Development of logic and thinking in adults. Development of strategic thinking

In everyday life, every person has to use logical thinking every day. The use of logic and the construction of chains of relationships is required, both in career matters and during ordinary everyday activities, for example, visiting a supermarket or drawing up routes. Some cope with this easily and naturally, while others experience certain difficulties in finding answers to even the most basic logical problems, the speed and correctness of which depends primarily on how well developed a person’s logical thinking is. This article will tell you what logic is, as well as introduce you to methods and methods for developing logical thinking in an adult.

The essence of the concept of “logical thinking”

Logic is not identical to knowledge, although its area coincides with the area of ​​knowledge. Logic is the general connoisseur and judge of all particular studies. It does not set out to find evidence; it only determines whether evidence has been found or not.

Logic does not observe, does not invent, does not discover - it judges. So, logic is the science of the functions of the mind that serve to evaluate evidence; it is the doctrine both of the process of transition from known truths to unknown ones, and of all other mental actions insofar as they help this process

John Stuart Mill

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To begin with, let us examine separately the two components of the concept of logical thinking - logic and human thinking.

What is logic? Translated from Greek, logic is called “the science of true thinking” and “the ability to reason.” In the generally accepted sense, logic is the science of the methods and laws of human intellectual activity. Logic is the study of methods for achieving truth using experience and knowledge gained previously.

Thinking is considered to be a mental process during which previously received information is processed and interdisciplinary connections are established. Thanks to objectivity and correct thinking, a person has the opportunity to get an idea of ​​​​the true state of things.

Taken together, we get a definition of what human logical thinking is. This is a thought process during which logic is used and logical constructs are applied. The goal of this type of thinking is to arrive at valid, objective conclusions based on available information.

Areas and uses of logic

There is no branch of human life where the use of thinking skills using logic is required. Including the humanities, which are no exception; logical constructs are also used in their study.

Often, a person’s logical thinking manifests itself at an intuitive level, regardless of the efforts made. The use of logic makes it possible to speed up the thinking process, make it better, express your thoughts more correctly, and also draw true conclusions, avoiding false judgments.

Why you need to develop the ability to think logically:

• Express all your thoughts and arguments clearly and in an accessible form.
• Quickly find the right solution to problems, even in a critical situation
• Correct your mistakes, avoid making new mistakes
• Developing the skills to build objective connections helps you achieve success in your career or study
• A creative approach to problem solving is sometimes more productive than generally accepted standards

Many people think that logical thinking is the ability to brilliantly solve puzzles and tricky problems. However, this is not quite true. The structure of logical thinking includes many thinking skills, such as the ability to make correct conclusions, succinctly argue one’s point of view during debate, specify, generalize, analyze and systematize acquired knowledge.

Human logical thinking is divided into three points: figurative, verbal (verbal) and abstract.

1. Figurative-logical thinking. This type of thinking is based on visualization of problems and a visual search for solutions. Simply put, figurative appearance can be another name for the property of imagination.
2. Abstract logical thinking. Logical structures contain abstract models, that is, unreal objects that do not exist in nature. In order to thoroughly master this type of thinking, an individual must be able to abstract from the material.
3. Verbal and logical thinking. Manifests itself through the use of speech structures. Successful verbal thinking requires not only the construction of strict logical chains, but also competent, coherent speech.

When logical thinking begins

Only a few people think logically. Most of us are biased, prejudiced, infected with preconceptions, jealousy, suspicion, fear, pride and envy.

Dale Carnegie

A person is not born immediately with certain inclinations to successfully draw correct conclusions and build logical structures. Human logical thinking is not an innate, but an acquired property. Even the basic type of figurative thinking appears in children at 1.5 years old. The ability to think abstractly appears much later - at primary school age, at approximately 7-8 years. Logic develops gradually with the development of the personality itself. However, regular training and exercises will only give positive results in the development of logical thinking.

The main type of development of preschool children is precisely logical tasks and exercises. Since it is logical thinking that will help a child achieve success in the future by using his intellect. Development occurs in a playful way, according to the age characteristics of children. Logic lessons are included in both the kindergarten and school curriculum. However, parents should not neglect independent studies at home. After all, by developing logical thinking, you improve your child’s intellectual skills.

Is it possible for an adult to improve and improve his logical thinking? Of course, this is possible and even necessary, because in the modern world everything is subject to very rapid changes, the knowledge acquired at school and university gradually becomes outdated, and there is a need to update information. Developing the ability to build logical conclusions for an adult can be a very enjoyable process, since, as in the case of children, it can take place in a playful way. If you are an eternal student or a typical pedant, then you can draw up a detailed plan for serious exercises. However, it will be much more interesting to get together with friends and play logic games. Information obtained in this way will settle more reliably in the mind and be fixed in a person’s memory than dry memorization of rules and solving boring problems.

