The range of thinking is huge, and it is affected by many different things. These include internal and external (intrinsic and extrinsic) influences. When the internal processes are allowed to act strongly, a person's thinking is often creative and expressive. Dreams, imagination, and delusions are all intrinsic. Nevertheless, stimulus from the outside environment also play a large role. When thinking is dominated by these stimuli thinking becomes more logical and disciplined. These two aspects of thinking can also be called Autistic (internal), and Realistic (external).
Realistic thinking is thinking that is oriented towards the external environment. It includes problem solving, creative thinking, and working in groups. To maximize the effectiveness of realistic thinking motivation is needed. A compelling need to succeed or a fear of failure as well as simple rewards can work to motivate a person's realistic thinking. An individual's strategy and style can work to help or hurt and individuals realistic thinking.
Problem solving is the use of realistic thinking to come to a solution. When the goal is very difficult to achieve, complex forms of realistic thinking occur. When put into such a situation a person will pass through stages. The first stage is the process of organizing and exploring to organize the resources available. Then the activity falls into two categories, one requiring only simple trial and error, and the other requiring some degree of insight. Anagrams, math problems, mechanical problems, and "brain teasers" are all examples of problem solving tasks.
Creative thinking is thinking that leads to information or solutions that were previously undiscovered. Creativity can be broken down into artistic and scientific creativity. The artist places more value on feeling and individual expression than the scientist does. The scientist is much more disciplined. He is relies on logical thinking to lead him in new directions.