We explain what lateral thinking is, the elements that make it up and its differences from vertical thinking. Also, some examples.
What is lateral thinking?
Lateral thinking lateral thinking) is a form of mental reasoning that allows problem solving through the application of imaginative or creative solutions.
The term was used for the first time in 1967, in the book by Edward de Bono (1933-2021) New Think. The Use of Lateral Thinking. The concept defines a process that It is governed by paths different from those used by traditional logical reasoning (also known as “vertical thinking”). It is about exploring unexpected alternatives and generating novel perspectives on a situation.
Since then, this term has become popular in the fields of psychology and social psychology, as a tool to encourage thinking outside of usual or expected patterns.
- See also: Divergent thinking
Elements of lateral thinking
Lateral thinking is based on four basic or fundamental elements:
- Checking Assumptions. It is about “keeping an open mind” and distrusting assumptions, prejudices and prior reasoning. Lateral thinking ignores the validity of assumptions and aims to restructure them to achieve new approaches.
- Asking the right questions. Lateral thinking suggests that you need to change the way you perceive a problem. To do this, instead of focusing on the solution, first ask the relevant questions, and thus redefine the situation or contextualize it from a different perspective.
- Creativity. Change, innovation and creativity are valued by lateral thinking. By incorporating elements that would not normally seem to be part of the set, you can illuminate new areas, find a new dynamic or simply provide a new focus. This involves generating a wide variety of ideas without judging them.
- logical reasoning. Logical deduction, rigor and the ability to interpret, which characterize logical thinking, are necessary and complement lateral thinking. While lateral thinking is useful in the creation stages, logical thinking is constantly useful. For example, in the selection and validation of ideas.
- It may help you: Logical thinking
Differences between lateral thinking and vertical thinking
He Vertical thinking involves searching for some habitual pattern of reasoning to find a solution to a problem. Follow a structured and logical process.
On the other hand, lateral thinking aspires to break patterns and look for alternative, different paths that lead to the resolution of the problem. This is what English speakers call think outside the box (“think outside the box”).
The main differences between these types of thinking are:
| Lateral thinking | Vertical thinking |
|---|---|
| Take an unconventional approach to finding creative solutions. | Follow an ordered sequence of steps to reach a solution. |
| It is based on exploration and innovation. Look for alternatives. | It is based on logic and analytical reasoning. Excludes unconventional options. |
| It involves different theories, uses analogies and accepts uncertainty. | Evaluate options within a specific framework and look for correct answers. |
| It is necessary in complex situations that require creativity. | It is necessary in specific problems that require precision. |
| For example, thinking of different solutions to the same puzzle. | For example, applying an algorithm to solve a mathematical equation. |
Techniques to encourage lateral thinking
lateral thinking is based on the distancing of the mental paths traditionally taken. That is, it requires a break with what is expected and a commitment to creativity and novel perspectives.
To do this, use methods and techniques, such as provocations. It is a kind of mental games aimed at finding alternative ways of reasoning. Some provocations can be escape dynamics, random words, analogies, exaggerations or fragmentations of the problem.
Another method is the change of perspective, which proposes observe a situation from different points of view or roles. A possible variant of this technique is the inversion of the problem conditions. For example, if the original question is “how to improve students' class participation?”, reversing the problem involves asking “how to make students participate less?” The intention is to reveal hidden problems and new opportunities.
Lateral thinking aims to find novel and original solutions, so techniques such as he brainstorming or “brainstorming” and free association are also effective for their development.
Examples of lateral thinking
Riddles
Some lateral thinking exercises are expressed as riddles.
- The castaway's dilemma. A castaway needs to move some of the wreckage of his ship, which washed up on the shore of the opposite island, to his island of residence. There he has a fox, a rabbit and a bunch of carrots, and in his boat he can take one per trip. How can he bring everything to his island, without the fox eating the rabbit or the rabbit eating the carrots?
- The elevator dilemma. A man who lives on the tenth floor of a building takes the elevator to the ground floor every day to go to work. In the afternoon, however, he takes the same elevator again, but if there is no one with him, he goes down on the seventh floor and takes the rest of the floors up the stairs. Because?
- The balloon paradox. How can we puncture a balloon with a needle, without the air leaking out and without the balloon bursting?
The answers to the riddles are:
- The castaway must take the rabbit first and leave the fox with the carrots. Then, return and take the fox, and leave him alone on his island; Take the rabbit and take it back to the island opposite. Then, you must carry the carrots, leaving the rabbit alone, and place them next to the fox. Finally, you must return to make one last trip with the rabbit.
- The man is short in stature and cannot press the button for the tenth floor.
- The balloon must be punctured while it is deflated.
Instructions on drawings or designs
Other lateral thinking exercises involve drawing or designing in their prompts.
- Design a machine to pick apples. It is a way to practice finding solutions to solve a specific need. The goal is not to arrive at a valid or correct answer, but to obtain many alternatives.
- Describe the same image in three different ways. The objective is to illustrate the multiplicity of approaches and stimulate their creation.
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References
- Arboleda Aparicio, JC (2007). Lateral thinking and learning. Magisterio Editorial Cooperative.
- De Bono, E. (1986). Lateral thinking. Creativity manual. Paidós.