Ways to develop logical thinking

If you are determined to take up pumping your brain, then the first thing you need to do is eradicate your laziness and start looking for suitable methods and tasks. There are a huge number of ways to train your thinking. Let's look at some of them in more detail:

1. Board games. Couples and for a large group of friends, serious and humorous - the choice is huge, you just need to determine which type is more interesting to you. The most popular board games for developing human logical thinking include:

• Chess
• Checkers
• Backgammon
• "Monopoly" ("Big Business")
• "Scrabble" ("Scrabble", "Bolda")
• Card games (“Munchkin”, “Uno”)

2. Logic problems. When searching for and selecting logical problems, use books or the Internet, which is full of various examples and thematic collections. Start with the easiest level, gradually increasing the load, moving towards the highest level of difficulty. If you don’t know the answer, don’t hesitate to peek, because knowing the source data will help you understand the solution and the construction of a logical chain. This type of task includes:

• Rebuses
• Graphic puzzles
• Word problems
• Puzzles
• Anagrams
• Puzzles
• Rubik's Cube
• Solitaire games (“Mahjong”, types of card layouts)

Example of a logical problem: Seven sisters spend their leisure time together. The first one plays chess. The second one is reading. The third one is cleaning. The fourth one is watering the flowers. The fifth one is playing with the cat. The sixth one is embroidering. What does the seventh sister do? Correct answer: The seventh sister plays chess with the first.

3. . There are many online tests based on the principle of cause and effect. Most often these are games of the “Find the odd one out” type.

4. Puzzles, crosswords, scanwords, teawords, etc.. Particularly difficult are the digital types - Japanese crosswords and Sudoku. Also, an excellent task for developing the ability to think logically would be to independently compose a crossword puzzle.

5. Mastering deductive and inductive methods.Deduction– this is logic in its purest form. In 99.99% of cases, the deductive method gives the correct answer to the problem. In everyday life, induction is more often used - reasoning based on facts that have a certain percentage of falsity. In simpler terms, inductive reasoning begins with particular conclusions and seeks confirmation in general concepts. The deductive method, on the contrary, originates from the external world, and the conclusion is already presented in the form of individual conclusions.

Example of a deductive method: Winter has come and that’s why it’s snowing outside.

An example of the inductive method: It snowed outside, therefore winter has come.

There are several useful tips that contribute to the development of a person’s logical thinking without putting in much effort:

1. Learn to write with your right hand if you are left-handed. And vice versa. This exercise helps develop the skills of the less involved hemisphere of the brain.
2. Constant change of activities. Spend exactly an hour on one type, after the time has elapsed, move on to another activity. Changing your job quickly will help speed up your adaptive thinking skills.
3. Read detective novels. And try to guess the culprit yourself. By doing this, you will do a great job of developing your own deduction.
4. Daily walks in the fresh air can improve not only logical, but also all other types of thinking.
5. Give an explanation for your actions. Analyze everything you do, calculate the options: what will happen if you leave the job unfinished, what the final outcome of the work looks like, etc.

Human logical thinking: why you need to develop logic

Perhaps some people believe that it is not at all necessary to develop logical thinking; you can do just fine without using logical connections. Such judgments are fundamentally wrong. After all, logical thinking and human activity are inextricably linked. Even in everyday life, you should have the skills to build objective chains. For example, in ancient times people were able to save lives thanks to logic and observations - if their fellow tribesman ate a berry and died, then it is quite logical that others should not eat these berries. Or, for the first gardeners and farmers, such skills were useful in order to know that if, for example, you plant a cherry pit, then, logically, a cherry will grow from it and nothing else.

We will not consider the benefits of constructing mental structures for managers or representatives of technical professions. Even an ordinary janitor understands that sweeping dust against the wind is absolutely illogical. Or the painter, using logical connections, will not start painting the floor from door to wall.

Therefore, a person’s logical thinking plays an important role in building a successful career; logic is the key to normalizing communication between people, the ability to defend and argue one’s opinion, as well as to realize the truth and objectivity of everything that happens.

It can rightly be called the crown of human knowledge. It is a mental activity with its own goals, motives, operational functions and results. It can be characterized in different ways: as the highest degree of assimilation and processing of information and the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships between objects of reality, as a process of displaying the obvious properties of objects and phenomena and, consequently, the formation of ideas about the surrounding reality, and as a process of cognition of the world based on on the continuous replenishment of the baggage of concepts and ideas about it.

