Different types of thinking

Below is an incomplete A–Z of different types of thinking. Do any of them stand out for you?

a. thinking outside of the box: New ways of thinking that break from your own normal, established pathways.
b. analytical thinking: Breaking down complex concepts into smaller, manageable bits of information in order to solve problems in a logical, methodical, step-by-step manner.
c. critical thinking: This takes nothing at face-value. Instead, it questions everything about the matter at hand: its worth, its validity and the fact that there may be an alternative.
d. concrete thinking: The ability to apply factual information for practical use.
e. theoretical thinking: This is the opposite of concrete thinking, dealing in concepts and abstracts and the endless possibilities found in general (rather than specific) ideas.
f. divergent thinking: This collects data from many different directions in order to find solutions and solve problems.
g. convergent thinking: This thinking takes one topic and rolls out all the parts in order to find one solution.
h. linear thinking (or vertical thinking): This style of thinking uses one line of approach – and one line only.
i. non-linear thinking (or lateral thinking): This looks at things from many different perspectives. Rather than applying logic, it looks for alternative steps. A person who uses lateral thinking is likely to be an explorer, someone undertaking a journey where the destination is unknown or uncertain.
j. logical reasoning: This is often used in mathematics and in law as a way of arriving at an air-tight conclusion. You may start with a hunch, a hypothesis or a premise that may or may not be proved correct. This type of reasoning could use a rule or idea to determine an outcome, or could be used to test the validity of a rule or idea.
k. visual thinking: Using images instead of words.
l. rational thinking: Being of sound mind: able to have conscious thoughts and able to reason with things, leading to rational decisions.
m. irrational thinking: Unable to apply logic, reason or common sense to your thoughts. Can occur at times of distress or anxiety, or when a person is disorientated and emotionally upset.
n. ruminating: Going over and over the same thought processes without being able to complete the operation or move on.
o. intrusive thoughts: These thoughts, images or urges are both unwelcome and distressing. They are often of a shocking, inappropriate nature, conjured up at inappropriate times/situations.
p. distorted thinking: These are thoughts that are untrue, serving a short-term purpose. They can be used to put ourselves down or to protect ourselves from harsh realities.
q. perceptive thinking: How we interpret the information we get from our senses.
r. conceptual thinking: The ability to understand something, for example a situation, by identifying themes, patterns, connections and correlations.
s. subjective thinking: These are thoughts that are specific to yourself, and will come from your own beliefs and opinions, your own experiences and your own emotional responses.
t. objective thinking: These thoughts are formed from information, facts and measurements that come from outside our own personal scope.
u. process thinking: This thinking is based on thoughts in the here and now, rather than the past or the future.
v. recall thinking: Bringing something from the past into the mind.
w. positive thinking: Dwelling on positive rather than negative thoughts. This is based on an attitude or a concerted effort to classify thoughts in terms of their impact on a person’s well-being.
x. Negative thinking: Lingering on the negative aspects of ourselves and our lives to the detriment of our well-being.
y. challenging thinking: Having thoughts that challenge or question the validity of other thoughts.
z. thinking about thinking (or metacognition): This type of thinking demonstrates a higher level of awareness, in that it brings into focus insights, reflections and self-regulation.