PSYCHOLOGY : COGNITIVE FUNCTION THINKING
- 2. Specific objective: 1. Introduce Thinking 2. Definition 3. Nature 4. Influencing factors of thinking 5. Types 6. Levels 7. Stages of development 8. Relationship of language and communication. 9. Reasoning
- 3. INTRODUCTION People think-that’s obvious. Human are rational beings & our rationality consists in our ability to think & reason. It is because of our capacity for better thinking that we are superior to other animals in learning & in making adjustment. During most of our waking hours, & even when we are asleep & dreaming, we are thinking, what are you thinking about right now?
- 4. DEFINITION 1. Thinking is an activity concerning ideas, symbolic in character initiated by a problem or task which the individual is facing, involving some trial & error but under the directing influence of that problem & ultimately leading to a conclusion or solution of the problem. -Warren
- 5. DEFINITION 1. Thinking is the organization & reorganization of current learning in the present circumstances with the help of learning & past experiences. - ---Vinacke (1968) 2. Thinking is the perceptual relationship which provides for the solution of the problem. - Maier
- 6. NATURE It is essentially a cognitive activity. It is always directed to achieve some end or purpose. It is described as a problem-solving behavior. It is a symbolic activity. It is mental exploration instead of motor exploration. It can shift very rapidly. It is internal activity.
- 7. CHARACTERISTICS OF THINKING Thinking process starts with sensation which is organized in cognition to have the perception. It is always directed towards achieving some purpose. Thinking is described as a problem solving behavior. Thinking is a symbolic activity in thinking a mental solution of the problem is carried out though some signs symbols and mental images.
- 8. INFLUENCING FACTORS OF THINKING 1. Strong motivation 2. Application and interest 3. Alertness and flexibility: 4. Intelligence 5. Limitations of time 6. Absence of emotions 7. Impact of superstition 8. Knowledge of language 9. Concepts 10. Contact with society
- 9. TYPES 1. Perceptual or concrete thinking 2. Conceptual or abstract thinking 3. Creative thinking 4. Logical thinking/ reasoning 5. Problem solving 6. Convergent VS Divergent thinking
- 10. 1. Perceptual or concrete thinking It is based on perception. Perception is the process of interpretation of sensation according to one’s experience. It is also called concrete thinking as it is carried over the perception of actual or concrete & events.
- 11. 2. Conceptual or abstract thinking It does not require the perception of actual objects or events. It is also called abstract thinking as it makes the use of concepts or abstract ideas. It is superior to perceptual thinking's as it economizes efforts in understanding & helps in discovery & invention.
- 12. 3. Creative thinking It refers to the ability for original thinking, to create or discover something new. It is the ability to integrate the various elements of the situation into a harmonious whole to create something novel.
- 13. 4. Logical thinking/ reasoning It is the cognitive process of looking for reasons for beliefs, conclusion, actions or feelings. It is the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence. It is form of controlled thinking in which the thought process is directed consciously towards the solutions of a problem.
- 14. It is classified 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 field known as informal logic or critical thinking. II. Deductive reasoning: This moves from the whole to part, from generalization to underlying concepts to examples. Formal logic is described as “the science of deduction.” III. Abductive reasoning: It is cognitive process often involves both inductive & deductive arguments.
- 15. 5. Problem solving It is a tool, skill & a process. It is a tool because it can help you solve an immediate problem or to achieve a goal. It is a skill because once you have learnt it you can use it repeatedly, like the ability to ride a bicycle, add numbers or speak a language. It is also a process because it involve taking a number of steps.
- 16. A seven-step problem solving cycles; 1. Identify the problem 2. Explore the problem 3. Set goals 4. Look at alternatives 5. Select a possible solution 6. Implement a possible solution 7. Evaluation
- 17. 6. Convergent thinking Convergent thinking is cognitive processing of information around a common point, an attempt to bring thoughts from different directions into a union for common conclusion. Divergent thinking starts from a common point & moves outward into a variety of perspectives.
- 18. LEVELS OF THINKING 6. Evaluation 5. Synthesis 4. Analysis 3. Application 2. Comprehension 1. Knowledge
- 19. WAY TO IMPROVE THINKING 1. Keep yourself only with current project 2. Dedicated hour an of focus time to your most important task 3. Stir up your visual and creative talents with exposures to the arts 4. Learn how to ‘mind map’: 5. Finally, on the hour- stop thinking
- 20. THINKING IN RELATION TO LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION
- 21. ALTERATION IN THINKING 1. Psychosis 2. Delusion
- 22. 1. Psychosis It is a mental disorder in which reality testing is not intact; behavior may violate gross social norms. It is just opposite to neurosis in which reality testing is intact & behavior may not violate social norms. Many psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mania, depression etc. come under psychosis. It includes various disturbances in thinking.
- 23. 2. Delusion It is false, persistent, irrational belief not shared by persons of same age, race, education standard which cannot be altered by logical arguments. Example: Persecutory delusion Delusion of reference
- 26. REASONING DEFINATION Reasoning is step-wise thinking with a purpose or goal in mind. -(Garrett - 1968) Reasoning is combining past experience in order to solve a problem which cannot be solved by mere reproduction of earlier solutions. - (Mann - 1967)
- 27. NATURE OF REASONING It is a form of logical thinking It is characterized by rigid control that keeps it in close contact with reality. It is always directed towards the achievement of a specific goal. Reasoning does not occur unless a question has arisen for which there is no ready answer.
- 28. TYPES OF REASONING Inductive Reasoning: (Proceed from specific facts or observation to general principles.) For example, iron expand when heated Deductive Reasoning; (Proceed from general principles to specific situations) For examples, matter expands when heated; iron is a form of matter & thus expands when heated.