Verbal-logical thinking has its own characteristics and is more characteristic of people with a mathematical mindset. This type of thinking can be developed independently with the help of special training. Verbal thinking - the competent use of words to express one's own feelings and emotions. Unfortunately, little attention is paid to the laws of formal logic in this case. Formal transactions begin to be performed by a person at the age of eleven. At this age, the child is already able to systematize the acquired knowledge and determine the consequences, knowing the causes of a certain phenomenon.
Some researchers of this phenomenon have come to the conclusion that there is a certain connection between the level of intellectual development and school performance. American psychologist David Wexler in his report says that the strength of the relationship between academic performance and verbal intelligence is much stronger than with non-verbal intelligence.
The verbal type of intelligence is based on the simplest concepts for everyone, speech, writing, reading
Thinking, speech and logic
Human thinking is verbal, it is formed in the process of communication and its formation is possible only through the joint activity of people. All people are different, some people find it easier to think if they see or imagine objects - this is visual thinking. Others operate with abstract structures (words) - this is what distinguishes verbal logical thinking.
Speech is a form of communication between people using language constructs created according to historically established rules, the highest mental function of a person. Speech formulates thoughts using words and presupposes their understanding and perception by another person.
Logic literally means reasoning, speech, thought. Logic is a science that teaches us to draw conclusions indirectly, that is, not from sensory experience, but from previously acquired knowledge.
What it is?
If we rely on a specific definition, the term logical thinking comes from the words “logic” and “thinking.” In philosophy, logic is defined as a science that cognizes the laws of intellectual cognitive activity and has its premises in antiquity. She studies methods by which the truth can be discovered. Thinking is a mental process that allows you to process previously received information.
Thanks to correct and objective thinking, any of us has an idea about the world around us and the laws of nature.
If we combine logic and thinking, we get a certain process where logical constructs are used. When such a process is put into action, a person receives accurate objective knowledge and draws certain conclusions, including formal ones. In addition, logic is also involved in the creation of abstract concepts. When concepts are combined, then the information received is systematized. This process is unique to humans. Initially, a person receives abstract information and then connects it with each other. This is how logic, consisting of factors such as analysis and synthesis, is included in this process. To be more precise, analysis is the breakdown of information into separate parts. Through the process, our brain can determine the essence of information.
When synthesis is connected to analysis, the analyzed information parts are combined. This is exactly how logical thinking works in our minds. You need to understand: whoever knows how to think logically is able to carry out effective mental activity. Logical thinking is a special form of human intellectual activity. Let us consider the main stages that underlie the scientific, everyday, mythological and artistic knowledge of man.
What is it for
We constantly think, the brain does not stop activity for a second. A person processes tons of information every second, and in order to objectively assess what is happening, make the right decisions and make fewer mistakes, one must rely on logic. At first it will require effort, but then the brain will make the right decisions automatically because it will train.
These are not just single conclusions, but a chain of personal behavior, a way of life, part of individuality. The future depends on every decision, even if it seems insignificant. Having mastered the skill of thinking logically, a person is able to:
- choose a rational way to solve a life situation and find a way out;
- choose a quick and effective method to achieve your goals;
- calculate your competitors’ moves in advance, stay ahead and bypass them, anticipating every action;
- be able to conduct discussions, small talk, scientific debates and simply maintain a conversation;
- speak competently, concisely and understandably for everyone;
- draw conclusions based on your mistakes and become better every day, thanks to competent introspection and reflection;
- approach other people and yourself critically, soberly assess what is happening;
- master the art of oratory, influence other people by making compelling arguments;
- avoid outside manipulation, do not become a victim of deception and scams;
- be able to competently answer questions, twist the line of conversation in your favor, and not fall for the interlocutor’s tricks;
- do not succumb to self-deception and the Barnum effect - subjective confirmation based on a high assessment of the accuracy of the characteristics of your personality from generalized conclusions (horoscopes, tests, socionics).
Types of logical thinking
During the preschool period, all cognitive processes are formed , among which the most important place belongs to the development and formation of thought and speech.
- Visually effective things are formed in early childhood, from about one and a half years old. The child's first generalizations are associated with the same actions performed with similar objects. Suppose a child sees a bottle of milk - now he will be fed. In adult life, it is used, for example, in experiments whose results cannot be predicted in advance.
- Visual imagery usually manifests itself most clearly in children 4-6 years old. It operates with images and involves visualizing the situation. Most often, direct contact with the object is not required, but it is necessary to clearly imagine it. If you ask a child what a dog is, he will point to a picture or a puppy sitting next to him, rather than listing the number of paws and ears of the animal. Adults use it to describe concepts that they cannot see - the structure of a molecule, the earth's core.
- Verbal logical usually begins to develop in older preschool and primary school age, continuing to form and develop throughout life. This is the ability to think through reasoning, carried out using language and logical operations with concepts, the latest stage in the evolution of thinking.
An example is the coin example . If it is visually effective, a person will see a fallen coin and realize that he can take it in his hand or put it in his mouth, since it will fit there. If it is visually figurative, he will throw it up and see what comes up, heads or tails. With the verbal-logical one, he will begin to argue about whether it can hang in the air or stand on its edge, and if not, then why.
