What type of thinking is demonstrated when an officer lists advantages and disadvantages of training courses to aid decision making?

The correct answer reflects the concept of purposeful directed thinking, which is characterized by a focus on specific objectives and the systematic evaluation of information to inform decision-making. When an officer lists advantages and disadvantages of training courses, they are engaging in structured reasoning that aligns closely with clearly defined goals—namely, selecting the most beneficial training option. This type of thinking involves organizing thoughts around a particular purpose and assessing the implications of each choice in a deliberate manner.

Purposeful directed thinking emphasizes the systematic analysis of options to arrive at the best possible conclusion or decision, contrasting with more spontaneous or less structured approaches. In this scenario, the officer is not merely analyzing the information for general understanding (which would align more with analytical or critical thinking) but is specifically focused on achieving a decision based on the pros and cons discussed.

Analytical thinking would involve breaking down complex information into parts for better comprehension, while critical thinking entails questioning assumptions and evaluating evidence without a strict focus on a goal. Creative thinking also diverges from this context as it typically involves generating new ideas or solutions rather than methodically evaluating existing options. Thus, the nature of the inquiry in this situation underscores the alignment with purposeful directed thinking.