a type of approach to problems that usually involves one being selective, analytical, and sequential. It could be said that it is the opposite of lateral thinking.[1] Unlike lateral thinking that involves using added intuition, risk taking, and imagination through unconscious and subconscious processes. Vertical thinking consists of using more of a conscious approach via rational assessment in order to take in information or make decisions, this type of thinking encourages individuals to employ a sequential approach to solving problem where a creative and multi directional response are seen as imprudent. Vertical thinkers prefer to rely on external data and facts in order avoid failure or counterfactual thinking.[2]