How They Think vs. What They Think

Attribute	How They Think	What They Think
Process	Focuses on the cognitive processes involved in decision making and problem solving	Focuses on the content of thoughts and beliefs
Approach	Examines the methods and strategies individuals use to think and reason	Examines the specific beliefs and opinions individuals hold
Outcome	Emphasizes the process of thinking and how it influences behavior	Emphasizes the specific thoughts and beliefs that shape behavior

Introduction

When it comes to understanding the human mind, there are two key aspects to consider: how people think and what they think. These two attributes play a crucial role in shaping an individual's beliefs, behaviors, and decision-making processes. In this article, we will explore the differences between how people think and what they think, and how these differences impact various aspects of human cognition.

How They Think

How people think refers to the cognitive processes and mechanisms that individuals use to process information, make decisions, and solve problems. This aspect of cognition encompasses a wide range of mental processes, including perception, attention, memory, reasoning, and decision-making. How people think is influenced by a variety of factors, such as genetics, upbringing, education, and life experiences.

One key aspect of how people think is their cognitive style, which refers to the individual differences in the way people approach and solve problems. For example, some people may have a more analytical and logical thinking style, while others may have a more intuitive and creative thinking style. These cognitive styles can impact how individuals process information, make decisions, and interact with the world around them.

Another important aspect of how people think is their cognitive biases, which are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. Cognitive biases can influence how people perceive information, make decisions, and interpret events. Common cognitive biases include confirmation bias, availability heuristic, and anchoring bias.

Overall, how people think plays a crucial role in shaping their cognitive processes, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving skills. Understanding how individuals think can provide valuable insights into their behaviors, beliefs, and motivations.

What They Think

What people think refers to the content of their thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and attitudes. This aspect of cognition focuses on the specific ideas, concepts, and information that individuals hold in their minds. What people think is influenced by a variety of factors, such as culture, social norms, personal experiences, and education.

One key aspect of what people think is their beliefs, which are convictions or acceptances that certain things are true or real. Beliefs can be based on evidence, personal experiences, or cultural teachings. People's beliefs can shape their attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes.

Another important aspect of what people think is their opinions, which are judgments or evaluations about a particular issue, event, or situation. Opinions can be influenced by personal experiences, emotions, and social influences. People's opinions can impact their behaviors, interactions, and relationships with others.

Overall, what people think plays a crucial role in shaping their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Understanding the content of individuals' thoughts can provide valuable insights into their motivations, values, and perspectives.

Comparison

While how people think and what they think are distinct aspects of cognition, they are closely interconnected and influence each other in various ways. How people think can impact what they think, and vice versa. For example, an individual's cognitive biases can influence their beliefs and opinions, while their beliefs and opinions can shape their cognitive processes and decision-making abilities.

One key difference between how people think and what they think is that how people think is more focused on the cognitive processes and mechanisms that individuals use to process information, make decisions, and solve problems, while what people think is more focused on the specific ideas, beliefs, and opinions that individuals hold in their minds.

Another difference between how people think and what they think is that how people think is more influenced by internal factors, such as genetics, upbringing, and cognitive styles, while what people think is more influenced by external factors, such as culture, social norms, and personal experiences.

Despite these differences, how people think and what they think are both essential aspects of human cognition that play a crucial role in shaping individuals' beliefs, behaviors, and decision-making processes. By understanding the interplay between how people think and what they think, we can gain valuable insights into the complexities of the human mind.