Analogy - what is it? Method of analogy

Many ways of developing original thoughts and ideas are in demand in the most diverse spheres of life. With their help, heads of large organizations increase their efficiency in a highly competitive environment, and creative groups stimulate the development of non-ordinary methods of activity.

Analogy - what is it? One of many ways to implement an unusual approach to solving the problem. Its peculiarity in the existence of the possibility of using several techniques, the aggregate of which considerably extends the boundaries of the search for the original answer to the trivial question.

Method of analogy: purpose, essence and purpose

The purpose of this method is to maximize the "crackdown" of thinking, coupled with a decrease in the influence of psychological inertia. This will find the original solution to the problem.

The analogy method is used to search for non-standard conclusions in a variety of spheres of human activity. Its systematic application occurs in the field of similarity theory, which is often used in modeling.

The use of analogies is one of many universal techniques that mobilizes the resources of the intellect in order to solve creative problems and find new ideas.

What is the essence of this method? The analogy is used to bring the brain to unusual thoughts about something, but it does not answer the question of the correctness of the assumption.

The method of the synectics to some extent makes unfamiliar things familiar and, with the help of the similarities seen, allows to solve the problem in a well-known way, and vice versa: makes familiar things unfamiliar, giving the opportunity to look at the problem from a new angle, which often leads to new and original solutions.

What is the plan of action?

The concept of "analogy" includes four fundamental types of this method of solving problems: direct, symbolic, subjective and fantastic analogies, each of which embraces the experience and thoughts of people.

Each of these species has its own rules for finding an analogy.

They become more obvious if the following classification is introduced:

• Direct - real.
• Symbolic - abstract.
• Subjective - corporal.
• Fantastic - unreal.

Simple analogies imply a conclusion, in the course of which, on the basis of the similarity of two objects, in some characteristics they conclude about their similarities in others. They are used in the classification of a number of objects. Complex analogies are conclusions that are made on the basis of the totality of features of objects by various inferences.

Types of analogies

So, the analogy - what is it? This is a method of synectics. One of the most common ways to enhance the creative potential of man, through which you can overcome the usual patterns. This method is based on the properties of the brain to establish associative links between objects, words, feelings, emotions, concepts, impressions and thoughts.

W. Gordon - the author of this method - conceived it as one of the types of brainstorming or collective solution of a creative problem, but it can also be used in proud solitude.

Direct, fantastic, personal and subjective analogy. What? These are the main types of creative method for solving problems. Let us consider each of them in detail.

Direct analogy

To work with this kind of synectics, it is necessary to find similar solutions to the problem in other areas of human activity: life, industry, nature, science, business, etc. For example, in advertising of welding equipment, the main characteristic of which is a high speed of work, an analogy was used with a sewing machine.

Symbolic analogy

The method of symbolic analogy implies the reduction of your entire creative task to a short symbol or expression that will reflect the essence of your problem. This can be a certain metaphor, image, sign. The most important thing is to express the essence of the problem that needs a solution as clearly and concisely as possible. The simplest example: ice cream is sweet ice.

Fantastic analogy

To use a fantastic analogy to solve a creative problem, it is necessary to place it in a non-existent, unreal environment. You can use fantastic techniques, antiheroes or heroes.

Personal or subjective analogy

When applying the method of subjective or personal analogy, it is necessary to imagine ourselves an object (or part of it) or an element of the creative task being solved. The essence of this method of searching for a new idea is to feel how the selected object affects the environment, and the environment - on the object.

Building an analogy: the subtleties of the method of the synectics

How to apply this method of creative problem solving correctly? Building an analogy is a fairly well-known method of creating fresh ideas, however, like any technique, it has its own characteristics, knowing that you can use it more effectively. The cinectics serve a simple and useful purpose: to get off the ground and start generating ideas. It gives the impetus that is necessary in order to overcome the force of attraction of everyday reality and to break into the boundless and enchanting world of the possible.

We give the most productive scheme for solving a creative problem.

1. Summarize the task you need to solve as clearly as possible. It is always necessary to begin work with this step, since without it, in 90% of cases all further actions can be directed in the wrong direction. So, write down the problem in writing. The effort spent on fixing what you want to achieve will pay off in the course of the work.
2. With regard to the development of the task, ask a series of questions on the type "If ..., then what?" On the simplest topics. For example: if the shoes, then what? If the occupation, then what? If a fairy tale, then what? If the song, what kind? If the book, then what? Do not forget to answer them. Thus, you can generate an initial set of topics to bring the association.
3. The next step that you must do is to choose two or three analogies that seem most interesting to you and associated with some process.
4. Now, with each of them, open the processes that underlie the original task. For this purpose, divide a sheet of paper into two columns. The left column will contain a description of the processes that are related to the topic of analogy, and the right column - processes related to your problem.
5. The next step is to find similarities and parallels between the processes in the left and right columns. Think about how you can use the resulting comparisons to solve the problem. Fix all emerging ideas on paper.
6. Choose the best ideas and work on their refinement.

That's the whole algorithm of the analogy method. The success of solving a creative task directly depends on the initial selection of topics, the successful choice of associations, the ability to see the laws of processes, your emancipation when creating an idea. A little bit of energy - and the result will surpass all your expectations.

The method of analogy can be successfully used in all areas of activity, where a fresh look at everyday things is needed.

Syntectics: the pros and cons

Analogy - what is it? One of the most popular methods of brainstorming. Consider its merits and demerits.

Advantages of the synectics lie in its effectiveness, universality, in comparison with other alternative ways of developing abstract thinking. In addition, its undoubted advantage is the improvement of individual qualities of character, including imagination and intuition. The method of analogies is a good way to activate brain activity, which provides a critical assessment in the preparation of the result, and this, in turn, improves the quality of work.

Among the shortcomings of the synectics, its complexity is perhaps the main, despite the fact that the mechanisms and tools of this technique seem to be quite simple. The organization of the method of analogies at the professional level is quite a complex undertaking.