THINKING

BY : YASHFA , IZA , NOOR FATIMAH

Thinking is a cognitive process that involves manipulating ideas, images, and other mental
representations. It's a complex process that involves both conscious and unconscious activities.
In psychology, thinking is the process of processing information, manipulating ideas, and forming concepts to
understand the world around us.
Thinking is an essential process for humans. It allows us to solve problems, learn new information,
understand concepts, and process our experiences.
Thinking is associated with activity in the brain, particularly in areas like the prefrontal cortex, which is
involved in higher-order cognitive functions such as decision-making, planning, and abstract reasoning.
Thinking often relies on neural circuits that work together to process information, integrate sensory input,
recall memories, and evaluate different possibilities or outcomes.
TYPES OF THINKING
• Thinking can be categorized into several types, each serving different cognitive functions and enabling
us to approach problems, make decisions, and understand the world in diverse ways. Below are some of
the main types of thinking
• 1. Critical Thinking
• 2. Creative Thinking
• 3. Analytical Thinking
• 4. Abstract Thinking
• 5. Concrete Thinking
• 6. Logical Thinking
• 7. Intuitive Thinking
• 8. Strategic Thinking
• 9. Reflective Thinking
• 10. Problem-Solving Thinking
 CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING
• 1. Critical Thinking
• Definition: The process of actively analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make
reasoned judgments.
• Purpose: To assess arguments, detect biases, and make decisions based on logic and evidence.
• Example: Evaluating the credibility of a news article or analyzing the problems and consequences of
a policy proposal.
• 2. Creative Thinking
• Definition: The ability to think in new and original ways, often involving novel ideas or solutions.
• Purpose: To generate innovative ideas, solutions, or artistic expressions.
• Example: Brainstorming a new product design or coming up with a unique solution to a problem at
work.
 ANALYTICAL AND ABSTRACT THINKING
• 3. Analytical Thinking
• Definition: The process of breaking down complex information into smaller parts to understand it better and
make informed decisions.
• Purpose: To understand relationships between components and identify patterns or underlying structures.
• Example: Analyzing data to understand trends or diagnosing a problem based on symptoms.
• 4. Abstract Thinking
• Definition: The ability to think about concepts, ideas, or situations that are not tied to concrete objects or
experiences.
• Purpose: To understand concepts that are theoretical, hypothetical, or intangible.
• Example: Contemplating philosophical questions or thinking about future possibilities that have not yet
occurred.
CONCRETE AND LOGICAL THINKING
5. Concrete Thinking
•Definition: The ability to think about things in a literal, straightforward manner.
•Purpose: To focus on tangible, immediate, and practical aspects of a situation or object.
•Example: Following a recipe or operating machinery based on clear, defined instructions.

6. Logical Thinking
• Definition: The ability to reason systematically and draw conclusions based on a set of premises or
facts.
• Purpose: To solve problems and make decisions through structured reasoning.
• Example: Solving a mathematical equation or following a set of instructions to complete a task.
INTUITIVE THINKING

• 7. Intuitive Thinking
• Definition: The ability to make decisions or form judgments without relying on conscious reasoning,
often based on gut feelings or instincts.
• Purpose: To make quick decisions in situations where time is limited or complete information is
unavailable.
• Example: Choosing a route to take based on instinct or making a snap judgment about someone's
character.
 STRATEGIC AND REFLECTIVE THINKING

