how important is critical thinking to your success

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Why Is Critical Thinking Important? A Survival Guide

Updated: December 7, 2023

Published: April 2, 2020

Why is critical thinking important? The decisions that you make affect your quality of life. And if you want to ensure that you live your best, most successful and happy life, you’re going to want to make conscious choices. That can be done with a simple thing known as critical thinking. Here’s how to improve your critical thinking skills and make decisions that you won’t regret.

What Is Critical Thinking?

You’ve surely heard of critical thinking, but you might not be entirely sure what it really means, and that’s because there are many definitions. For the most part, however, we think of critical thinking as the process of analyzing facts in order to form a judgment. Basically, it’s thinking about thinking.

How Has The Definition Evolved Over Time?

The first time critical thinking was documented is believed to be in the teachings of Socrates , recorded by Plato. But throughout history, the definition has changed.

Today it is best understood by philosophers and psychologists and it’s believed to be a highly complex concept. Some insightful modern-day critical thinking definitions include :

• “Reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.”
• “Deciding what’s true and what you should do.”

The Importance Of Critical Thinking

Why is critical thinking important? Good question! Here are a few undeniable reasons why it’s crucial to have these skills.

1. Critical Thinking Is Universal

Critical thinking is a domain-general thinking skill. What does this mean? It means that no matter what path or profession you pursue, these skills will always be relevant and will always be beneficial to your success. They are not specific to any field.

2. Crucial For The Economy

Our future depends on technology, information, and innovation. Critical thinking is needed for our fast-growing economies, to solve problems as quickly and as effectively as possible.

3. Improves Language & Presentation Skills

In order to best express ourselves, we need to know how to think clearly and systematically — meaning practice critical thinking! Critical thinking also means knowing how to break down texts, and in turn, improve our ability to comprehend.

4. Promotes Creativity

By practicing critical thinking, we are allowing ourselves not only to solve problems but also to come up with new and creative ideas to do so. Critical thinking allows us to analyze these ideas and adjust them accordingly.

5. Important For Self-Reflection

Without critical thinking, how can we really live a meaningful life? We need this skill to self-reflect and justify our ways of life and opinions. Critical thinking provides us with the tools to evaluate ourselves in the way that we need to.

6. The Basis Of Science & Democracy

In order to have a democracy and to prove scientific facts, we need critical thinking in the world. Theories must be backed up with knowledge. In order for a society to effectively function, its citizens need to establish opinions about what’s right and wrong (by using critical thinking!).

Benefits Of Critical Thinking

We know that critical thinking is good for society as a whole, but what are some benefits of critical thinking on an individual level? Why is critical thinking important for us?

1. Key For Career Success

Critical thinking is crucial for many career paths. Not just for scientists, but lawyers , doctors, reporters, engineers , accountants, and analysts (among many others) all have to use critical thinking in their positions. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking is one of the most desirable skills to have in the workforce, as it helps analyze information, think outside the box, solve problems with innovative solutions, and plan systematically.

2. Better Decision Making

There’s no doubt about it — critical thinkers make the best choices. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems as they come our way, and very often this thought process is even done subconsciously. It helps us think independently and trust our gut feeling.

3. Can Make You Happier!

While this often goes unnoticed, being in touch with yourself and having a deep understanding of why you think the way you think can really make you happier. Critical thinking can help you better understand yourself, and in turn, help you avoid any kind of negative or limiting beliefs, and focus more on your strengths. Being able to share your thoughts can increase your quality of life.

4. Form Well-Informed Opinions

There is no shortage of information coming at us from all angles. And that’s exactly why we need to use our critical thinking skills and decide for ourselves what to believe. Critical thinking allows us to ensure that our opinions are based on the facts, and help us sort through all that extra noise.

5. Better Citizens

One of the most inspiring critical thinking quotes is by former US president Thomas Jefferson: “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” What Jefferson is stressing to us here is that critical thinkers make better citizens, as they are able to see the entire picture without getting sucked into biases and propaganda.

6. Improves Relationships

While you may be convinced that being a critical thinker is bound to cause you problems in relationships, this really couldn’t be less true! Being a critical thinker can allow you to better understand the perspective of others, and can help you become more open-minded towards different views.

7. Promotes Curiosity

Critical thinkers are constantly curious about all kinds of things in life, and tend to have a wide range of interests. Critical thinking means constantly asking questions and wanting to know more, about why, what, who, where, when, and everything else that can help them make sense of a situation or concept, never taking anything at face value.

