We often use visual imagery in thinking. For example, we often find it easier to describe:
(a) The shape of something by sketching it.
(b) A physical operation by demonstrating it.
In connection with example (b) the term muscular imagery is sometimes used to describe the way in which we remember complex physical movements.
[2] Symbols.
Language involves the spoken and written use of symbols. These symbols can be words, mathematical formulae, pictures (including diagrams, maps and graphs) or gestures that represent either objects, operations, relationships and qualities.
Most obviously we use language to communicate with one another. Language also plays an important part in thinking, making it possible to perform mental processes …show more content…
In a ‘traffic light’ segment of code an INPUT statement could read in numbers 1,2,3 to corresponding to green etc., using these to direct execution appropriately to a ‘driving’ code segment in which the ‘flags’ 1,2,3 determine which message of GO etc. is printed to the screen.
More complex rules might combine simple rules using the sort of embedding used by memory to store related text statements described in Chapter 3.
Creative thinking
Divergent thinking involves considering a number of alternatives, some of which may be new and/or impractical, rather than seeking a single logical solution.
Creative thinking involves finding novel but practical solutions to a problem or task using divergent thinking and may occur in three stages:
[1] Preparation: define the facts and materials needed for the new solution.
[2] Incubation: acquire further information, think about, and ‘sleep on’ the problem.
{3] Assembly: combine information to find the solution.
Creativity may be enhanced by ‘undirected’ or autistic thinking, as occurs in dreams, in which one’s own ‘personal’ and unique concepts are freely associated. This is accomplished by brainstorming in which the mind is allowed to roam freely through as many ideas as