Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind critical and creative thinking
UBAThinker2 draws from decades of rigorous research in cognitive psychology, critical thinking education, creative problem-solving, and decision science. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 18 thinking modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
Essential texts on developing rigorous, analytical thinking:
1985 • Little, Brown and Company
The revolutionary method for parallel thinking that teaches how to separate emotion from logic, creativity from analysis, and black hat critique from green hat innovation. Used by organizations worldwide to improve thinking quality.
2011 • Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Nobel laureate Kahneman's exploration of the two systems that drive our thinking: the fast, intuitive System 1 and the slow, deliberate System 2. Essential reading for understanding cognitive biases and improving judgment.
2013 • Psychology Press (5th Edition)
The definitive academic text on teaching critical thinking skills, used in universities worldwide. Covers reasoning, argument analysis, decision-making, and creative problem-solving with practical applications.
Research on generating novel ideas and innovative solutions:
1970 • Harper & Row
The foundational work on lateral thinking—de Bono's term for solving problems through indirect and creative approaches. Teaches techniques for breaking free from conventional thinking patterns.
1996 • Harper Collins
Based on interviews with 91 exceptional creators, this book explores how creative thinking actually works. Csikszentmihalyi reveals the common patterns among highly creative individuals across domains.
2008 • Business Plus (Revised Edition)
A playful but practical guide to creative thinking that identifies the mental locks that block creativity and provides techniques for breaking through them.
Research on practical intelligence and wise judgment:
1996 • Simon & Schuster
Sternberg's triarchic theory argues that success depends on analytical, creative, and practical intelligence working together—not just IQ. Shows how to develop all three aspects.
2008 • Harper Collins
Behavioral economist Ariely reveals the systematic patterns in human irrationality and how understanding them can improve decision-making.
2010 • Knopf
A comprehensive exploration of wisdom across disciplines—from ancient philosophy to modern neuroscience—revealing what science tells us about this elusive but essential quality.
Research on attention, time management, and effective execution:
2016 • Grand Central Publishing
Newport argues that the ability to focus without distraction is becoming increasingly rare and increasingly valuable. Provides rules and rituals for cultivating deep focus.
2015 • Penguin (Revised Edition)
The classic productivity methodology that teaches how to clear your mind of distracting thoughts and organize your work for maximum effectiveness.
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBAThinker2's evidence-based approach:
Facione, P. A. (1990). The Delphi Report. American Philosophical Association.
The landmark expert consensus on what critical thinking is and how it should be taught—foundational for understanding the components of effective thinking.
Halpern, D. F. (1998). American Psychologist, 53(4), 449-455.
Research demonstrating that critical thinking skills can be taught and transferred across different domains—supporting the idea that thinking skills are developable.
Baltes, P. B., & Staudinger, U. M. (2000). Annual Review of Psychology, 51, 471-507.
Comprehensive review of psychological research on wisdom, defining it as expertise in the fundamental pragmatics of life.
Runco, M. A. (2007). Academic Press.
Comprehensive overview of creativity research, covering divergent thinking, creative problem-solving, and the development of creative abilities.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Transform thinking research into daily inspiration with UBAThinker2's 18 modules and 1,800+ curated quotes.