Not in my thinking. It is a form of gaining knowledge, and a good one. But, if having done your research, you find that the other ideas don't make any sense, what you do next will determine if you have given any thought on that subject. Being able to recognize incongruities, understanding that two bad choices will not lead you in the right direction, is the point where thinking may, for some, start.
Read and regurgitate is far too common. The world is full of incredibly knowledgeable people that cannot think for themselves.