But, regardless of the interpretation, it can be established that the better a person’s thinking is developed, the more effectively he can interact with the world around him and other people, study and cognize, understand phenomena and truths. Thinking is formed as a person develops from his very birth, but life circumstances do not always develop in such a way that it continues to develop. It often happens that, having reached a certain level, development slows down. However, each of us is able to influence this process, like many others. In other words, everyone is capable
, and how this is done, we will talk in this article.

But before we get down to the main material, we should say a few words about what thinking is like in general. In total, there are several of its main types, studied by specialists most often and most of all:

• Visual-figurative thinking;
• Verbal-logical (aka abstract) thinking;
• Visual-effective thinking;

Below we will provide a brief description of each type of thinking and indicate effective and simple ways to develop them.

Visual-figurative thinking and exercises for its development

With the help of visual-figurative thinking, reality is transformed into images, and ordinary phenomena and objects are endowed with new properties. It involves visually solving problems and problems without the need to resort to practical actions. The brain is responsible for its development. Visual-figurative thinking should not be confused with imagination, because... it is based on real objects, actions and processes, and not imaginary or fictitious ones.

Visual-figurative thinking can be developed in adults and children in the same ways. Here are some good exercises:

• Remember several people with whom you had the opportunity to communicate today, and imagine in detail their clothes, shoes, hairstyle, appearance, etc.
• Using just two nouns, one adverb, three verbs and adjectives, describe the words "success", "wealth" and "beauty".
• Swipe: imagine the shape of the ears of your pet or, for example, an elephant; count the number of apartments in your entrance and imagine how they are located in the house; Now turn the English letter “N” 90 degrees and determine what comes out of it.
• Describe the following objects and phenomena in words: a flying swan, flashing lightning, the kitchen of your apartment, lightning, a pine forest, a toothbrush.
• Recall in your memory the image of a recent meeting with friends and give mental answers to several questions: how many people were in the company, and what clothes did each of them wear? What food and drinks were on the table? What were you talking about? What was the room like? What position did you sit in, what sensations did you experience, what did you taste from the food and drinks you consumed?

These exercises can be modified at your discretion - you can do whatever you want, but the main thing here is to use visual-figurative thinking. The more often you use it, the better it will develop.

You can also take a look at a course that will help you develop your thinking in just a few weeks. Check it out here.

Verbal-logical (abstract) thinking and exercises for its development

Verbal-logical thinking is characterized by the fact that a person observing a certain picture as a whole isolates from it only the most significant qualities, not paying attention to unimportant details that simply complement this picture. There are usually three forms of such thinking:

• Concept – when objects are grouped according to characteristics;
• Judgment - when any phenomenon or connections between objects are affirmed or denied;
• Inference – when specific conclusions are drawn based on several judgments.

Everyone should develop verbal and logical thinking, but it is especially useful to develop it from an early age in children, because this is an excellent training for memory and attention, as well as imagination. Here are some exercises you can use for yourself or your child:

• Set a timer for 3 minutes, during this time write the maximum number of words starting with the letters “zh”, “w”, “h” and “i”.
• Take a few simple phrases, such as “what’s for breakfast?”, “let’s go to the movies,” “come visit,” and “there’s a new exam tomorrow,” and read them backwards.
• There are several groups of words: “sad, cheerful, slow, cautious”, “dog, cat, parrot, penguin”, “Sergey, Anton, Kolya, Tsarev, Olga” and “triangle, square, board, oval”. From each group, select those words that do not fit the meaning.
• Identify the differences between a ship and an airplane, grass and a flower, a story and a poem, an elephant and a rhinoceros, a still life and a portrait.
• A few more groups of words: “House - walls, foundation, windows, roof, wallpaper”, “War - weapons, soldiers, bullets, attack, map”, “Youth - growth, joy, choice, love, children”, “Road - cars, pedestrians, traffic, asphalt, poles.” Choose one or two words from each group, without which the concept (“house”, “war”, etc.) could exist as such.

These exercises, again, can be quite easily modernized and modified, simplifying or complicating them at your discretion. It is because of this that each of them can be an excellent way to train abstract thinking in both adults and children. By the way, any such exercises, among other things, perfectly develop intelligence.

Visually effective thinking and exercises for its development

Visual-effective thinking can be described as the process of solving mental problems by transforming a situation that has arisen in real life. It is rightfully considered the first way to process received information, and it develops very actively in children under 7 years of age, when they begin to combine all kinds of objects into one whole, analyze them and operate with them. And in adults, this type of thinking is expressed in identifying the practical benefits of objects in the surrounding world, being the so-called manual intelligence. The brain is responsible for the development of visual and effective thinking.

