Mastering Intuitive Thinking

I asked a question in my last class and insisted on having the right answer, which was a number. After a couple of wrong answers, one student gave the right number. When I asked her to explain, she appeared clueless. A few in the class laughed. I told them not to do so.

Why? I knew she did not think logically when she gave the answer – her voice showed under-confidence. Her correct answer was a result of intuitive thinking. Intuitive thinking is not necessarily logical. The reasoning happens in a subconscious state. I was merely trying to see if she could do a post-hoc analysis.

Most of my research contributions are results of intuitive thinking. Logical thinking is essential but not generally enough for innovation. If a problem can be solved through logical thinking, it will be done by most people around you. AI can also do it. If you are trying to do great research, you must master intuitive thinking.