• 8. Strategic Thinking
• Definition: The ability to plan and think long-term, considering the broader context and
potential future outcomes.
• Purpose: To develop plans and strategies for achieving specific goals.
• Example: A business leader planning the future direction of a company or a chess player
planning several moves ahead.
• 9. Reflective Thinking
• Definition: The process of reviewing and analyzing past experiences to understand them
more deeply and learn from them.
• Purpose: To gain insights and improve decision-making or behavior in the future.
• Example: Reflecting on a past mistake and determining how to approach a similar situation
differently next time.
PROBLEM SOLVING THINKING
• 10. Problem-Solving Thinking
• Definition: The process of finding solutions to specific issues or obstacles.
• Purpose: To resolve challenges by identifying problems and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Example: Fixing a broken appliance or developing a plan to meet a project deadline.
 LEVELS OF THINKING
• 1. Remembering (Knowledge)
• Definition: The ability to recall or recognize information that has been previously learned or
encountered. This is the most basic level of thinking, as it focuses on retrieving facts or concepts from
memory.
• Purpose: To recall basic facts, definitions, terms, or processes.
•Example:
•Recalling the names of the presidents of the United States.
•Remembering the steps of the scientific method.
•Recognizing the symptoms of a particular disease.
•Verbs associated: List, recall, identify, name, describe, define.
UNDERSTANDING
• 2. Understanding (Comprehension)
• Definition: At this level, thinking involves grasping the meaning of information, interpreting it, and
explaining it in your own words. It’s more than just recall—it’s about making sense of the information.
• Purpose: To demonstrate understanding and explain what something means.
• Example:
• Summarizing a chapter from a book.
• Explaining a scientific theory in simple terms.
• Interpreting a poem and explaining its meaning.
• Verbs associated: Explain, describe, summarize, interpret, classify, discuss, restate.
ANALYZING
• Analyzing
• Definition: At this level, you break down complex information into smaller components and examine
how the parts relate to each other. Analyzing involves identifying patterns, structures, or motives
behind the information.
• Purpose: To understand the structure of information by examining its components and relationships.
• Example:
• Analyzing a complex problem to understand its causes.
• Breaking down an argument to assess its validity.
• Analyzing data from a survey to identify trends or outliers.
• Verbs associated: Analyze, compare, contrast, differentiate, categorize, examine, dissect.
EVALUATING
• Evaluating
• Definition: Evaluating involves making judgments based on criteria or standards. It’s a more complex
form of thinking where you assess the value, quality, or relevance of ideas, arguments, or solutions.
• Purpose: To make decisions based on critical thinking, assessing the merit of information or solutions.
• Example:
• Critiquing the effectiveness of a marketing strategy.
• Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of an argument.
• Deciding which of several proposed solutions to a problem is the best one.
• Verbs associated: Evaluate, judge, critique, defend, prioritize, justify.
CREATING

• Creating (Synthesis)
• Definition: The highest level of thinking involves using creativity and existing knowledge to generate
new ideas, solutions, or concepts. At this level, you synthesize various pieces of information to form
something original.
• Purpose: To generate new insights, ideas, or products by integrating knowledge in innovative ways.
• Example:
• Designing a new product or service based on market research.
• Writing an original research paper that combines several different ideas or sources.
• Creating a work of art that expresses a new concept or style.
• Verbs associated: Create, design, construct, develop, formulate, invent, compose.
WHY ARE THESE LEVELS IMPORTANT ?
• Creating (Synthesis)
• Definition: The highest level of thinking involves using creativity and existing knowledge to generate new ideas,
solutions, or concepts. At this level, you synthesize various pieces of information to form something original.
• Purpose: To generate new insights, ideas, or products by integrating knowledge in innovative ways.
• Example:
• Designing a new product or service based on market research.
• Writing an original research paper that combines several different ideas or sources.
• Creating a work of art that expresses a new concept or style.
• Verbs associated: Create, design, construct, develop, formulate, invent, compose.
SUMMARIZATION OF TOPIC

• The levels of thinking progress from basic recall of information (remembering) to more complex and
creative thought processes (creating). Each level builds on the one before it, and these levels are crucial
for learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. By engaging with each level, individuals can develop
a deeper understanding and mastery of complex concepts and challenges.
• Thinking is a mental process
• Thinking is the act of using the mind to analyze and manipulate information through reasoning,
imagining, problem solving, judging, and decision-making.