An excellent way to learn and train here is the usual game of chess, making puzzles and sculpting all kinds of figures from plasticine, but there are also several effective exercises:

• Take your pillow and try to determine its weight. Then “weigh” your clothes in the same way. After this, try to determine the area of ​​the room, kitchen, bathroom and other areas of your apartment.
• Draw a triangle, a rhombus and a trapezoid on album sheets. Then take your scissors and turn all these shapes into a square by cutting once in a straight line.
• Place 5 matches on the table in front of you and make 2 equal triangles from them. After that, take 7 matches and make 2 triangles and 2 squares from them.
• Buy a construction set at the store and make various shapes from it - not just those indicated in the instructions. It is recommended that there be as many details as possible - at least 40-50.

As an effective addition to these exercises, chess and more, you can use our excellent.

Logical thinking and exercises for its development

Logical thinking is the basis of a person’s ability to think and reason consistently and without contradictions. It is necessary in most life situations: from ordinary dialogues and shopping to solving various problems and developing intelligence. This type of thinking contributes to a successful search for justifications for any phenomena, a meaningful assessment of the surrounding world and judgments. The main task in this case is to obtain true knowledge about the subject of reflection with the basis for analyzing its various aspects.

Among the recommendations for the development of logical thinking are solving logical problems (and this is also an excellent training for memory and attention in children and adults), passing IQ tests, logical games, self-education, reading books (especially detective stories), and training intuition .

As for specific exercises, we advise you to take note of the following:

• From several sets of words, for example: “chair, table, sofa, stool”, “circle, oval, ball, circle”, “fork, towel, spoon, knife”, etc. you need to choose a word that does not fit the meaning. Despite its simplicity, this is a very effective technology for developing logical thinking, and similar sets and exercises can be found in large quantities on the Internet.
• Group exercise: Gather with friends or the whole family and divide into two teams. Let each team invite the opposing team to solve a semantic riddle that conveys the content of some text. The point is to determine. Here is a small example: “The clergyman had an animal on the farm. He had strong warm feelings for him, however, despite this, he carried out a violent action on him, which led to his death. This happened for the reason that the animal did something unacceptable - it ate part of the food that was not intended for it.” Thinking logically, one can recall a children's song that begins with the words: “The priest had a dog, he loved it...”
• Another group game: a member of one team performs an action, and a member of the other must find the reason for it, and then the reason for the reason, and so on until all the motives for the behavior of the first participant are clarified.

Let us repeat that these exercises (in particular the last two) are excellent ways to develop logical thinking and intelligence, suitable for people of all ages.

Creative thinking and exercises for its development

Creative thinking is a type of thinking that allows you to organize and analyze ordinary information in an unusual way. In addition to the fact that it contributes to extraordinary solutions to typical tasks, questions and problems, it also increases the efficiency of a person’s assimilation of new knowledge. Using creative thinking, people can consider objects and phenomena from different angles, awaken in themselves the desire to create something new - something that did not exist before (this is the understanding of creativity in its classical sense), develop the ability to move from one task to another and find many interesting options for doing work and ways out of life situations.

Methods for developing creative thinking are based on the idea that a person realizes only a small percentage of his potential during his life, and his task is to find opportunities to activate unused resources. The technology for developing creativity is based primarily on several recommendations:

• You need to improvise and always look for new ways to solve everyday problems;
• There is no need to focus on established frameworks and rules;
• You should expand your horizons and constantly learn something new;
• You need to travel as much as possible, discover new places and meet new people;
• You need to make learning new skills and abilities a habit;
• You need to try to do anything better than others.

But, of course, there are also certain exercises for the development of creative thinking (by the way, we advise you to familiarize yourself with our courses on the development of creative thinking and thinking in general - you will find them).

Now let's talk about exercises:

• Take several concepts, for example, “youth”, “man”, “coffee”, “teapot”, “morning” and “candle”, and select for each of them the maximum possible number of nouns that define their essence.
• Take several pairs of different concepts, for example, “piano – car”, “cloud – locomotive”, “tree – picture”, “water – well” and “plane – capsule” and select the maximum number of similar features for them.
• Imagine several situations and think about what could happen in each of them. Examples of situations: “aliens are walking around the city”, “not water, but lemonade is running from the tap in your apartment”, “all domestic animals have learned to speak human language”, “it snows in your city in the middle of summer for a week.”
• Look around the room where you are now and stop your gaze on any object that interests you, for example, on a closet. Write down on a piece of paper 5 adjectives that go with it, and then 5 adjectives that are completely opposite.
• Think about your job, hobby, favorite singer or actor, best friend or significant other, and describe it (him/her) in at least 100 words.
• Remember some proverb or, and write, based on it, a short essay, poem or essay.
• Write a list of 10 purchases you would make before the end of the world.
• Write a daily plan for your cat or dog.
• Imagine that, upon returning home, you saw that the doors of all apartments were open. Write 15 reasons why this could happen.
• Make a list of 100 of your life goals.
• Write a letter to your future self – when you are 10 years older.

