CBSE Class 11 Psychology Chapter 8: Thinking NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Psychology, Chapter 8, focusing on the intricate process of thinking. It elaborates on the nature of thinking, defining it as a complex cognitive activity involving information manipulation, analysis, and abstract thought. The solutions explain the fundamental building blocks of thinking: concepts (mental representations of categories) and mental images (representations of sensory experiences). Furthermore, it delves into problem-solving, identifying common obstacles like mental sets and lack of motivation, and outlines the systematic steps involved. The role of reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in reaching conclusions is clarified, alongside the function of analogies. Finally, the interrelationship between judgment and decision-making is explored, highlighting how evaluating alternatives leads to choices. These solutions are designed to help students grasp these core psychological concepts for effective exam revision.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Psychology
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 8

Chapter summary

Chapter 8 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Psychology offers a deep dive into the cognitive process of thinking. It covers the fundamental nature of thinking, its reliance on mental images and concepts, and the process of concept formation. The solutions also address problem-solving strategies and common hindrances, the distinct types of reasoning (inductive and deductive), and the crucial role of analogies. Lastly, it examines the interconnectedness of judgment and decision-making, providing clarity on how we evaluate options and make choices. This chapter is essential for understanding higher-order cognitive functions.

Learning outcomes

Understand the fundamental nature and characteristics of thinking.
Define and explain the role of concepts and mental images in cognitive processes.
Identify and analyze obstacles encountered during problem-solving.
Differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning and their application.
Explain the process of making judgments and decisions.
Recognize the interrelationship between judgment and decision-making.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Nature of Thinking
Mental Images
Concepts
Concept Formation
Problem Solving
Obstacles in Problem Solving
Mental Set
Lack of Motivation
Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Deductive Reasoning
Judgment and Decision Making

Important topics

Nature of Thinking
Concepts and Mental Images
Problem Solving and Obstacles
Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning
Judgment and Decision Making

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Explain the nature of thinking.

Solution: Thinking is a sophisticated cognitive process that involves actively manipulating and analyzing information. This information can be gathered directly from our environment through our senses or retrieved from our memory of past experiences. The process of thinking encompasses various mental operations such as abstracting, reasoning, imagining, solving problems, making judgments, and deciding. Although thinking is an internal mental activity, its presence and nature can often be inferred from a person's observable behavior. It forms the foundation for all other cognitive activities and is typically goal-directed, involving planning to reach a desired outcome.

Question 2

What is a concept? Explain the role of concept in the thinking process.

Solution: A concept is a mental representation that categorizes objects, events, or ideas that share common properties. Essentially, it's a mental framework or a mental category that helps us organize our knowledge about the world. For example, the concept of 'dog' includes shared features like being an animal, having fur, barking, etc., allowing us to recognize different breeds as dogs. Concepts play a crucial role in thinking because they enable us to organize information systematically. Concept formation involves identifying common properties among stimuli, which is a fundamental task of thinking. By using concepts, we can classify new experiences based on past knowledge, making our thinking more efficient and manageable.

Question 3

Identify obstacles that one may encounter in problem solving.

Solution: Problem solving is a goal-directed thinking process aimed at finding a solution. While it involves several mental operations like identifying the problem, representing it, planning solutions, evaluating options, and executing the chosen solution, several obstacles can hinder this process. Two major obstacles are:

Mental Set: This is the tendency to approach a problem using methods or strategies that have worked in the past, even if they are not the most effective or appropriate for the current problem. It can prevent us from considering novel or more efficient solutions.
Lack of Motivation: When faced with a difficult problem or initial failures, a lack of motivation can cause individuals to give up easily. Persistence and sustained effort are often required to overcome challenges in problem-solving, and insufficient motivation can be a significant barrier.

Question 4

How does reasoning help in solving problems?

Solution: Reasoning is a specific form of problem-solving that is goal-directed and involves making inferences to arrive at a conclusion. It aids in problem-solving by providing a structured way to gather and analyze information. There are different types of reasoning:

Inductive Reasoning: This type of reasoning moves from specific observations or facts to broader generalizations or conclusions. Scientific reasoning often employs inductive methods to form hypotheses based on data.
Deductive Reasoning: This process starts with a general principle or premise and applies it to specific instances to reach a logical conclusion. It helps in testing hypotheses or applying known rules to new situations.
Analogy: Reasoning by analogy involves drawing comparisons between different situations or objects to understand or solve a problem. It helps in identifying and visualizing key attributes by relating them to something familiar.

By employing these forms of reasoning, individuals can systematically explore possibilities, evaluate evidence, and arrive at sound solutions.

Question 5

Are judgement and decision-making interrelated processes? Explain.

Solution: Yes, judgment and decision-making are closely interrelated processes, though they are not identical. Decision-making is the process of choosing among various available alternatives. Before making a decision, we often engage in judgment, which involves evaluating the potential costs and benefits, risks, and outcomes associated with each alternative. For instance, when deciding between studying Psychology or Economics for higher education, you would judge the future prospects, personal interest, and career opportunities associated with each subject. Judgments provide the necessary information and evaluation that inform the final decision. While decision-making is the act of choosing, judgments are the assessments that guide that choice. Decision-making differs from other problem-solving in that the potential solutions or choices are often already known.

Common mistakes

Confusing judgment with decision-making.
Underestimating the impact of mental sets on problem-solving.
Difficulty in distinguishing between inductive and deductive reasoning.
Overlooking the role of motivation in overcoming problem-solving challenges.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the definitions and examples of concepts and mental images.
Practice identifying obstacles in given problem-solving scenarios.
Create your own examples to illustrate inductive and deductive reasoning.
Review the steps involved in decision-making and the role of judgment.
Use the provided explanations to clarify any doubts about the nature of thinking.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary function of concepts in the thinking process?

Q2. Which of the following is identified as a major obstacle in problem-solving?

Q3. Inductive reasoning typically moves from:

Q4. Decision-making primarily involves:

Q5. What is a mental image?

Frequently asked questions

What is the core definition of thinking according to NCERT?

Thinking is defined as a complex mental process involving the manipulation and analysis of information, either from sensory input or past experiences, to achieve goals like reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

What are the two main building blocks of thinking discussed in Chapter 8?

The two main building blocks of thinking are mental images, which are mental representations of sensory experiences, and concepts, which are mental representations of categories of objects or events.

What are the primary obstacles to effective problem-solving mentioned?

The primary obstacles to problem-solving identified are mental set, which is the tendency to use familiar methods, and lack of motivation, which can lead to giving up easily.

How does reasoning help in problem-solving?

Reasoning, through processes like inductive and deductive logic, helps in gathering and analyzing information to arrive at logical conclusions and solutions for problems.

Are judgment and decision-making the same process?

No, they are interrelated but distinct. Judgment provides information by evaluating options, while decision-making is the actual process of choosing among those alternatives.

How can understanding concepts aid in thinking?

Concepts help organize knowledge in systematic ways by categorizing objects and events based on shared properties, making it easier to process information and think effectively.

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