8. Allows For Creativity

Critical thinkers are also highly creative thinkers, and see themselves as limitless when it comes to possibilities. They are constantly looking to take things further, which is crucial in the workforce.

9. Enhances Problem Solving Skills

Those with critical thinking skills tend to solve problems as part of their natural instinct. Critical thinkers are patient and committed to solving the problem, similar to Albert Einstein, one of the best critical thinking examples, who said “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Critical thinkers’ enhanced problem-solving skills makes them better at their jobs and better at solving the world’s biggest problems. Like Einstein, they have the potential to literally change the world.

10. An Activity For The Mind

Just like our muscles, in order for them to be strong, our mind also needs to be exercised and challenged. It’s safe to say that critical thinking is almost like an activity for the mind — and it needs to be practiced. Critical thinking encourages the development of many crucial skills such as logical thinking, decision making, and open-mindness.

11. Creates Independence

When we think critically, we think on our own as we trust ourselves more. Critical thinking is key to creating independence, and encouraging students to make their own decisions and form their own opinions.

12. Crucial Life Skill

Critical thinking is crucial not just for learning, but for life overall! Education isn’t just a way to prepare ourselves for life, but it’s pretty much life itself. Learning is a lifelong process that we go through each and every day.

How to Think Critically

Now that you know the benefits of thinking critically, how do you actually do it?

How To Improve Your Critical Thinking

• Define Your Question: When it comes to critical thinking, it’s important to always keep your goal in mind. Know what you’re trying to achieve, and then figure out how to best get there.
• Gather Reliable Information: Make sure that you’re using sources you can trust — biases aside. That’s how a real critical thinker operates!
• Ask The Right Questions: We all know the importance of questions, but be sure that you’re asking the right questions that are going to get you to your answer.
• Look Short & Long Term: When coming up with solutions, think about both the short- and long-term consequences. Both of them are significant in the equation.
• Explore All Sides: There is never just one simple answer, and nothing is black or white. Explore all options and think outside of the box before you come to any conclusions.

How Is Critical Thinking Developed At School?

Critical thinking is developed in nearly everything we do. However, much of this important skill is encouraged to be practiced at school, and rightfully so! Critical thinking goes beyond just thinking clearly — it’s also about thinking for yourself.

When a teacher asks a question in class, students are given the chance to answer for themselves and think critically about what they learned and what they believe to be accurate. When students work in groups and are forced to engage in discussion, this is also a great chance to expand their thinking and use their critical thinking skills.

How Does Critical Thinking Apply To Your Career?

Once you’ve finished school and entered the workforce, your critical thinking journey only expands and grows from here!

Impress Your Employer

Employers value employees who are critical thinkers, ask questions, offer creative ideas, and are always ready to offer innovation against the competition. No matter what your position or role in a company may be, critical thinking will always give you the power to stand out and make a difference.

Careers That Require Critical Thinking

Some of many examples of careers that require critical thinking include:

• Human resources specialist
• Marketing associate
• Business analyst

Truth be told however, it’s probably harder to come up with a professional field that doesn’t require any critical thinking!

Photo by  Oladimeji Ajegbile  from  Pexels

What is someone with critical thinking skills capable of doing.

Someone with critical thinking skills is able to think rationally and clearly about what they should or not believe. They are capable of engaging in their own thoughts, and doing some reflection in order to come to a well-informed conclusion.

A critical thinker understands the connections between ideas, and is able to construct arguments based on facts, as well as find mistakes in reasoning.

The Process Of Critical Thinking

The process of critical thinking is highly systematic.

What Are Your Goals?

Critical thinking starts by defining your goals, and knowing what you are ultimately trying to achieve.

Once you know what you are trying to conclude, you can foresee your solution to the problem and play it out in your head from all perspectives.

What Does The Future Of Critical Thinking Hold?

The future of critical thinking is the equivalent of the future of jobs. In 2020, critical thinking was ranked as the 2nd top skill (following complex problem solving) by the World Economic Forum .

We are dealing with constant unprecedented changes, and what success is today, might not be considered success tomorrow — making critical thinking a key skill for the future workforce.

Why Is Critical Thinking So Important?

Why is critical thinking important? Critical thinking is more than just important! It’s one of the most crucial cognitive skills one can develop.