Also, to activate your creativity and intelligence, you can use two excellent methods in everyday life - and. These ways to develop creativity will help you destroy all stereotypes, expand your comfort zone and develop an original and unique type of thinking.

In conclusion, we will say that if you have a desire to organize or continue your education and develop your thinking more effectively, then you will certainly like one of our courses, which you can familiarize yourself with.

Otherwise, we wish you every success and well-rounded thinking!

An integral part of human life is thinking. The definition of this concept was given in ancient times. Scientists and thinkers have been interested in this question at all times. And to date, this phenomenon cannot be considered fully studied.

History of the study of thinking

At all times, scientists have been interested in such a phenomenon as thinking. The definition of this concept was given back in the ancient period. At the same time, special attention was paid to understanding the essence of invisible phenomena. was the first to raise this issue. It is to him that humanity owes the emergence of such concepts as truth and opinion.

Plato viewed this issue a little differently. He believed that thinking is a cosmic essence that the human soul possessed before entering the earthly body. He believed that this is not a creative activity, but a reproductive one, aimed at “remembering” the knowledge that was “forgotten.” Despite the rather fantastic reasoning, it is Plato who is credited with studying such a concept as intuition.

Aristotle gave a thorough explanation of what thinking is. The definition included categories such as judgment and inference. The philosopher developed a whole science - logic. Subsequently, on the basis of his research, Raymond Lull created the so-called “thinking machine”.

Descartes perceived thinking as a spiritual category, and considered systematic doubt to be the main method of knowledge. Spinoza, in turn, believed that this is a physical mode of action. Kant's main achievement was the division of thinking into synthetic and analytical.

Thinking: Definition

The processes occurring in the human brain have always aroused increased interest. Therefore, there are many theories about what thinking is. The definition suggests itself as follows: this is a cognitive activity that is carried out by a person. This is a kind of way of perceiving and reflecting reality.

The main result of mental activity is thought (it can manifest itself in the form of awareness, concept, idea or in other forms). However, this process should not be confused with sensation. Thinking, according to scientists, is inherent only to humans, but animals and lower forms of life organization also have sensory perceptions.

It is worth noting a number of distinctive features that characterize thinking. The definition of this term gives the right to say that it allows one to obtain information about those phenomena that cannot be perceived through direct contact. Thus, there is a relationship between thinking and analytical abilities.

It is worth noting that a person’s ability to think manifests itself gradually as the individual develops. Thus, as a person learns the norms of language, the characteristics of the environment and other forms of life, it begins to acquire new forms and deeper meanings.

Signs of thinking

Thinking has a number of defining characteristics. The following are considered the main ones:

• this process allows the subject to navigate interdisciplinary connections, as well as understand the essence of each specific phenomenon;
• it arises on the basis of existing theoretical knowledge, as well as previously performed practical actions;
• the thought process is always based on fundamental knowledge;
• As it develops, thinking can go far beyond the limits of practical activity and existing ideas about certain phenomena.

Basic mental operations

At first glance, the definition of the word “thinking” does not reveal the entire essence of this process. To better understand its meaning, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the basic operations that reveal the essence of the term:

• analysis - dividing the subject being studied into components;
• synthesis - identifying relationships and combining disconnected parts;
• comparison - identifying similar and different qualities of objects;
• classification - identifying the main features with subsequent grouping according to them;
• specification - isolating a certain category from the general mass;
• generalization - combining objects and phenomena into groups;
• abstraction - the study of a specific subject independently of others.

Aspects of thinking

Thinking and approach to problem solving are influenced by significant aspects that are formed in the process of human life. It is worth noting the following significant points:

• the national aspect is the mentality and specific traditions that are historically inherent in a person living in a certain area;
• socio-political norms - are formed under the pressure of society;
• personal interests are a subjective factor that can influence the final solution to a problematic issue.

Types of thinking

As already mentioned, back in the ancient period this concept was given a definition. The types of thinking are as follows:

• abstract - implies the use of associative symbols;
• logical - established constructions and common concepts are used;
• abstract-logical - combines the operation of symbols and standard constructions;
• divergent - searching for several equal answers to the same question;
• convergent - allows only one correct way to solve a problem;
• practical - involves the development of goals, plans and algorithms;
• theoretical - implies cognitive activity;
• creative - aims to create a new “product”;
• critical - checking the available data;
• spatial - the study of an object in all the diversity of its states and properties;
• intuitive - a fleeting process with the absence of clearly defined forms.

