To this day, teaching has encouraged us to develop the formulations of our thinking around the axis of vertical thinking, also known as logical thinking. Vertical thinking is linear thinking that follows an already defined path, using already existing ideas or knowledge, such as, for example, when we want to solve a mathematical problem, we use established formulas, following the steps required to solve the exercise.
However, Edward de Bono in 1967 introduced the concept of lateral thinking, in order to introduce the mental processes of creativity, ingenuity and insight in the elaboration of our thoughts, to be able to observe how reality looks from different angles. different and to be able to restructure and change the ideas already learned.
In this article in Psychology-Online, we are going to help you understand the need and usefulness of using the Lateral and vertical thinking: differences, characteristics and examples from each of them.
Characteristics of vertical thinking
What is vertical thinking? Vertical or logical thinking is the type of thinking that places emphasis on logical sequential chaining and correctness of ideas, that is, for its correct functioning, the steps followed to reach the correct solution are very important, so that the direction of thought is clearly defined, revealing a solution. Furthermore, they start from ideas or prior knowledge that have already been validated, solutions that have already proven effective.
This way of structuring our thoughts is very useful in certain fields, such as in mathematics and science. For example, when trying to solve a mathematical problem a certain sequence must be followed; altering the steps produces an alteration of the correct solution. If we try to solve a simple mathematical operation like 25 + 4 / 2, the result differs if we alternate the steps.
Characteristics of lateral thinking
What is lateral thinking? or divergent. This thought arises from the idea of introduce insight, creativity and ingenuity in the elaboration of our thoughts, because following fixed models of concepts, as in logical thinking, limits the creation of new ideas. This does not exclude the usefulness of vertical thinking, since the two are complementary and necessary.
This model of thought values the idea that creativity is a factor of change and progress, seeking to restructure already established models in order to develop new models, seeking to free outdated ideas established for a long time in our society. restrictive approach, thus allowing changes in attitudes and approaches to concepts that until today were unchangeable.
In summary, lateral thinking seeks to create new approaches and in its process, the steps to follow do not matter, it can jump from one to the other or if the ideas on which it is based may include wrong answers, it explores all possible possibilities. So you don’t follow a direction, you seek to create your own.
An example of a riddle of lateral thinking simple would be the following:
“There are months of the year that have 31 days, others only 30. How many have 28 days?”
Let’s think about the answer, before reading the solution!
If what you have thought is one, thinking about the month of February, the answer is incorrect. This response is typical of vertical thinking, which we tend to use with logical argumentation. However, all months of the year have 28 days. This response is typical of lateral thinking, which contemplates all the existing possibilities and associations, thus promoting our ingenuity. Here you can see others.
6 differences between vertical and lateral thinking
Below are the six main differences between vertical and lateral thinking.
- The importance of the process to follow. In lateral thinking, what matters is the effectiveness of the conclusion, without giving importance to whether the paths followed to reach this conclusion are correct, since it considers them all. On the other hand, vertical thinking to reach the correct solution, the most important thing is how the ideas are chained to reach said conclusion.
- The objective of the process. As a result of the previous difference, vertical thinking seeks to reach a solution through a single previously defined direction. On the contrary, lateral thinking does not seek to follow a direction to reach a solution, it moves to develop a new direction, it seeks a restructuring of ideas, change.
- Respect for established steps. The correct functioning of vertical thinking implies a sequencing of ideas, the already established steps must be followed to reach the correct solution and skipping steps alters the answer, each step is dependent on the previous one. Lateral thinking can skip steps, make jumps, the sequence of these does not matter. So, the validity of the solution does not depend on whether the path has been correct, importance is given to the creation of the new conclusion.
- Relationship with other topics. In vertical thinking, approaches that do not seem to be related to the topic being worked on are not taken into account. In lateral thinking, all options are considered, although these may seem unrelated to the context on which one is working, since, as The smaller the relationship with the already established idea, the more possibilities there are to establish new concepts.
- The mission. Vertical thinking is governed by evidence, while lateral thinking seeks to find the least obvious approaches.
- The solution. The objective of vertical thinking is to reach a solution, always having a minimum solution. On the other hand, lateral thinking does not always guarantee that a solution can be found, but it increases the chance of finding a better solution.
In summary, we could say that the two thoughts are opposite operating models. However, neither is more effective than the other, both are necessary in different areas of application and even complementary on many occasions.
Example of vertical and lateral thinking
He Lateral and vertical thinking can complement each other. An example of vertical and lateral thinking could be the following: imagine that we are assembling a piece of furniture, to do this we would use vertical thinking, following the steps indicated in the instructions. However, let’s imagine that suddenly we see that we are almost finished and we have assembled it poorly, we have lost some pieces or some pieces have broken. Faced with this, we would use lateral thinking, trying to find an alternative to finish the assembly, for example, cutting a piece that does not fit in a place due to lack of another or looking for a piece at home that can replace the lost one.
In addition to vertical and lateral thinking, there are others.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Allueva, P. (2002). Development of creativity: design and evaluation of an intervention program. Persona Magazine 5, 67-81.
- Allueva, P. (2004). Development of creative thinking in the university environment. YEARBOOK OF PHILOSOPHY, PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY, 7, 117-130.
- De Bono, E. (1986). lateral thinking. Creativity manual. Buenos Aires: Paidòs Ibérica.
- Sánchez, L. The inflection between vertical thinking and lateral thinking.