Thinking is a cognitive process that involves problem solving and reasoning. It allows humans to solve challenges in a way that distinguishes us from other species. Thinking involves mental exploration of ideas rather than physical exploration and helps individuals and society progress. There are different types of thinking including perceptual, conceptual, creative, and logical thinking as well as problem solving. Thinking is essential for human welfare and development.

1. Binesh T B
Asst Professor
MHN

2. Introduction to Thinking:
 Cognitive abilities like thinking, reasoning
and problem-solving may be considered to
be some of the chief characteristics which
distinguish human beings from other
species including the higher animals.
 The challenges and problems faced by the
individual or by society, in general are
solved through series of efforts involving
thinking and reasoning. The powers of
thinking and reasoning may thus be
considered to be the essential tools for the
welfare and meaningful existence of the
individual as well as society.

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4. ❑ Thinking is mental exploration for finding out the solution of
a problem. ---Woodworth:
❑ Thinkingisanactivityconcerning ideas, symbolicin character
initiated byaproblem or taskwhichthe individualisfacing,
involvingsometrial &error but under the directing influenceofthat
problem &ultimately leadingto aconclusionor solution ofthe
problem.
---Warren
❑ Thinkingisthe perceptual relationship whichprovidesfor
the solution ofthe problem.
---Maie
❑ “Thinking is a problem-solving process in which we use ideas or
symbols in place of overt activity”. ---
Gilmer: 4

5. It isessentially acognitive activity.
It isalwaysdirected to achievesomeend or purpose.
It isdescribed asaproblem-solving behavior.
It isasymbolic activity.
It ismental exploration insteadofmotor
exploration.
It canshiftvery rapidly.
It isinternal activity.
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6. 1. Perceptual or concrete thinking
2. Conceptualor abstract thinking
3. Creative thinking
4. Logicalthinking/ reasoning
5. Problem solving
6. ConvergentVs Divergentthinking
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7. It isbasedon perception.
Perception isthe process ofinterpretation ofsensation
according to one’sexperience.
It isalsocalled concrete thinking asit iscarried over the
perception ofactual or concrete &events.
It isone-dimentional &literal thinking whichhaslimited useof
metaphor without understanding nuancesof meaning.
Beingthe simplestform ofthinking, smallchildren are mostly
benefitted bythis type of thinking.
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8. It does not require the perception ofactual objects or events.
It isalsocalled abstract thinkingasit makesthe useof
concepts or abstractideas.
It issuperior to perceptual thinking's asit economizesefforts
in understanding &helpsin discovery&invention.
It isability to appreciate nuancesof meaning.
It ismultidimensional thinking with abilityto usemetaphors
&hypothesesappropriately.
Languageplaysanimportant part in conceptual thinking.
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9. It refers to the abilityfor original thinking, to create or
discoversomethingnew.
It isthe abilityto integrate the variouselements ofthe
situation into aharmoniouswhole to create something novel.
Inother words, cognitiveactivitydirected towards some
creativework refers to creativethinking.
Creativethinkers are great boonsto the societyasthey enrich
the knowledgeof mankind.
The creativethinker tries to achievesomethingnew,to
produce somethingoriginal &somethingunique
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10. It isthe cognitiveprocess oflookingfor reasons for beliefs,
conclusion, actions orfeelings.
It isthe process ofdrawingconclusions basedon evidence.
It isform ofcontrolled thinking in whichthe thought process
isdirected consciouslytowards the solutions ofa problem.
Reasoningisthe highest form ofthinking to findout causes&
predict effects.
Anindividual tries to solveaproblembyincorporating two or
more aspects ofhispast experience.
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It isclassified into;
I. Inductive reasoning:
This is process of reasoning from parts to the whole,
from example to generalizations. It is carried out generally within
the fieldknownasinformal logicor critical thinking.
II. Deductive reasoning:
Thismovesfromthe wholeto part, from
generalizationto underlyingconceptsto examples. Formallogicis
described as“thescienceof deduction.”
III. Abductive reasoning:
It iscognitiveprocess often involvesboth inductive&
deductive arguments.

12. It isatool, skill&a process.
It isatool becauseit canhelpyousolveanimmediateproblemor
to achievea goal.
It isaskill becauseonceyouhavelearnt it youcanuseit repeatedly,
likethe ability to ride abicycle, addnumbers or speaka language.
It isalsoaprocessbecauseit involvetakinganumber ofsteps.
Y
oucanengagein problemsolvingifyouwantto reach agoal&
experience obstaclesonthe way.
Atthe point at whichyoucomeupagainstabarrier youcanengage
in aproblemsolvingprocessto helpyouachieveyourgoal.
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Everytime youuseaproblemsolvingprocess, youare increasing
yourproblem solving skill.
Aseven-step problem solving cycles;
1. Identifythe problem
2. Explorethe problem
3. Set goals
4. Lookat alternatives
5. Selectapossible solution
6. Implement apossible solution
7. evaluation

14. Convergent thinkingiscognitiveprocessing ofinformation
around acommon point, anattempt to bring thoughts from
different directions into aunion for common conclusion
Divergent thinking starts from acommon point &moves
outward into avarietyofperspectives. Eg;teachers usethe
content asavehicleto prompt diverseor unique thinking
amongstudents rather than acommon view.
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15. There are sixlevelsofthinking/ learning withincognitive
hierarchy of behaviors;
1. Level1:Knowledge
2. Level2: Comprehension
3. Level3:Application
4. Level4:Analysis
5. Level5: Synthesis
6. Level6: Evaluation
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17. THINKINGIN RELATIONTOLANGUAGE
ANDCOMMUNICATION
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Throughthe useoflanguage, wecandevelopcomplex &
abstract concepts.We learn through discussionthe essential
characteristics of concepts.
Languagelikethought isdirected to somepurpose or goal. It
hasaunity &organizationabout the goal. Languageisthe
symbolicvehiclebywhichthought is carried.
Languageallownew learning to be communicated to others &
savedfor future generations.
The useoflanguage– the communication of information.
Languageprovidesuswith categories that weuseto construct
our viewofpeople &events in the world around us.

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