Outline of thought

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A thinking chimpanzee

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to thought (thinking):

Contents

Thought (also called thinking) mental process in which beings form psychological associations and models of the world. Thinking is manipulating information, as when we form concepts, engage in problem solving, reason and make decisions. Thought, the act of thinking, produces more thoughts. A thought may be an idea, an image, a sound or even control an emotional feeling.

Nature of thought

Thought (or thinking) can be described as all of the following:

Types of thoughts

Content of thoughts

  • Argument  – Attempt to persuade or to determine the truth of a conclusion
  • Belief  – Mental state of holding a proposition or premise to be true
  • Communication  – Transmission of information
  • Conceptual model  – Theoretical framework
  • Data  – Units of information
  • Information  – Facts provided or learned about something or someone
  • Knowledge  – Awareness of facts or being competent
  • Mental model  – Explanation of someone's thought process about how something works in the real world
  • Schema  – Technique to encode and retrieve memories
  • Self-concept  – One's internal beliefs about oneself

Types of thought (thinking)

Listed below are types of thought, also known as thinking processes.

Animal thought

Human thought

Human thought  – Cognitive process independent of the senses

Classifications of thought

Creative processes

Decision-making

  • Choice  – Deciding between multiple options
  • Cybernetics  – Transdisciplinary field concerned with regulatory and purposive systems
  • Decision theory  – Branch of applied probability theory
  • Executive functions  – Cognitive processes necessary for control of behavior
  • Goals and goal setting  – Idea of the future or result that a person or group wants to achieve
  • Judgement  – Decision making; evaluation of evidence to make a decision
  • Planning  – Regarding the activities required to achieve a desired goal
  • Rational choice theory  – Sociological theory
  • Speech act  – Utterance that serves a performative function
  • Value (personal and cultural)  – Personal value, basis for ethical action
  • Value judgment  – Philosophical and ethical concept

Erroneous thinking

Emotional intelligence (emotionally based thinking)

Emotional intelligence  – Capability to understand one's emotions and use this understanding to guide thinking and behavior

Problem solving

Problem solving  – Approaches to problem solving

  • Problem solving steps
  • Process of elimination  – Logical method to identify an entity of interest among several ones by excluding all other entities
  • Systems thinking  – Examining complex systems as a whole
    • Critical systems thinking  – systems thinking multimethodology for understanding and designing stakeholder intervention
  • Problem-solving strategy steps one would use to find the problem(s) that are in the way to getting to one’s own goal. Some would refer to this as the ‘problem-solving cycle’ (Bransford & Stein, 1993). In this cycle one will recognize the problem, define the problem, develop a strategy to fix the problem, organize the knowledge of the problem cycle, figure-out the resources at the user's disposal, monitor one's progress, and evaluate the solution for accuracy.
    • Abstraction  – Process of generalisation solving the problem in a model of the system before applying it to the real system
    • Analogy  – Cognitive process of transferring information or meaning from a particular subject to another using a solution that solves an analogous problem
    • Brainstorming  – Group creativity technique (especially among groups of people) suggesting a large number of solutions or ideas and combining and developing them until an optimum solution is found
    • Divide and conquer  – Process of understanding a complex topic or substance breaking down a large, complex problem into smaller, solvable problems
    • Hypothesis testing  – Method of statistical inference assuming a possible explanation to the problem and trying to prove (or, in some contexts, disprove) the assumption
    • Lateral thinking  – Manner of solving problems approaching solutions indirectly and creatively
    • Means-ends analysis  – Problem solving technique choosing an action at each step to move closer to the goal
    • Morphological analysis  – Exploration of possible solutions assessing the output and interactions of an entire system
    • Proof  – Sufficient evidence/argument for truth try to prove that the problem cannot be solved. The point where the proof fails will be the starting point for solving it
    • Reduction  – transformation of one computational problem to another, used to show that the second problem is as difficult as the first transforming the problem into another problem for which solutions exist
    • Research  – Systematic study undertaken to increase knowledge employing existing ideas or adapting existing solutions to similar problems
    • Root cause analysis  – Method of identifying the fundamental causes of faults or problems identifying the cause of a problem
    • Thinking outside the box  – Metaphor for unconventional thinking
    • Trial-and-error  – Method of problem-solving testing possible solutions until the right one is found
    • Troubleshooting  – Form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes
  • Problem-solving methodology
    • 5 Whys  – Iterative interrogative technique
    • Decision cycle  – Sequence of steps for decision-making
    • Eight Disciplines Problem Solving  – Eight Disciplines of Team-Oriented Problem Solving Method
    • GROW model  – Method for goal setting and problem solving
    • How to Solve It  – Book by George Pólya
    • Learning cycle  – How people learn from experience
    • OODA loop  – Observe–orient–decide–act cycle (observe, orient, decide, and act)
    • PDCA  – Iterative design and management method used in business (plan–do–check–act)
    • Problem structuring methods
    • RPR Problem Diagnosis  – problem diagnosis method designed to determine the root cause of IT problems (rapid problem resolution)
    • TRIZ  – Problem-solving tools (in Russian: Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch, "theory of solving inventor's problems")
    • Vertical thinking  – Thinking technique that involves an analytical approach to problem solving