Phases of thinking

Researchers pay attention to the active, dynamic nature of thinking. Considering that its main goal is to solve problems, the following main phases can be distinguished:

• awareness of the presence of a problem (results from the flow of information that has been processed over a certain period of time);
• searching for a possible solution and forming alternative hypotheses;
• comprehensive testing of hypotheses for their applicability in practice;
• solving a problem is manifested in obtaining an answer to a problematic question and fixing it in consciousness.

Levels of Thinking

Determining the level of thinking first interested Aaron Beck, who is rightfully considered the father of cognitive psychology. He believed that on an unconscious level, a person is guided by beliefs and established patterns. In this regard, the following levels of thinking are distinguished:

• voluntary thoughts that are on the surface of consciousness (they are easy to recognize and control);
• automatic thoughts are some stereotypes that are established both in society and in the human mind (in most cases they are laid down in the process of upbringing and training);
• Cognitive beliefs are complex constructs and patterns that arise at an unconscious level (they are difficult to change).

Thinking process

The definition of the thinking process says that this is a set of actions with the help of which a person solves certain logical problems. As a result, fundamentally new knowledge can also be obtained. This category has the following distinctive features:

• the process is indirect;
• relies on previously acquired knowledge;
• largely depends on contemplation of the environment, but is not limited to it;
• connections between different categories are reflected in verbal form;
• has practical significance.

Qualities of the mind

Determining the level of thinking is inextricably linked with the definition. These include the following:

• independence - the ability to generate original ideas and thoughts without resorting to the help of others, without using standard schemes and without succumbing to outside influence;
• curiosity - the need to obtain new information;
• speed - the time that passes from the moment of awareness of the problem to the generation of the final solution;
• breadth - the ability to apply knowledge from different industries to solving the same problem;
• simultaneity - the ability to look at a problem from different angles and generate diverse ways to resolve it;
• depth is the degree of mastery of a particular topic, as well as understanding the essence of the situation (implies an understanding of the causes of certain events, as well as the ability to foresee the further scenario of events);
• flexibility - the ability to take into account the specific conditions in which a problem arises, moving away from generally accepted templates and algorithms;
• consistency - establishing an exact sequence of actions in solving problems;
• criticality - the tendency to deeply evaluate each of the ideas that arise.

What methods of determining the level of thinking are known?

The researchers noted that thought processes vary from person to person. In this regard, there is a need for such work as determining the level of logical thinking. It is worth noting that quite a lot of methods have been developed on this issue. The most commonly used are the following:

• "20 words" is a test that helps identify a person’s memory abilities.
• "Anagrams"- a technique that is aimed at determining the ability for combinatorial thinking. The test also allows you to identify your aptitude for communication.
• "Identification of significant features"- a technique for determining thinking, which is designed to reveal a person’s ability to distinguish between primary and secondary phenomena.
• "Learning words"- determines how developed the abilities associated with memorizing and reproducing information are. The test also allows you to assess the state of memory and concentration in people suffering from mental illness.
• "Quantitative Relations"- test for the level of logical thinking in adolescents and adults. The conclusion is drawn based on the solution of 18 problems.
• "Link's Cube"- this is a technique that is aimed at identifying special abilities in a person (observation, a tendency to analyze, the ability to identify patterns, etc.). By solving constructive problems, one can assess the degree of a person’s intelligence.
• "Building a fence"- test for the level of development of thinking. It is determined how well the subject understands the final goal and how accurately he follows the instructions. Pace and coordination of actions are also considered determining factors.

How to develop thinking: step-by-step instructions

If the identification test shows unsatisfactory results, do not immediately give up. You can develop this ability as follows:

• write down your ideas, as well as the progress of solving the problem (this allows you to use more parts of the brain);
• pay attention to logic games (the most striking example is chess);
• buy several collections of crosswords or puzzles and devote all your free time to solving them;
• to activate brain activity, it is necessary (this could be an unexpected change in the daily routine, a new way of performing familiar actions);
• physical activity (it is best to give preference to dancing, as it forces you to constantly think and remember the pattern of movements);
• take up the fine arts, which will help you find new forms of presenting your ideas;
• force your brain to absorb new information (you can start learning a foreign language, watch a documentary, read a section of an encyclopedia, etc.);
• approach solving problems systematically, and not chaotically (this process includes an established sequence of stages - from recognizing the problem to developing a final solution);
• do not forget about rest, because in order for the brain to work most productively, it needs to be given time to recover.

Thinking and psychology

It is worth noting that this concept is being studied very actively in psychology. The definition of thinking is simple: a set of processes of mental activity on which cognitive activity is based. This term is associated with categories such as attention, association, perception, judgment and others. It is believed that thinking is one of the highest functions of the human psyche. It is considered as an indirect reflection of reality in a generalized form. The essence of the process is to identify the essences of objects and phenomena and establish relationships between them.

