Have you ever thought about the methods you use to solve a particular problem? Not? Then the time has come. There are several approaches to solving complex and everyday problems. One of them implies logical thinking, and the other - heuristic thinking. Read more about creative problem solving below.
Definition
Heuristic thinking is a way of solving problems that uses a non-trivial approach. In order to solve a particular problem, a creative person will develop his own approach based on the knowledge already in his head. This method, although it does not save strength and uses all the resources of the brain, but allows you to improve imagination, thinking and develop memory. The concept of heuristic thinking is based on the knowledge already available to a person. It is thanks to their use that it is possible to create a synthetic approach that was not known to mankind or a particular individual before. How does heuristic thinking work? Easiestobserve this kind of development of an idea with the help of leading questions that the individual asks himself. By applying and finding answers that are similar to their task, it will be easy to draw a conclusion in any related field. Moreover, this technique can be used not only in relation to creativity, but also in the exact sciences. Suffice it to recall the lessons of geometry, where the derivation of one theorem was based on another.
Views
As you have already found out above, thinking is different. Moreover, even one type is divided into different types and forms. Thinking is a complex process that has been studied for many centuries. But unfortunately, very little is known about the brain and the processes that take place in it. But the types of heuristic thinking are reliably known, based on observations of the reactions of numerous people of various cultures, nationalities and religions:
- Visual action. A person can come up with something based on his visual observation. This kind of heuristic thinking is common to all children. They observe adults, but not only copy their actions, but try to synthesize what they see in such a way as to achieve some set goal. For example, the child may see the mother putting on her shoes. The girl will also try to put on her mother's heels, but her leg will hang out in them. Therefore, the child can put on his shoes, and then on her mother's. Thus, the girl will be able to successfully solve a rather simple problem in a non-trivial way.
- Demonstrative-figurative. This type of thinking is used not only by teenagers, but also by visual people. Those individuals who find it difficultdesign something in your head, do it on paper or in plasticine. For example, an engineer, before deciding how to build a house, must consider its design. It will be impossible to make accurate calculations in his head, so he will begin to invent new, previously unused methods of overlapping on paper.
- Abstract-theoretical. Imaginative people can think and formulate ideas in their heads. They do not need paper or plasticine for this. All calculations and calculations of the assigned task will fall on paper already in the finished version.
Thinking Components
Few people think about what is involved in the nature of thought generation. What are the components of heuristic thinking?
- Memory. First of all, human memories are involved in this process. The more of them, the better the imagination will be developed. Knowledge also plays an important role. It is easier for an intellectual to come up with a new approach to solving a problem than for a schoolboy who has not received a secondary education.
- Imagination. If we consider that heuristics is a science that develops creative approaches to solving problems, then we can understand that a person uses fantasy in this process. It is she who helps to create something new and unprecedented.
- Thinking. Imagination and memory help a person to come up with something completely new. How does this process take place? A person thinks about something, synthesizes knowledge, enriches it with imagination and applies an invented approach to solve a particular problem.
Thinking style
How can a person come up with something new? Each individual has their own approach to creativity. After all, heuristics is a science that studies the methods and methods of how a person makes discoveries. What are the styles of thinking?
- Expressive. Spontaneous creativity is the basis of any kind of invention, discovery and generation of creative ideas. Man creates for the sake of creating. An individual can find inspiration for his ideas and discoveries anywhere: at home, on the way to the store or in public transport. The idea comes spontaneously and requires immediate reflection and implementation.
- Productive. This kind of thinking is controlled by man. The idea is well thought out and refined in advance. A person does not do anything spontaneous, although he does not refuse the possibility of a creative manifestation of his nature. A creative vision of a problem is always expressed in productive thinking.
- Inventive. Inventive thinking is not common to all people. It is mainly present in designers, architects or designers. People independently tune their thinking to the desired wave to make it easier to enter into a working state.
- Innovative. A person may not reinvent the wheel, but modernize it. Such a process is also called creative, but still this creativity is specific, although necessary for the development of our society.
Quality
Heuristic thinking can work at different levels. How exactly does a personthinks, depends on him and on his personal abilities and qualities:
- Width. To make an innovation in any area, it is not necessary to study it thoroughly. You can use the knowledge that a person has in related fields. For example, when a person wants to build a booth for a dog, he does not need to study how a pet's home should look like. He can come up with a form and method of construction based on the knowledge he has of building houses.
- Depth. If a person wants to make an innovation in some specific area, for example in the field of logo design, then he should study the history of the creation of brand names and their development well. Digging in width in this case is optional. Depth will be important here.
