Lateral and vertical thinking differences, characteristics and examples

To this day, the formulations of our thinking around the axis of vertical thought have been encouraged, also known as logical thinking. Vertical thinking is a linear thought that follows an already defined trajectory, using existing ideas or knowledge, such as when we want to solve a mathematical problem, we use the established formulas, following the steps required to solve the exercise.

However, Edward de Bono in 1967, introduced the concept of lateral thought, in order to introduce the mental processes of creativity, ingenuity and insight in the elaboration of our thoughts, in order to observe how reality looks from angles different and be able to restructure and change the ideas already learned.

In this article in Psychology-online, we will help you understand the need and usefulness of using the lateral and vertical thinking: differences, characteristics and examples from each of them.

1. Characteristics of vertical thinking
2. Features of lateral thought
3. 6 differences between vertical and lateral thinking
4. Example of vertical and lateral thinking

Characteristics of vertical thinking

¿What is vertical thinking? Vertical or logical thinking is the type of thought that emphasizes the Logical sequential chain And correct of ideas, that is, for its correct functioning, the steps followed to achieve the correct solution is very important, so that the address of thought is clearly defined, letting a solution glimpse. In addition, they start from previous ideas or knowledge that have already been validated, solutions that have already demonstrated its effectiveness.

This way of structuring our thoughts is very useful in certain fields, such as In mathematics and sciences. For example, when trying to solve a mathematical problem, a certain sequence must be followed, the alteration of the steps produces an alteration of the correct solution. If we try to solve a simple mathematical operation such as 25 + 4/2, the result differs if we alternate the steps.

Features of lateral thought

¿What is lateral thinking? Edward de Bono introduced lateral or divergent thinking. This thought arises from the idea of introduce insight, creativity and ingenuity In the elaboration of our thoughts, because the monitoring of fixed models of concepts, as in logical thinking, limits the creation of new ideas. This does not exclude the usefulness of vertical thinking, since the two are complementary and necessary.

This thinking model values ​​the idea that creativity is a factor of change and progress, seeking to restructure the models already established in order to elaborate new models, seeking that the outdated ideas established for a long time in our society, are released from their restrictive approach, thus allowing changes in attitudes and approaches to concepts that until today were immodifiable.

In summary, lateral thinking seeks to create new approaches and in its process, the steps to follow do not matter, it can skip from one to the other or if the ideas on which it is based can include erroneous responses, explore all possible possibilities. So it does not follow an address, seeks to create your own.

An example of a Broady of lateral thought simple would be the following:

"There are months of the year that has 31 days, others only 30. ¿How many are 28 days?"

¡Let's think about the answer, before reading the solution!

If what you thought is one, thinking about the month of February, the answer is incorrect. This answer is typical of vertical thinking, which we tend to use with logical argumentation. However, every month of the year they have 28 days. This answer is typical of lateral thought, which contemplates all existing possibilities and associations, thus promoting our ingenuity. Here you can see other exercises, examples and riddles of lateral or divergent thinking.

6 differences between vertical and lateral thinking

Next, the six main differences between vertical and lateral thinking are detailed.

1. The importance of the process to follow. In lateral thinking, what matters is the effectiveness of the conclusion, without giving importance if the paths followed to achieve this conclusion are the correct ones, since all contemplates them. On the other hand, vertical thinking to achieve the correct solution, the most important thing is how ideas to reach this conclusion are chained.
2. The objective of the process. Consequently to the previous difference, vertical thinking seeks to achieve a solution through a single direction already previously defined. Against, lateral thinking does not seek to follow an address to achieve a solution, it moves to elaborate a new direction, seeks a restructuring of ideas, change.
3. Respect by established steps. The correct functioning of vertical thinking implies a sequencing of ideas, the steps already established to achieve the correct solution and skip steps alter the answer, each step is dependent on the previous. Side thinking can skip steps, jump, no matter the sequence of these. So, the validity of the solution does not depend on whether the path has been correct, the creation of the new conclusion is given.
4. Relationship with other topics. In vertical thinking, the approaches that do not seem to be related to the subject that are being worked are not taken into account, all options are considered lateral, although these may seem oblivious to the context on which one works, since as minor is the relationship with the idea already established, more possibilities are to establish new concepts.
5. The mission. Vertical thinking is governed by evidence, while the side seeks to find the approaches that are less obvious.
6. The solution. The objective of vertical thinking is to achieve a solution, always having a minimum solution. On the other hand, lateral thinking does not always guarantee that a solution can be found, but increases the opportunity to find a better solution.

In short, we could say that the two thoughts are opposite models. However, none is more effective than the other, both are necessary in different areas of application and even complementary on many occasions.

Example of vertical and lateral thinking

He lateral and vertical thinking can be complemented. An example of vertical and lateral thinking could be the following: let's imagine that we are riding a furniture, for this we would use vertical thinking, following the steps indicated in the instructions. However, let's imagine that suddenly we see that we are almost finishing it and we have set it badly, we have lost some pieces or some pieces have broken. Faced with this, we would use lateral thinking, trying to look for an alterative to finish the assembly, for example, cutting a piece that does not fit into a place for lack of another or looking at any piece that can replace the loss.

In addition to vertical and lateral thinking, there are other types of thought according to psychology.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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