Reasoning

Reasoning  – Capacity for consciously making sense of things

  • Abstract thinking  – Process of generalisation
  • Adaptive reasoning
  • Analogical reasoning  – Cognitive process of transferring information or meaning from a particular subject to another
  • Analytic reasoning  – Ability to look at information and discern patterns
  • Case-based reasoning  – Process of solving new problems based on the solutions of similar past problems
  • Critical thinking  – Analysis of facts to form a judgment
  • Defeasible reasoning  – Reasoning that is rationally compelling, though not deductively valid from authority: if p then (defeasibly) q
  • Diagrammatic reasoning  – reasoning by the mean of visual representations reasoning by means of visual representations. Visualizing concepts and ideas with of diagrams and imagery instead of by linguistic or algebraic means
  • Emotional reasoning  – a cognitive process by which one's own emotional reaction is used to prove something is true (erroneous) a cognitive distortion in which emotion overpowers reason, to the point the subject is unwilling or unable to accept the reality of a situation because of it.
  • Fallacious reasoning  – Argument that uses faulty reasoning (erroneous) logical errors
  • Heuristic  – Problem-solving method that is sufficient for immediate solutions or approximationss
  • Historical thinking
  • Intuitive reasoning  – Ability to acquire knowledge, without conscious reasoning
  • Lateral thinking  – Manner of solving problems
  • Logic  – Study of correct reasoning / Logical reasoning
    • Abductive reasoning  – Inference seeking the simplest and most likely explanation from data and theory: p and q are correlated, and q is sufficient for p; hence, if p then (abducibly) q as cause
    • Deductive reasoning  – Form of reasoning from meaning postulate, axiom, or contingent assertion: if p then q (i.e., q or not-p)
    • Inductive reasoning  – Method of logical reasoning theory formation; from data, coherence, simplicity, and confirmation: (inducibly) "if p then q"; hence, if p then (deducibly-but-revisably) q
    • Inference  – Steps in reasoning
  • Moral reasoning  – Study in psychology that overlaps with moral philosophy process in which an individual tries to determine the difference between what is right and what is wrong in a personal situation by using logic. [5] This is an important and often daily process that people use in an attempt to do the right thing. Every day for instance, people are faced with the dilemma of whether or not to lie in a given situation. People make this decision by reasoning the morality of the action and weighing that against its consequences.
  • Probabilistic reasoning  – use of probability and logic to deal with uncertain situations from combinatorics and indifference: if p then (probably) q
  • Proportional reasoning using "the concept of proportions when analyzing and solving a mathematical situation." [6]
  • Rational thinking  – Quality of being agreeable to reason
  • Semiosis  – sign process
  • Statistical reasoning  – Study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data from data and presumption: the frequency of qs among ps is high (or inference from a model fit to data); hence, (in the right context) if p then (probably) q
  • Strategic thinking  – Cognitive activity
  • Synthetic reasoning  – Semantic distinction in philosophy
  • Verbal reasoning  – understanding and reasoning using concepts framed in words understanding and reasoning using concepts framed in words
  • Visual reasoning process of manipulating one's mental image of an object in order to reach a certain conclusion – for example, mentally constructing a piece of machinery to experiment with different mechanisms

Machine thought

Organizational thought

Organizational thought (thinking by organizations)

Aspects of the thinker

Aspects of the thinker which may affect (help or hamper) his or her thinking:

Properties of thought

Fields that study thought

Thought tools and thought research

History of thinking

History of reasoning  – Capacity for consciously making sense of things

Nootropics (cognitive enhancers and smart drugs)

Nootropic  – Compound intended to improve cognitive function

Substances that improve mental performance:

Organizational thinking concepts

Teaching methods and skills

Awards for acts of genius

Organizations

Media

Publications

Books

Periodicals

Television programs

Persons associated with thinking

People notable for their extraordinary ability to think

Scientists in fields that study thought

Scholars of thinking

Awareness and perception

Learning and memory

See also

Miscellaneous

Thinking

Lists

Related Research Articles

Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of mental processes such as attention, language use, memory, perception, problem solving, creativity, and reasoning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thought</span> Cognitive process independent of the senses

In their most common sense, the terms thought and thinking refer to conscious cognitive processes that can happen independently of sensory stimulation. Their most paradigmatic forms are judging, reasoning, concept formation, problem solving, and deliberation. But other mental processes, like considering an idea, memory, or imagination, are also often included. These processes can happen internally independent of the sensory organs, unlike perception. But when understood in the widest sense, any mental event may be understood as a form of thinking, including perception and unconscious mental processes. In a slightly different sense, the term thought refers not to the mental processes themselves but to mental states or systems of ideas brought about by these processes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cognitive bias</span> Systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment

A cognitive bias is a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. Individuals create their own "subjective reality" from their perception of the input. An individual's construction of reality, not the objective input, may dictate their behavior in the world. Thus, cognitive biases may sometimes lead to perceptual distortion, inaccurate judgment, illogical interpretation, and irrationality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cognition</span> Act or process of knowing

Cognition is the "mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses". It encompasses all aspects of intellectual functions and processes such as: perception, attention, thought, imagination, intelligence, the formation of knowledge, memory and working memory, judgment and evaluation, reasoning and computation, problem-solving and decision-making, comprehension and production of language. Cognitive processes use existing knowledge and discover new knowledge.