It is very important to learn to think logically - such skills help not only to calculate your actions in advance, but also to quickly find a way out of unforeseen situations. A person who has developed logical thinking will undoubtedly be able to achieve success even under not the most favorable circumstances. So, how to develop logical thinking?

Logic and logical thinking

Logic is

What is logical thinking and its types

Developed memory and logical thinking are simply necessary in everyday life - when performing professional tasks, as well as in everyday affairs. By developing memory and logic, you will learn to concentrate your attention and control your thoughts. As a result, it will be easier for you to focus on current tasks and organize your own life. By performing exercises to develop memory, after a certain period of time you will begin to notice that when solving problems, you use very non-standard and effective methods that would not have occurred to you before.

How to develop memory and thinking in adults

Tasks for the development of logical thinking

Learn to think logically through games, puzzles and strategies

10 ways to develop your memory

Study an object or landscape for 5 minutes. Covering your eyelids, try to reproduce the image of this picture in your memory. It is also important that it be colored. The effectiveness of training can be increased by recording objects on a piece of paper. If you perform this exercise regularly, you will be able to achieve considerable progress in the development of visual memory.

How to develop logic and thinking in a teenager

Online logic test - developing the ability to think logically

Test:

If you did: No more than 2 errors Your logical thinking is excellent! You probably put a lot of work into achieving these results, but it was worth it! From 3 to 5 errors We can safely say that you have a high level of intelligence, despite the fact that sometimes you make mistakes. Be that as it may, you are able to analyze most events correctly. 6 to 7 errors Your level of intelligence can be called average. The potential for growth is undoubtedly there, and if you want, you will achieve success in this matter. 8 or more errors It's hard to say that you are often guided by logic in your judgments. Surely, you mainly act under the influence of emotions.

Books that develop logical thinking

This book can be considered a simple introduction to the world of modern mathematical logic. The textbook was recommended by the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Higher Education, and has become an excellent source of knowledge for many students of higher educational institutions.

This is a book that clearly explains the basics of logic. The main emphasis is on syllogistics. The textbook contains tasks with the help of which the student is able to learn to apply certain rules in practice in a short period of time.

A textbook that talks about how to learn to think logically - who finds it difficult, and who easily overcomes barriers. Contains useful tasks.

Ten-minute exercises for developing logic for every day

Thinking is a person’s ability to reason, assess the environment, navigate non-standard situations and formulate behavioral strategies. Non-standard or creative imagination is a factor that simplifies life and makes a person smarter in the eyes of others.

There are many techniques that are aimed at developing the ability to think. Before you begin to implement the techniques, determine the level of thought processes. One of the popular tests to identify the level of technical thinking is the Bennett test. It consists of 70 tasks and is sometimes used as an addition to determining a person's mental abilities.

People with a non-standard approach are valued today because their ideas differ from the generally accepted ones, they are able to find new ways out of hopeless situations. If your brain can work outside the box, you will always find a place in life.

Exercises to develop the ability to think outside the box are simple. It seems as if they have no meaning, but it is in meaningless things that the path to a bright and unusual life lies. So, to develop your imagination, the following actions are suitable:

• Think of ways to use toothpaste for other purposes.
• Find some creative ways to use a pen, dress, candy, apple, etc.
• Think back to favorite characters you admired. Combine them in one fairy tale.
• Tell stories about people you know in the first person, adding moments from your own life.
• Imagine you have $1 million. Come up with several ways to invest it.
• Solve children's logic problems.
• When visiting a museum, imagine yourself as an expert, find the hidden meaning of the exhibits.

To help you reach your goal, use your imagination. Forget about stereotypes and prejudices and look at the situation as if you do not know what society thinks about it. To gain a new perspective on life, learn how to develop creative thinking.

Memory based on visual thinking

We only use 5% of our brain. In fact, we are able to remember much more information, we just don’t move away from stereotypes and don’t try to discover new methods. The book “MNEMOTECHNIQUES memorization based on visual thinking” presents a technique for memorizing new information. According to it, in order to remember new material, it needs to be associated with already known information.

Why do you need to develop visual thinking for this? It has the advantage that images are perceived more easily by the brain than numbers or letters. Therefore, transform information that does not fit in your head into pictures.

Another principle of mnemonics is not to memorize information, feel the emotions during the learning process. The brain remembers events that are associated with vivid impressions, the rest are gradually erased from memory, since they are an ordinary process of no interest. Use your imagination to make ordinary things brighter.

