with the old idea rotation: Think out of the box!

When it comes to creativity, it boils down to you are not force to create something new; we all have a penchant for using existing processes but modifying and applying them in unique ways that have not been used before to put forward better solutions. While creative thinking may appear illogical sometimes, it is, in fact, a great driver of human development. Who knows, their new method might become the new orthodoxy!

7. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves inferring something to form a judgment about it. Critical thinkers determine the authenticity, accuracy, and validity of the matter being discussed. Rather than directly separate information, critical thinkers explore other elements that could have impacted conclusions.

Critical thinkers do not take preconceived assumptions for granted; they always question "Why?" and use analytical ability to explain things. We can use three processes to develop critical insights: deduction, induction, and abduction. Critical thinking plays an integral role in the digital age since it is the cornerstone for promoting human thinking, moving away from the inherent clichés.

What type of thinker are you?

It must be made clear that no mindset will help you become superior if it stands alone. That means that all types of thinking are dialectically coordinated, and only a harmonious and contextual combination is the best way to present optimal solutions.

Let us identify your ways of thinking!

It is firmly based on how you see and define yourself! Would you depict yourself as a person with a tendency towards reasoning or imagination? Will you love out-of-the-loop ideas or pre-existing terms? Research shows that the different types of thinking you've adopted influence the kind of person you will become.

In most certain cases, we will find ourselves in what kind of mindset when we are forced to provide a route of reasoning and solutions to a given problem. Having a clear clarification of your own thinking pattern helps you to achieve certain benefits below:

• Comprehend what motivates you to think and act

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses when making inferences

• How to turn seemingly innocuous tasks into novelties

• Your brain will always work non-stop, without delay in generating innovative ideas. It never gets old!

Each of us possesses a piece of SuperBrain's genius level. However, you do not have to be perfect like any superhero in the comic world; everyone has their own strengths! All forms of thinking need time to be practiced and applied competently. It is desirable when we sometimes know how to slow down and take a few minutes to rethink these thinkings!

Credit: Sofia Vu

(*) Reference sources:

We would not have written this article without the reliable sources below. Special thanks to:

1. The Three Modes Of Thinking

2. The 7 Main Types Of Thinking (And How To Improve Them)

3. 7 Of The Most Common Types Of Thinking and How To Identify Yours

4. Analytical Thinking

5. Abstract Thinking: What It Is, Why We Need It, and When To Rein In It

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