Vertical thinking: definition and 11 characteristics

This type of thinking helps us to understand the logic of reality and to act upon it.

There are different types of thinking, depending on their characteristics, procedures, uses, fields of application, and so on.... A great division of thinking is the one that classifies it into: vertical thinking (logical) and lateral thinking (creative).

In this article we will talk about one of them: vertical or logical thinking, based on reason.based on reason. We will explain what it consists of, what are its 11 most important characteristics and we will know some of its differences with respect to lateral thinking.

Thinking: definition and functions

Thinking is, in a way, one of the defining characteristics of the human being. It is a capacity that differentiates us from animals, and that allows us to form ideas, relate them to each other and represent reality in our mind. It also allows us to solve problems, draw conclusions, analyze data and sequences, etc.

There are many ways of thinking, and surely, all of them are complementary, valid and necessary in one context or another. When we use reason, logic and evidence, we are using a type of thinking called vertical thinking.Do you want to know more about this type of thinking? Read on.

Vertical thinking: what is it?

Vertical thinking is also called logical thinking.. It is the "opposite" of lateral thinking, which is freer and more creative. Thus, vertical thinking is characterized as a type of thinking based on analysis and reasoning. When we use it, we tend to reach conclusions and solutions where others have previously arrived, i.e., it is not as "innovative" in this sense as lateral thinking is.

Thus, when we use logic and common sense, we are using vertical thinking; this, moreover, is characterized because it uses ways and strategies already known and "visible" to the naked eye, i.e., more obvious or recurrent strategies. These strategies are used to solve a problem or to reach a conclusion.

In reality, vertical thinking is used much more than lateral thinking, because the latter is based on creativity and on using less obvious or less visible strategies (in a certain way, more difficult to find).

Characteristics

Let's get to know the 11 most important characteristics of vertical thinking below.

1. Emphasizes logic

As we have seen, this type of thinking is based on logic. That is, it emphasizes the logical sequential chaining of things and ideas. This means that to reach a conclusion through vertical thinking, we must analyze in detail the steps that will allow us to reach it, and follow them strictly.

In this way, the solution to the problem has been previously and concretely defined, and the direction we take to reach it is also well defined.

2. Proven solutions

Another characteristic of vertical thinking is that it is usually based on solutions that have already demonstrated their effectiveness (in other situations, moments, contexts...). In other words, it is intended to "play it safe" in this sense.

3. Emphasizes reason

Vertical thinking, moreover, is also based on reason, in addition to logic. Reason is a capacity that allows us to establish relationships between concepts, as well as to obtain results and/or conclusions in the face of certain problems. Thus, it is the way used by vertical thinking to design the steps "to follow" when solving certain problems.

4. It is based on analysis

On the other hand, vertical thinking is based on the analysis of different elements: among them, the analysis of the original problem (its causes, consequences...), the analysis of the methodology to follow (the steps) to obtain a solution, and finally the analysis of the implemented solution (although not in all cases).

5. Useful in mathematics

These characteristics that we have discussed make vertical thinking especially useful in certain fields and areas, such as mathematics and science, since they are intended to be exact fields.

In addition, in mathematics or science, we must use certain sequences of steps to reach certain solutions, which characterizes vertical thinking. If we use different steps or in a different order, we will often fail to reach the desired result.

6. Emphasis on the process

Vertical thinking is characterized by the fact that the process to be followed is very important to reach the right or correct conclusion, unlike vertical thinking, which emphasizes the effectiveness of the solution.

7. The goal is to reach a valid conclusion

The direction we set when we use vertical thinking is unique and well delimited; through that direction we follow some steps and reach a conclusion. This is the objective of vertical thinking.

8. The steps are "sacred".

The steps we design to reach our conclusion are of great importance. This means that we cannot skip any of them, nor change the order, because that would prevent us from reaching our solution.

That is, the steps we establish must always be respected. This also differentiates it from lateral thinking, where the steps can be skipped and what matters is the solution (and creation).

9. It does not relate to other approaches

Another characteristic of vertical thinking is that it does not use other topics to reach a conclusion, whether they are related to the one we are working on or independent of it. That is to say, it works exclusively with the approaches of the problem. This does not mean that it does not use other solutions that have already demonstrated their effectiveness, because it does.

10. It is based on evidence

Thus, in relation to the last point we mentioned, vertical thinking is based on evidence to design its steps and search for solutions. In contrast, lateral thinking focuses on less obvious or less obvious approaches or approaches.

11. Its goal is to find a solution

The objective of vertical thinking is to find a solution to the problem posed; this means that a solution will always be found, even if it is not initially "the best".

Vertical vs. lateral thinking

We can say that vertical thinking is the antagonist of lateral thinking.. We have only seen some of the differences between the two, but there are many more. Broadly speaking, the main difference is that vertical thinking is logical and analytical, and lateral thinking is creative and free, and tries to go "beyond".

These two types of thinking are effective at different times and, in a way, they can complement each other in order to optimize our resources and find different conclusions. Thus, each of them can be applied in specific contexts, areas or fields.

Bibliographical references:

• Espino, O. (2004) Pensamiento y razonamiento. Pirámide.

• Garnham, A. and Oakhill, J. (1996) Manual de Psicología del Pensamiento. Ed. Paidós.

• Sánchez, L. (2017). The inflection between vertical and lateral thinking. Message production workshop, 1-3.