Linear Thinking

Publication Date :

13 Aug, 2025

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Table of Contents

Linear Thinking Meaning

Linear thinking is a thought process that follows a straight-line progression. It is a step-by-step procedure for systematic and analytical problem-solving systems. It views any problem as a sequence starting from a set point and eventually leading to a solution or outcome as an endpoint.

Since it follows a step-by-step progression, each step depends on the previous step; therefore, no step can be skipped or altered. Many analysts appreciate it and are called left-brainers, as the left side of the brain is considered methodological and analytical. It is a straightforward and data-driven approach. It is also called vertical thinking or sequential thinking.

Key Takeaways

Linear thinking is a step-by-step progression, viewing every problem from a starting point, following the steps to eventually leading to a solution.
It is based on logic, past data, and existing solutions. On the other hand, non-linear thinking is a creative approach.
It is a common thought process allowing people to be logical and rational and use past experiences to solve future problems. In contrast, lateral thinking is based on discovery and survey.
Science, math, and technical fields are the most common grounds for linear thinking.

Linear Thinking Explained

Linear thinking is the method of solving a problem by following a set pattern. Analysts follow a step-by-step process to accomplish a task, solve a problem or devise a framework that has a starting point from where and an end point at which the result is obtained. Linear thinking psychology is based on both systematic and analytical procedures in which each step is dependent on its previous step. It works like a connected series of calculations.

Linear thinking states that every problem follows a straight-line progression and is an outcome of its previous step. This approach has many limitations. The most important aspect is that no innovation is sighted, and it lacks creativity and spontaneity. Researchers following this thinking style are left-brain thinkers because they tend to believe in logic rather than a creative and out-of-the-box approach. Moreover, for them, every element of the problem is systematically arranged and solved properly without assumptions or skipping multiple steps.

There is a constant debate between the use of linear and lateral thinking between researchers. It also depends on the nature of the problem and the psychological view of the analyst, whether they are left or right-brain thinkers.

Examples

Below are two examples of linear thinking, one hypothetical and the other from real-world news:

Example #1

Suppose Bethy is a physics professor working on a derivation. She starts from the beginning and with each step, she reaches to another equation. Every present step is an outcome of the previous calculation. At times, she uses data to relate elements and make notes. The whole solution is one long form of calculation in which not a single step can be skipped. There is no scope for another view, and the whole derivation comes down vertically.

It is a simple example of this approach. If Bethy had come up with a creative approach and skipped the steps, her method would be considered the opposite of linear thinking. Many fields support the use of this approach. However, with new-age development, people believe it should be replaced.

Example #2

Srinivasan Swamy, Convenor of the IAA Global Summit, recently emphasized the importance of linear thinking. However, he concluded by highlighting the value of lateral thinking and how it has the potential to complement or replace the traditional linear thinking model.

He spoke about the earlier use of this approach in branding and building strong relationships between the product and the nation. He has also been the Past World President of the International Advertising Association (IAA). In addition, he spoke about the new-age technology shaping Silicon Valley with new startups that now do not follow linear but lateral thinking.

Advantages

The advantages of linear thinking are:

Forms an orderly structure and step-by-step framework.
Due to sequencing, it is easy to follow and predict the outcome.
Since it follows a pattern, it leaves scope for analysts to be rational.
Many world systems are based on linear thinking, which otherwise would be impossible to manage.
It is data-driven and hence has a good degree of accuracy.

Linear Thinking Vs. Non-Linear Thinking

The differences between the two approaches are as follows:

Linear Thinking	Non-Linear Thinking
It is a left-brain methodology.	Non-linear thinking is a right-brain process.
It is based on logic and past data.	It is a creative ideology.
It follows a set pattern.	No set pattern of sequence is observed in non-linear thinking.

Linear Thinking Vs. Lateral Thinking

The differences between the two approaches are as follows:

Linear Thinking	Lateral Thinking
It focuses on logical solutions	Lateral thinking centers on finding the ‘out of the box’ solution.
It is based on data and past patterns	It is based on discovery, spontaneity and exploration.
It is an organized form of problem-solving	It is disorganized and nonsequential.