Personal story
They started torturing me with the English language when I was 5 years old. My beloved grandmother has a sister who was an English teacher at school and then at the university. All in all, a pretty smart woman. And so, when I turned 7 years old and went to first grade, they decided to seriously load me with English, so to speak. I remember very well that I reluctantly went to my aunt’s classes, but I studied anyway. And of course, like any child at my age, I did not understand at all why I needed to know this language. It’s good that at least the lessons were 2 times a week.
I studied well at school, but when I decided to enter a higher educational institution, and I wanted to study at the “Kiev-Mohyla Academy,” I needed this unfortunate language. Knowing him “by heart” was a mandatory criterion for admission. And after 12 years, I again had to turn to my grandmother’s sister for help, she worked with me absolutely free of charge, in a family-like way, which made me very happy. It took me 3 months to learn the language, after which I could speak “English” quite confidently. My grandmother's sister said that my verbal intelligence is quite well developed, since I absorb everything very quickly. I want to say that I had no secrets. Everything is very simple and clear:
- I didn’t have the attitude: “Nothing will work out.”
- I was eager to enroll and did what I had planned.
- I studied constantly and even planned a schedule for my preparation.
- I didn’t waste a minute during preparation.
- Only two textbooks and just a huge number of different audio and video courses helped me.
When I entered university, I had no practice speaking English at all, but I corrected this situation during my first year. My personal formula for success is: motivation + hard work + practice = achieving the goal.
Verbal logical thinking
Thanks to verbal thinking, we operate with such concepts as honor, conscience, love, value. After all, we cannot visualize them - these are verbal constructions , perhaps everyone puts their own meaning into them.
As a result of verbal logical thinking, a person can operate with the most abstract concepts without completely breaking away from sensory experience. With its help, we look for and find patterns, generalize previously gained experience - both sensory and visual.
Verbal logical thinking does not descend upon us overnight; it is gradually formed throughout life, in the process of learning and gaining personal experience. Some people master it to a greater extent than others; we call them talents or geniuses, while others master it less.
Developers of nonverbal tests
The times when employers used questions from the field of clinical psychology in their practice are gone. Today, similar tasks are developed by consulting and recruitment agencies. Both psychologists and personnel consultants, HR, engineers and assessment specialists participate in their creation.
For each company that has ordered the creation of testing or the implementation of a comprehensive selection system, tasks are developed in accordance with the requirements of the vacancy or profession.
Most often, employers use tests from:
- SHL;
- TalentQ;
- OnTarget;
- Saville consulting.
Advantages
- The Nonverbal Ability Test reliably assesses candidates regardless of language skills, cultural or racial differences. It is important for employers to understand whether the candidate will be able to cope with the assigned tasks and benefit the company.
- The developed assessment matrices allow assessment tests to be carried out by people without psychological education.
- Instant results.
- Minimal sensitivity to the candidate's mood swings.
Flaws
- Cost of creation and implementation.
- Additional difficulties for applicants
Operations of verbal logical thinking
In the learning process, we operate with certain concepts .
- Analysis is a transition from the general to the specific, the division of an object into components, the differentiation of various properties, elements, and connections in it.
- Synthesis is a transition from the particular to the general. Combining the constituent parts into a single whole.
- Comparison is a comparison of phenomena and objects, isolating their differences and similarities with each other.
- Generalization is the unification of phenomena and objects according to significant characteristics, one or more.
- Classification – grouping according to characteristics. In contrast to generalization, which is based on significant features, classification recognizes desirable but unimportant features as a basis, for example, drink preference.
The importance of developing verbal logical thinking in children
It is necessary to develop verbal logical thinking in preschoolers because children will soon begin studying. From the first days they will study subjects based on logic , and unprepared children will have a very difficult time.
Undeveloped verbal logical thinking interferes with the assimilation of knowledge, leads to the inability to express one’s thoughts, and prevents the establishment of normal contacts with teachers and other children. This is why adaptation in our society is so difficult for the deaf and mute. They go to special schools, they are taught using special methods, they even have their own language.
To help your child, you can:
- ask him to retell cartoons;
- compose fairy tales with him;
- solve simple logic problems with him;
- solve riddles;
- ask him to explain the meaning of proverbs and sayings.
Verbal logical thinking in human life
Verbal logical thinking implies not only the ability to think logically, but also masterful command of words . It is precisely this that is involved in our communication with other people. After all, if a person knows something, but cannot convey it to others through speech, he becomes like a mute. If a person speaks beautifully, but is at odds with logic, he is as good as deaf.
It is to him that we owe all the discoveries that humanity has made during its existence. If a person cannot think logically, he will not discover anything. If he cannot convey his message to others, his discovery will die with him.
Control
When taking a test online, applicants are tempted to cheat: find nonverbal tests with answers on the Internet, or ask friends for help. The developers have provided for this.
The most effective way to combat dishonest approaches is considered to be a retest: after the candidate successfully passes the remote part, he is invited to an in-person interview.
On it, in the presence of the examiner, he is asked the same questions, but in random order. If it turns out that while taking the test from home, he scored 75%, and in the presence of the examiner 25%, he will be disqualified.
In addition to retesting, to control validity they use:
- Audio and video recording;
- Desktop recording;
- Control of running processes and open browser tabs.
