Binary
Binary thinking, also known as 'splitting,' which Dr. Craig Childless states, "Central to the psychological processes of narcissistic and borderline personalities is the characteristic of 'splitting,' which is a polarized perception of events and people into extremes of all-good, ideal, and wonderful or all-bad, entirely devalued, and demonized. In splitting, thinking and perception are black-or-white." [1] It is also called black and white thinking. [2]

"Simply put, 'splitting' is a defense mechanism in which people unconsciously frame ideas, individuals, or groups in all-or-nothing terms (e.g., all-good vs. all-bad or all-powerful vs. 100% powerless). It’s a widely used concept in mental health." [3] It may also be referred to as absolute thinking.

"Binary thinking, also known as dichotomous thinking, happens when even complex concepts, ideas, and problems are overly simplified into being one side or another. The gray area in the middle is ignored or goes unnoticed." [4]

Directional
"Directional thinking is a pattern of thought that works on moving the discussion forward, moving a step closer to a solution. It doesn't necessarily go in a straight line. The decisions are in the lighter grey versus the darker grey areas. It is looking at situations as opportunities to learn or experiment." [5] Directional thinking is also referred to as positive thinking. [6] "Clarity means being very clear about the direction you want to go, but very flexible ... This is directional, rather than binary thinking." [7]

"Directional thinking doesn’t resolve any tension. It doesn’t feel safe or complete. Therefore it requires emotional intelligence." [8] A typical example of the difference between binary and directional thinking is the concept of evil. However, with a little directional thinking manipulated by professional instruction, a binary thinker can be convinced of this new concept of evil and what it really is.

Humor Reveals How One Thinks
"A classic "Futurama" episode has robot Bender waking from a nightmare: “Ahhh, what an awful dream. Ones and zeros everywhere... [shudder] and I thought I saw a two!”

His friend Fry: comforts him. “It was just a dream, Bender. There’s no such thing as two.” [9]

Binary thinkers won't get the joke but directional thinkers will laugh and laugh and laugh. Simply google a binary question and google offers you not only binary answers but also all the grey answers for those who are searching directionally. Probably everyone thinks binary, as well as, directional or at the very least has the capacity to think both ways but prefer only thinking in one or the other? Apparently the consensus among the psychologists is binary is a warm and fuzzy safe feeling while directional is extremely emotional and perplexing.

Sports
"The Yankees and Red Sox are said to have one of the greatest rivalries in baseball. One reason is either team can win the game. In fact, statically, the Yankees have only a slight advantage. So typically fans can expect the win/loss to be a split. Seeing that is the case, the teams could skip playing the games, split the season and use the time to rest. Which also raises the question if the outcome of the seasons have been predicable why is it such a great rivalry - the outcome is known. It could be looking at the rivalry in a binary way makes it seem like the games have a high degree of uncertainty (if predictable it is not very entertaining). But when looked at in the more nuanced directional way the rivalry becomes predictable (at least for the non post season games)." [10]

Critique
"I am blown away that you are seeking my opinion yet another time, on subjects that I do not feel I’m an expert on by any means. I carefully read your article, and found it to be well researched and well supported with specific references. I was surprised to note John Trumbull‘s name in [10]. It outlines the difference between binary and directional thinking, which is surely of great interest to psychologists and computer programmers. And it is fairly brief and to the point, understandable to the general public, rather than filled with excessive detail, overly technical terms, and illustrations of minor points. Presumably those would be supplied in the articles you referenced, for those who wish to investigate further.” [11]

End Notes

[1] Key Concept: Splitting, Understanding Splitting, Dr. Craig Childress

[2] Black and White Thinking, WebMD

[3] Splitting: The Psychology Behind Binary Thinking And How It Limits A Diversity Of Opinions, Ilana Redstone, Forbes

[4] How to Avoid Binary Thinking and Think More Clearly, Clay Drinko, Lifehack

[5] Directional vs Binary Thinking in Organizations, GUARDIAN EMR

[6] Directional Thinking: 10 Steps to Positive Thinking, Benjamin Chapin

[7] A Tip for Successful Investing – Move from “Binary” to “Directional” Thinking, FinDotNews

[8] Binary Thinking vs Directional Thinking, DANIEL PRIESTLEY, Key Person of Influence

[9] Why Not Ternary Computers?By David Scott Brown | Reviewed by Kuntal ChakrabortyCheckmark Published: May 25, 2021 | Last updated: January 14, 2022

[10] John Trumbull (a friend's critique of this article)

[11] Anonymous Friend