What is analytical thinking?

Do you know what analytical thinking is? If we are guided by its name, we can think of the one that allows us to analyze. “Analyze“According to the RAE, it implies subjecting something to an analysis. At the same time, an analysis would be the distinction and separation of the parts of something to know its composition. An analysis is also ‘the detailed study of something (RAE).

That is, this type of thinking will allow us to decompose a problem (or task, product…) into simpler parts, in order to know in detail each of them, their relationships and what function they have in the “whole”.

In this article, we will delve into What is analytical thinking for? used in fields such as mathematics or science, but also in our daily lives. What are their characteristics? Does it involve a series of steps or methodology to apply? Learn more about him here!

What is analytical thinking?

Analytical thinking It is a type of thinking that involves reasoning and reflection on a certain situation or problem. We use it to decide what to do when faced with a specific task or simply to reflect on something general.

It operates through the division of the object of study or problem into smaller parts that can be identified, categorized and analyzed, in order to obtain an appropriate answer or solution to what we want to solve.

When can we use analytical thinking? Practically always; not only when solving mathematical or scientific problems, but also in everyday life or even in other areas of knowledge. We can use it to make decisions, resolve conflicts, reflect on an issue.understand the nature of a problem, etc.

Thinking as a human ability

Before moving forward, remember that Thought is all that activity of the human mind that is obtained thanks to the intellect.. That is, it is the product of the thinking process, or the process of the mind itself. Through thought we obtain abstractions, reflections…

Cognitive theory, typical of psychology, allows us to divide the different types of thinking into: critical, deductive, inductive, creative or lateral, intuitive thinking, etc. One of these types of thinking is what concerns us: analytical thinking.

What are their characteristics?

Like any other type of thinking, analytical thinking has a series of inherent characteristics that define it.. The most important ones, which have to do with their nature and functions, are the following:

It is based on evidence (and not on emotions).It is questioning: It involves answering questions like: what? How? It is detailed: it analyzes the details of the problem.It’s methodical: implies a method of analysis. Develops the ability to investigate. Allows you to organize your thoughts with clarity and precision.It involves breaking the problem into smaller parts. in order to understand its structure and the possible existing interrelationships. It allows identifying what is relevant and irrelevant about the problem.

What methodology do you follow?

Through analytical thinking, We follow a series of steps that allow us to reach a conclusion or a series of statements, theories or reflections.. We do not always have to follow these steps (we can use a simpler methodology), however, they can help us. They are the following:

Formulate a hypothesis.Reformulate the problem.Reflect on it.Propose strategies that allow us to reach a conclusion (for example, divide the problem into smaller parts).Select the most appropriate strategy.

Sequence of analytical thinking

We have seen some steps that can help us when using analytical thinking. However, we can also talk about its sequence to better understand this concept. So that we understand each other; When we think analytically, We ask ourselves a series of questions about our problem and use the information we have To solve it.

We can obtain this information through observations, experiences, data, facts, theories… Using what is collected from all sources, we will make inferences, interpretations and obtain a series of solutions or problems.

On the other hand, we must think of a purpose or objective that is our frame of reference or action. In addition, we will analyze the previous assumptions that allow us to reach or better understand our objective.

What is it for?

We have talked about the general functions of analytical thinking, but we are going to develop four of the most important ones in a little more detail:

Problem resolution

This type of thinking allows us to solve problems. Now, in what way? Obtaining different points of view than the current onereflecting and learning new strategies that allow us to reach our objective or conclusion.

decision making

When we make decisions, we can also use this type of thinking. Thanks to it we can collect information, analyze it looking for the best strategies and solution alternatives and choose the most appropriate ones (both strategies and solutions) according to our criteria.

Search for the truth

Through analytical thinking, which allows us to make inferences, we can get to the “truth” (or “our truth”). That is, what we had set out to discover (logically, there is no “single” truth).

Development of new skills

Finally, this type of thinking allows us to develop other types of skills (for example thinking skills), such as: logical thinking, which allows us to reason, analyze, compare and synthesize. To do this, we can use different tools, such as: mind maps, word clouds, brainstorming…

Exercises to enhance analytical thinking

Like all types of thinking, this can also be trained through exercises. Here are some alternatives:

Table games. Especially those that involve strategies, the use of logic or the deciphering of enigmas. In this case, the benefit is double: since we exercise analytical thinking while having fun and sharing with others.Puzzle. Putting together puzzles is another good option to develop this type of thinking. Well, they contribute to the development of attention and analysis of the parts to reach a whole.Search games. This activity is an excellent alternative for the little ones in the house. Some examples are: searching for treasures or deciphering clues to solve a puzzle.Rubik’s Cube. This resource allows you to calculate and analyze the movements in advance to reach the solution.

Analyze to understand

As we have seen, analytical thinking allows us to go beyond our problem: understanding its origin, nature, functions, causes, consequences… As we said at the beginning, it implies understanding something in detail. Besides, helps us evaluate facts or information rigorously and develop other skillssuch as critical thinking or logical thinking.

Thus, It is a useful thought for many tasks or issues, both day-to-day and in a more academic or professional field.

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