What type of thinking is characterized by making judgments based on immediate perceptions?

The type of thinking characterized by making judgments based on immediate perceptions is known as automatic thinking. This form of thinking occurs when individuals rely on their intuition or gut feelings to make quick decisions without engaging in deliberate reasoning or analysis. Automatic thinking is typically subconscious and arises in response to familiar situations, allowing individuals to function efficiently without the need for deep cognitive processing.

For example, when someone encounters a situation they have experienced before, they may react instinctively, using prior knowledge or assumptions to guide their response. This is often seen in everyday life, such as quickly assessing whether to cross the street based on the sound of an approaching vehicle.

Heuristic thinking involves using mental shortcuts or rules of thumb to simplify decision-making, which often leads to quick judgments but can be more deliberate than automatic thinking. Rational and reflective thinking, on the other hand, entail more analytical and conscious processes, where individuals evaluate options and consider various factors before reaching a conclusion. Such processes are slower and require cognitive effort, contrasting with the immediacy associated with automatic thinking.