The development of systematic thinking patterns will guide scientists of every field toward greater working efficiency and wiser deductions. Geological thought offers four important thinking patterns that are unique among scientists because geology is largely an observational science. These thought patterns are: 

1. Multiplex- Assembly. This deals with the assembly and organization of data from multiple and complex sources. Good judgment and training guide the geologist in determining what clues are applicable and what clues are not important to a specific problem.

2. Three-Dimensional Thinking. It is suggested that in addition to the basic tools which the geologist uses in research; namely, electrical logs, maps, drawings, cross sections and diagrams, - all of which are two dimensional in nature, - three dimensional models be used as supplements. These devices could be made by less skilled and therefore less expensive labor, as an aid to the geologist.

3. Time and Sequence Thinking. Since geology deals with a given sequence of historical events, the geological thinking that accompanies any problem must involve a reconstruction of the historical events. This “concept of time" may be the one great contribution that geology makes to scientific thinking. 

4. Multiple -Working-Hypothesis method of thinking. Reference is made to T. C. Chamberlain's concept of how to solve geological problems, which states that there may be two or more possible sets of conditions which could account for any given set of raw facts. Therefore additional research is necessary in order to prove or disprove every working hypothesis. In the final analysis some combination of hypotheses may be formulated that will satisfy all of the conditions.

In order to place these thought patterns in their proper frame of reference, a review of the Scientific Method may be
outlined as:

1. Assembly and Organization of facts, observed and experimental.
2. Interpretation of facts and development of working hypotheses and theories.
3. Testing of theories and hypotheses by experiment and additional observation.
4. Development of natural laws. 

If geologists do not adopt a systematic approach to their thinking patterns and include the Multiplex-Assembly, Three- Dimension, Time and Sequence and Multiple -Working Hypotheses, then they cannot expect to keep up with the other fields of science. The use of personal check lists and a variety of explanations for geological problems will aid in the discovery of more oil and gas more efficiently, and therefore with less cost.