15 ways to develop analytical thinking
A Life / / December 19, 2019
What is critical thinking
Man is endowed with several types of thinking, but one always prevails over the others. Analytical thinking - consistent. People inclined thereto, is treated with a large block of information, dividing it into the main portion and examining each component stepwise. To do this, they must also possess and develop logical thinking.
Analytical thinking involves searching for new information, study it and ordering, as well as the conclusions drawn on the basis of the data obtained.
This type of thinking requires facts, detailed study of the issue, the focus on the little things, the ability to compare the data and draw conclusions. When we talk about mathematical mindset, we mean it is a tendency to think analytically.
A man with an analytical mindset should be able to:
- Collect the information;
- to work with large amounts of data;
- share general information on the constituent parts of certain criteria;
- to compare the data and find the relationship;
- objectively evaluate information;
- to think logically;
- express thoughts in sequence;
- to work with the facts;
- correctly set priorities, Separating the important from the unimportant;
- critical thinking (subjected to information received question);
- look for alternatives;
- draw conclusions.
The useful analytical thinking
Well-developed analytical thinking allows for timely and effective to cope with even the most challenging and find several options to solve it.
The man with the prevailing analytical mind takes a thoughtful and informed decisions, able to plan and make predictions of its activities.
Employees, endowed with such qualities, high valued in companies. In any professional field the ability to quickly find an honorable way out of a difficult situation would be an advantage. By the way, this ability is useful in everyday life.
How to develop analytical thinking
Analytical thinking can be trained and developed.
1. Solve logic puzzles
For analytical thinking is important logic. If this is your weak side, you start to exercise. select first simple tasksGradually moving to the complex.
2. Solve mathematical examples
Find a math book and remember school years. Choose strong examples in which there are variables.
3. crossword puzzles
And when behind will be hundreds of solved, try to write your own. It is quite difficult.
4. solve puzzles
Collect puzzles, crossword puzzles, or try to assemble a Rubik's cube.
5. Play chess
Find an opponent and remember the rules of the game. Chess - a great simulator for analytical thinking.
6. read books
Can choose detectivesFor example, Sherlock Holmes, artistic or specialized literature. Ask questions: why the hero did just that in this situation, what could have been done more?
7. Analyze situations from everyday life
Practice critical thinking, doubt, look for the facts and new information when you watch the news or read a book. Pay attention to the details, look at things from a new angle and look for non-obvious relationships between the different objects, compares the facts.
9. Learn something new every day
Choose a topic that you are interested in, and find the one fact about her day.
10. Look for alternatives
Do not settle on one solution to the problem - look for more. Think about what you might have missed, process the information several times and draw conclusions.
11. Take part in discussions
Discuss books, movies, historical events - anything. you will hear the opinion of another person and be able to share its one and the same event, provide arguments and to be trained in a consistent presentation of ideas. Ask the caller for feedback: let him tell how your arguments were convincing, and thoughts - consistent.
12. Ask yourself, how to construct objects around you
Ask yourself questions about the things that surround you, or situations faced. Why is this happening, how it works, because of what is happening? Answer them, but do not look for easy ways. Understand the problem and give yourself an exhaustive answer.
13. Create a map of thoughts
Mind Mapping, Mind map, a mental map (mind map) - is a way to visualize the thinking process. The mechanics is simple: you have a key idea that you put in the very center of the map. Let it be "Development of analytical thinking." To her you add related in meaning or significance of the elements, such as methods development difficulties, the causes - whatever you feel important. Then the new card complements associative rows from each element. And in front of you is a picture of your thought process.
To create such a map can be on your computer, phone or tablet using special tools. But you can take an ordinary piece of paper (be aware that the place might not be enough).
14. Record
Keep a diary in which to write your goals, ways to achieve the results. Carry out work on the bugs, if you can not reach the goal. Look for reasons, and analyze.
15. Model situation
Think of any situation in which there is a problem, and try this fix the problem. Develop an algorithm of actions and do not stop at a single solution - look for more.
Perform brain exercises every day - most of them are not a lot of time and does not require special conditions. You will be able to develop analytical thinking, if you observe the regularity and set themselves challenges.
see also
- 15 tricky puzzles to practice lateral thinking →
- 11 books that will train mathematical thinking →
- How to break out of ordinary thinking →