By practicing well-thought-out thinking, both your thoughts and decisions can make a positive change in your life, on both a professional and personal level. You can hugely improve your life by working on your critical thinking skills as often as you can.

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What Are Critical Thinking Skills and Why Are They Important?

Learn what critical thinking skills are, why they’re important, and how to develop and apply them in your workplace and everyday life.

We often use critical thinking skills without even realizing it. When you make a decision, such as which cereal to eat for breakfast, you're using critical thinking to determine the best option for you that day.

Critical thinking is like a muscle that can be exercised and built over time. It is a skill that can help propel your career to new heights. You'll be able to solve workplace issues, use trial and error to troubleshoot ideas, and more.

We'll take you through what it is and some examples so you can begin your journey in mastering this skill.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to interpret, evaluate, and analyze facts and information that are available, to form a judgment or decide if something is right or wrong.

More than just being curious about the world around you, critical thinkers make connections between logical ideas to see the bigger picture. Building your critical thinking skills means being able to advocate your ideas and opinions, present them in a logical fashion, and make decisions for improvement.

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Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking is useful in many areas of your life, including your career. It makes you a well-rounded individual, one who has looked at all of their options and possible solutions before making a choice.

According to the University of the People in California, having critical thinking skills is important because they are [ 1 ]:

Crucial for the economy

Essential for improving language and presentation skills

Very helpful in promoting creativity

Important for self-reflection

The basis of science and democracy 

Critical thinking skills are used every day in a myriad of ways and can be applied to situations such as a CEO approaching a group project or a nurse deciding in which order to treat their patients.

Examples of common critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills differ from individual to individual and are utilized in various ways. Examples of common critical thinking skills include:

Identification of biases: Identifying biases means knowing there are certain people or things that may have an unfair prejudice or influence on the situation at hand. Pointing out these biases helps to remove them from contention when it comes to solving the problem and allows you to see things from a different perspective.

Research: Researching details and facts allows you to be prepared when presenting your information to people. You’ll know exactly what you’re talking about due to the time you’ve spent with the subject material, and you’ll be well-spoken and know what questions to ask to gain more knowledge. When researching, always use credible sources and factual information.

Open-mindedness: Being open-minded when having a conversation or participating in a group activity is crucial to success. Dismissing someone else’s ideas before you’ve heard them will inhibit you from progressing to a solution, and will often create animosity. If you truly want to solve a problem, you need to be willing to hear everyone’s opinions and ideas if you want them to hear yours.

Analysis: Analyzing your research will lead to you having a better understanding of the things you’ve heard and read. As a true critical thinker, you’ll want to seek out the truth and get to the source of issues. It’s important to avoid taking things at face value and always dig deeper.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving is perhaps the most important skill that critical thinkers can possess. The ability to solve issues and bounce back from conflict is what helps you succeed, be a leader, and effect change. One way to properly solve problems is to first recognize there’s a problem that needs solving. By determining the issue at hand, you can then analyze it and come up with several potential solutions.

How to develop critical thinking skills

You can develop critical thinking skills every day if you approach problems in a logical manner. Here are a few ways you can start your path to improvement:

1. Ask questions.

Be inquisitive about everything. Maintain a neutral perspective and develop a natural curiosity, so you can ask questions that develop your understanding of the situation or task at hand. The more details, facts, and information you have, the better informed you are to make decisions.

2. Practice active listening.

Utilize active listening techniques, which are founded in empathy, to really listen to what the other person is saying. Critical thinking, in part, is the cognitive process of reading the situation: the words coming out of their mouth, their body language, their reactions to your own words. Then, you might paraphrase to clarify what they're saying, so both of you agree you're on the same page.

3. Develop your logic and reasoning.

This is perhaps a more abstract task that requires practice and long-term development. However, think of a schoolteacher assessing the classroom to determine how to energize the lesson. There's options such as playing a game, watching a video, or challenging the students with a reward system. Using logic, you might decide that the reward system will take up too much time and is not an immediate fix. A video is not exactly relevant at this time. So, the teacher decides to play a simple word association game.

Scenarios like this happen every day, so next time, you can be more aware of what will work and what won't. Over time, developing your logic and reasoning will strengthen your critical thinking skills.

Learn tips and tricks on how to become a better critical thinker and problem solver through online courses from notable educational institutions on Coursera. Start with Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking from Duke University or Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Information Age from the University of Michigan.