- Speed. It is always important how much time a person needs to solve a particular problem or to cope with the goal. If he can get his brain to work fast and still come up with good ideas, then he will be able to become a creative person. But a slow-witted person cannot be called a creative person. So work not only on the quality of the idea, but also on the speed of its creation and execution.
Thinking techniques
Heuristic thinking is quite common among creative people. In what ways are these people accustomed to solving their problems?
- Reception. An action that is performed to achieve a stated goal. In the heuristic type of thinking, the technique involves the synthesis of previously seen actions and its rethinking into something new.
- Method. Achievement wayset goal through a combination of several techniques specially developed for this purpose. Actions, techniques and theories are developed from something familiar, but the result is an innovative approach.
- Methodology. The combination of several methods to achieve the goal. For each specific task, its own methodology is developed. This is a kind of path that a person must go through in order to develop his own universal way to achieve the goal.
- Methodology. The structure of techniques that are combined to solve one task.
Processes
Heuristic thinking style is a unique creative approach to problem solving. To develop a certain structure of thinking, you need to follow a well-defined pattern. Despite all the creativity, the thinking processes of all people are the same:
- The birth of a problem or idea. At the first stage, a person gets acquainted with a problem or creates an idea. Image, solution and structure have not yet been determined.
- Analysis. A person compares different approaches that have worked for his colleagues. He is looking for the best ways to solve his problem by reworking and refining other people's ideas.
- Synthesis. Mixing the various conclusions that were found at the last stage help a person to form and decide on the development vector for solving the problem.
- Specification. The problem takes on a real shape, and a clear and logical way to solve it is determined.
Formation conditions
Creative creative thinking is possible only under the influence of certain factors. What exactly contributes to the manifestation of a non-trivial way of thinking?
- Positive motivation. A person must know exactly the reward that the solution of a problem or the formation of an idea will bring to him. It can be both monetary reward and moral satisfaction.
- Interest. The individual must be interested in solving the problem. A person will be able to find motivation to work only if the solution to the problem in any way will help his personal or professional growth. A person is able to work on something that brings him pleasure, for a long time. Therefore, if you want to create something, be sure to think about what you will get in return for the time spent.
- Creativity. Creativity is a necessary fact for the development of creative thinking. Thanks to non-standard methods and syntheses of standard methods for solving a problem, an individual finds new theories and immediately tests them in practice.
Test
Do you believe in the testing system? Psychologists say it can help you learn about your personal qualities and figure out your strengths and weaknesses. There are different tests for thinking and creativity. But they all have to cope with two tasks:
- Analysis of life experience. Each person developed, was brought up and grew up in different conditions, and it was they who left their mark on how a person thinks. Life values, experience and knowledge play an important role in shapingcreative idea. A person will fight over those issues, the solution of which he considers to be truly important.
- Analysis of personal thinking. Personal preferences play an important role in the perception of this world. Life experience, books read, emotions and impressions - all this leaves a certain imprint on how a person thinks and what he considers a priority.
One of the simple thinking tests is shown above. The picture shows two figures. You need to complement them so that you get some kind of intelligible form. It can be a living creature or a small plot like an illustration. Below are examples of how creative people have completed this challenge.
If you also drew some kind of plot, then you can consider that your creative thinking is developed very well. The more detailed the image, the better for you.
Development
Heuristic techniques of creative thinking a person learns over time. They are not laid in a person's head from childhood. Therefore, if you are deprived of creative thinking, do not worry. It is subject to development. What can you do to become a little more spontaneous and creative? The development of heuristic thinking implies some goal. You must understand exactly what you are doing and why you are doing it. It is possible to do something for the sake of pleasure, but it will be difficult to track the result of such a process. So try to form a go altheir aspirations. Once you have a goal, motivation will follow. In order to increase your level of creativity, you need to practice daily. For example, you can come up with some ideas to improve your life. There can be many examples. How was the multicooker invented? This indispensable assistant for many housewives appeared in their house due to the fact that a smart engineer was able to combine a pot, microwave, oven and double boiler into a single whole. Try and invent something similar.
One way to develop creative thinking is through brainstorming. You should quickly throw in any ideas to improve this or that subject. If you cannot do this right away, then at the first stage write down those properties that you would like to see in your invention. Now combine the useful properties into one component, and you have a universal invention.
How can children develop creative thinking? There is a very simple method. This is done through associations. An adult tells the child any word, for example "house". The child must make any line of nouns from 5-6 points. For example: house - garden - trees - apples - juice - he alth. You can improvise with the task and give the first and last word. And the child will need to fill in the intermediate part.