Psychology is an academic and applied discipline involving the scientific study of human mental functions and behavior. Occasionally, in addition or opposition to employing the scientific method, it also relies on symbolic interpretation and critical analysis, although these traditions have tended to be less pronounced than in other social sciences, such as sociology. Psychologists study phenomena such as perception, cognition, emotion, personality, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. Some, especially depth psychologists, also study the unconscious mind.

Critical thinking is the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments in order to form a judgement by the application of rational, skeptical, and unbiased analyses and evaluation. The application of critical thinking includes self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective habits of the mind, thus a critical thinker is a person who practices the skills of critical thinking or has been trained and educated in its disciplines. Philosopher Richard W. Paul said that the mind of a critical thinker engages the person's intellectual abilities and personality traits. Critical thinking presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use in effective communication and problem solving, and a commitment to overcome egocentrism and sociocentrism.

Insight is the understanding of a specific cause and effect within a particular context. The term insight can have several related meanings:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Problem solving</span> Approaches to problem solving

Problem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, a frequent part of most activities. Problems in need of solutions range from simple personal tasks to complex issues in business and technical fields. The former is an example of simple problem solving (SPS) addressing one issue, whereas the latter is complex problem solving (CPS) with multiple interrelated obstacles. Another classification of problem-solving tasks is into well-defined problems with specific obstacles and goals, and ill-defined problems in which the current situation is troublesome but it is not clear what kind of resolution to aim for. Similarly, one may distinguish formal or fact-based problems requiring psychometric intelligence, versus socio-emotional problems which depend on the changeable emotions of individuals or groups, such as tactful behavior, fashion, or gift choices.

Metacognition is an awareness of one's thought processes and an understanding of the patterns behind them. The term comes from the root word meta, meaning "beyond", or "on top of". Metacognition can take many forms, such as reflecting on one's ways of thinking and knowing when and how to use particular strategies for problem-solving. There are generally two components of metacognition: (1) knowledge about cognition and (2) regulation of cognition. A metacognitive model differs from other scientific models in that the creator of the model is per definition also enclosed within it. Scientific models are often prone to distancing the observer from the object or field of study whereas a metacognitive model in general tries to include the observer in the model.

In statistics, classification is the problem of identifying which of a set of categories (sub-populations) an observation belongs to. Examples are assigning a given email to the "spam" or "non-spam" class, and assigning a diagnosis to a given patient based on observed characteristics of the patient.

In psychology, number sense is the term used for the hypothesis that some animals, particularly humans, have a biologically determined ability that allows them to represent and manipulate large numerical quantities. The term was popularized by Stanislas Dehaene in his 1997 book "The Number Sense".

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to business management:

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to technology:

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to ecology:

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to the human self:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Imagination</span> Creative ability

Imagination is the production of sensations, feelings and thoughts informing oneself. These experiences can be re-creations of past experiences, such as vivid memories with imagined changes, or completely invented and possibly fantastic scenes. Imagination helps apply knowledge to solve problems and is fundamental to integrating experience and the learning process. As a way of building theory, it is called "disciplined imagination". A way of training imagination is by listening to storytelling (narrative), in which the exactness of the chosen words is how it can "evoke worlds".

Dysrationalia is defined as the inability to think and behave rationally despite adequate intelligence. It is a concept in educational psychology and is not a clinical disorder such as a thought disorder. Dysrationalia can be a resource to help explain why smart people fall for Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent encounters.

Cognitive skills, also called cognitive functions, cognitive abilities or cognitive capacities, are skills of the mind, as opposed to other types of skills such as motor skills. Some examples of cognitive skills are literacy, self-reflection, logical reasoning, abstract thinking, critical thinking, introspection and mental arithmetic. Cognitive skills vary in processing complexity, and can range from more fundamental processes such as perception and various memory functions, to more sophisticated processes such as decision making, problem solving and metacognition.

The word destabilisation can be applied to a wide variety of contexts such as attempts to undermine political, military or economic power.

References

  1. Dictionary.com, "mind": "1. (in a human or other conscious being) the element, part, substance, or process that reasons, thinks, feels, wills, perceives, judges, etc.: the processes of the mind. 2. Psychology. the totality of conscious and unconscious mental processes and activities. 3. intellect or understanding, as distinguished from the faculties of feeling and willing; intelligence."
  2. Google definition, "mind": "The element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness."
  3. Tirri, Nokelainen (January 2012). Measuring Multiple Intelligences and Moral Sensitivities in Education. Springer. ISBN   978-94-6091-758-5.
  4. Danko Nikolić (2014). "Practopoiesis: Or how life fosters a mind. arXiv:1402.5332 [q-bio.NC]".
  5. "Definition of: Moral Reasoning" . Retrieved 21 July 2011.
  6. "Dictionary Search › proportional reasoning - Quizlet".
  7. "History of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy". National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. Archived from the original on November 26, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2011.