Article sources

University of the People, “ Why is Critical Thinking Important?: A Survival Guide , https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-is-critical-thinking-important/.” Accessed May 18, 2023.

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Critical Thinking: A Simple Guide and Why It’s Important

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Critical Thinking: A Simple Guide and Why It’s Important was originally published on Ivy Exec .

Strong critical thinking skills are crucial for career success, regardless of educational background. It embodies the ability to engage in astute and effective decision-making, lending invaluable dimensions to professional growth.

At its essence, critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information in a logical and reasoned manner. It’s not merely about accumulating knowledge but harnessing it effectively to make informed decisions and solve complex problems. In the dynamic landscape of modern careers, honing this skill is paramount.

The Impact of Critical Thinking on Your Career

☑ problem-solving mastery.

Visualize critical thinking as the Sherlock Holmes of your career journey. It facilitates swift problem resolution akin to a detective unraveling a mystery. By methodically analyzing situations and deconstructing complexities, critical thinkers emerge as adept problem solvers, rendering them invaluable assets in the workplace.

☑ Refined Decision-Making

Navigating dilemmas in your career path resembles traversing uncertain terrain. Critical thinking acts as a dependable GPS, steering you toward informed decisions. It involves weighing options, evaluating potential outcomes, and confidently choosing the most favorable path forward.

☑ Enhanced Teamwork Dynamics

Within collaborative settings, critical thinkers stand out as proactive contributors. They engage in scrutinizing ideas, proposing enhancements, and fostering meaningful contributions. Consequently, the team evolves into a dynamic hub of ideas, with the critical thinker recognized as the architect behind its success.

☑ Communication Prowess

Effective communication is the cornerstone of professional interactions. Critical thinking enriches communication skills, enabling the clear and logical articulation of ideas. Whether in emails, presentations, or casual conversations, individuals adept in critical thinking exude clarity, earning appreciation for their ability to convey thoughts seamlessly.

☑ Adaptability and Resilience

Perceptive individuals adept in critical thinking display resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. Instead of succumbing to panic, they assess situations, recalibrate their approaches, and persist in moving forward despite adversity.

☑ Fostering Innovation

Innovation is the lifeblood of progressive organizations, and critical thinking serves as its catalyst. Proficient critical thinkers possess the ability to identify overlooked opportunities, propose inventive solutions, and streamline processes, thereby positioning their organizations at the forefront of innovation.

☑ Confidence Amplification

Critical thinkers exude confidence derived from honing their analytical skills. This self-assurance radiates during job interviews, presentations, and daily interactions, catching the attention of superiors and propelling career advancement.

So, how can one cultivate and harness this invaluable skill?

✅ developing curiosity and inquisitiveness:.

Embrace a curious mindset by questioning the status quo and exploring topics beyond your immediate scope. Cultivate an inquisitive approach to everyday situations. Encourage a habit of asking “why” and “how” to deepen understanding. Curiosity fuels the desire to seek information and alternative perspectives.

✅ Practice Reflection and Self-Awareness:

Engage in reflective thinking by assessing your thoughts, actions, and decisions. Regularly introspect to understand your biases, assumptions, and cognitive processes. Cultivate self-awareness to recognize personal prejudices or cognitive biases that might influence your thinking. This allows for a more objective analysis of situations.

✅ Strengthening Analytical Skills:

Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable components. Analyze each part systematically to understand the whole picture. Develop skills in data analysis, statistics, and logical reasoning. This includes understanding correlation versus causation, interpreting graphs, and evaluating statistical significance.

✅ Engaging in Active Listening and Observation:

Actively listen to diverse viewpoints without immediately forming judgments. Allow others to express their ideas fully before responding. Observe situations attentively, noticing details that others might overlook. This habit enhances your ability to analyze problems more comprehensively.

✅ Encouraging Intellectual Humility and Open-Mindedness:

Foster intellectual humility by acknowledging that you don’t know everything. Be open to learning from others, regardless of their position or expertise. Cultivate open-mindedness by actively seeking out perspectives different from your own. Engage in discussions with people holding diverse opinions to broaden your understanding.

✅ Practicing Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:

Engage in regular problem-solving exercises that challenge you to think creatively and analytically. This can include puzzles, riddles, or real-world scenarios. When making decisions, consciously evaluate available information, consider various alternatives, and anticipate potential outcomes before reaching a conclusion.