Development of imaginative thinking

Imaginative thinking, unlike non-standard thinking, is useful to every person, and not just people of certain professions. Development is promoted by special game exercises:

• Examine your left palm. Pay attention to every dash and line. Now close your eyes and recreate the image of your palm, remembering every detail.
• Close your eyes and think back to the last holiday party you attended. Analyze the details: colors, shades, integrity of the room. Are all the people present, the clothes, the plate, the taste of the food.
• Look ahead without looking away. Take in as much visual space as you can using your peripheral vision. Divide the space you see into 4 parts and describe each part in detail. Recreate a holistic image of each part.

The development of imaginative thinking will fill life with bright colors, preserve the best moments in memory and allow you to quickly find a way out of difficult situations.

Concretely actionable thinking

This type of thinking involves solving specific problems that does not contradict the conditions of implementation. It is also called technical, and it needs to be developed by people working in almost all directions. The development of technical or engineering thinking, as it is called, does not require the completion of complex tasks; for this it is enough:

• solve puzzles;
• solve crosswords;
• solve riddles;
• solve logical problems.

Ability implies a competent combination of thoughts and a practical approach, which is important for modern progress. This type is the first to appear in a person; it is responsible for attentiveness and observation.

Development of abstract thinking

Abstract thinking makes it possible to perceive the whole picture without thinking about the details. It leads to new discoveries. If abstract thinking is poorly developed, you can improve it with the help of quick-wittedness puzzles.

The problems have a catch because they are aimed at finding the wrong answer, which seems obvious. To make the right decision, you need to find hidden connections between problems and come to a logical answer.

The development of spatial thinking is of an abstract type; it will help to better navigate the environment and analyze the space as a whole, and not just part of it.

Development of visual-figurative thinking

Visual-figurative thinking is a type that is based on images. Thanks to him, when we look at a person from the front, we imagine his appearance from behind.

This type of ability develops while drawing. So, to develop visual-figurative thinking when you draw:

• draw an image of an object, person or phenomenon from memory;
• come up with a fake image and put it on paper;
• complement an existing image with new details from your imagination;
• draw the car of the future or the home of your dreams.

The development of imaginative thinking occurs when we embody thoughts, actions or images on paper, no matter whether they are real or not.

Features of the development of conceptual thinking

The development of conceptual thinking is based on the natural use of concepts and logical constructions. This ability allows you to collect, analyze, compare and systematize information obtained during activities.

The greater the development of the conceptual mindset, the faster a person copes with life’s tasks and comes to logical conclusions. For development:

• Tell a short story about a movie you watched or a book you read, covering the full meaning of what is happening.
• Solve problems with the definition of an extra word in a logical series.
• Ask a relative to ask you a few questions about a movie you watched or a book you read. Answer these questions briefly, but maintaining the main idea and adding your own reasoning.

The presence of conceptual thinking is a non-innate characteristic of a person. It can be successfully developed at any age, which will be useful when making significant decisions.

Thus, we perceive a holistic picture of the situation only if each type of ability is developed. Pay attention to your development to be a successful person.

Development of strategic thinking

Strategic thinking is a person’s intellectual ability to calculate the consequences of his own and others’ actions many steps ahead.

Lack of strategic thinking skills leads to reluctance to solve life's problems. Strategic thinking allows you to take correct and purposeful actions that will lead to the desired result.

To develop strategic thinking, use your imagination:

• Imagine what you can expect from a recent action, analyze the consequences of the actions of a loved one. Plan for the future, building on what you have already done.
• Use your imagination and imagine what your last meeting looked like, and then imagine what your next meeting will look like.

Strategic thinking allows you to make plans and think through strategies, using your imagination, many steps forward.

Development of geometric thinking

The development of geometric thinking is a set of exercises for the development of conceptual and strategic abilities. Not only imagination, but also logic is present in people with a high level of geometric way of thinking.

The use of geometric thinking in practice involves managing not individual spatial images, but the totality of these images, determining the style of the surrounding space. Imagination is an element of geometric thinking, but logical reasoning techniques have a much greater influence.

Development of theoretical thinking

Theoretical thinking is a type of ability that does not lead to practical action, unlike geometric thinking.

The development of theoretical thinking is aimed at discovering and mastering new laws, theorems and patterns. This type of ability is developed in early preschool age, but the development of the theoretical mind in adults occurs by reading books or watching films.

Associative and deductive thinking

Associative thinking is a type of ability in which one image or action causes the next image or action to appear in a person’s mind - an association.

Associative thinking is an innate quality of a person; it is built on the development, first of all, of creative abilities. To test your creativity, take a test, of which there are many on the Internet.

Associative thinking is an element of deductive thinking. Deductive thinking is assessing a situation based on the big picture. A person uses deductive thinking when solving logic exercises. Deduction techniques are also used in solving crimes.

Whatever type of thinking ability you develop, it is important to maintain a positive mood, then the exercises will lead to the desired result.