✅ Continuous Learning and Exposure to Varied Content:

Read extensively across diverse subjects and formats, exposing yourself to different viewpoints, cultures, and ways of thinking. Engage in courses, workshops, or seminars that stimulate critical thinking skills. Seek out opportunities for learning that challenge your existing beliefs.

✅ Engage in Constructive Disagreement and Debate:

Encourage healthy debates and discussions where differing opinions are respectfully debated.

This practice fosters the ability to defend your viewpoints logically while also being open to changing your perspective based on valid arguments. Embrace disagreement as an opportunity to learn rather than a conflict to win. Engaging in constructive debate sharpens your ability to evaluate and counter-arguments effectively.

✅ Utilize Problem-Based Learning and Real-World Applications:

Engage in problem-based learning activities that simulate real-world challenges. Work on projects or scenarios that require critical thinking skills to develop practical problem-solving approaches. Apply critical thinking in real-life situations whenever possible.

This could involve analyzing news articles, evaluating product reviews, or dissecting marketing strategies to understand their underlying rationale.

In conclusion, critical thinking is the linchpin of a successful career journey. It empowers individuals to navigate complexities, make informed decisions, and innovate in their respective domains. Embracing and honing this skill isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity in a world where adaptability and sound judgment reign supreme.

So, as you traverse your career path, remember that the ability to think critically is not just an asset but the differentiator that propels you toward excellence.

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Article • 8 min read

Critical Thinking

Developing the right mindset and skills.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

We make hundreds of decisions every day and, whether we realize it or not, we're all critical thinkers.

We use critical thinking each time we weigh up our options, prioritize our responsibilities, or think about the likely effects of our actions. It's a crucial skill that helps us to cut out misinformation and make wise decisions. The trouble is, we're not always very good at it!

In this article, we'll explore the key skills that you need to develop your critical thinking skills, and how to adopt a critical thinking mindset, so that you can make well-informed decisions.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the discipline of rigorously and skillfully using information, experience, observation, and reasoning to guide your decisions, actions, and beliefs. You'll need to actively question every step of your thinking process to do it well.

Collecting, analyzing and evaluating information is an important skill in life, and a highly valued asset in the workplace. People who score highly in critical thinking assessments are also rated by their managers as having good problem-solving skills, creativity, strong decision-making skills, and good overall performance. [1]

Key Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinkers possess a set of key characteristics which help them to question information and their own thinking. Focus on the following areas to develop your critical thinking skills:

Being willing and able to explore alternative approaches and experimental ideas is crucial. Can you think through "what if" scenarios, create plausible options, and test out your theories? If not, you'll tend to write off ideas and options too soon, so you may miss the best answer to your situation.

To nurture your curiosity, stay up to date with facts and trends. You'll overlook important information if you allow yourself to become "blinkered," so always be open to new information.

But don't stop there! Look for opposing views or evidence to challenge your information, and seek clarification when things are unclear. This will help you to reassess your beliefs and make a well-informed decision later. Read our article, Opening Closed Minds , for more ways to stay receptive.

Logical Thinking

You must be skilled at reasoning and extending logic to come up with plausible options or outcomes.

It's also important to emphasize logic over emotion. Emotion can be motivating but it can also lead you to take hasty and unwise action, so control your emotions and be cautious in your judgments. Know when a conclusion is "fact" and when it is not. "Could-be-true" conclusions are based on assumptions and must be tested further. Read our article, Logical Fallacies , for help with this.

Use creative problem solving to balance cold logic. By thinking outside of the box you can identify new possible outcomes by using pieces of information that you already have.

Self-Awareness

Many of the decisions we make in life are subtly informed by our values and beliefs. These influences are called cognitive biases and it can be difficult to identify them in ourselves because they're often subconscious.

Practicing self-awareness will allow you to reflect on the beliefs you have and the choices you make. You'll then be better equipped to challenge your own thinking and make improved, unbiased decisions.

One particularly useful tool for critical thinking is the Ladder of Inference . It allows you to test and validate your thinking process, rather than jumping to poorly supported conclusions.

Developing a Critical Thinking Mindset

Combine the above skills with the right mindset so that you can make better decisions and adopt more effective courses of action. You can develop your critical thinking mindset by following this process:

Gather Information

First, collect data, opinions and facts on the issue that you need to solve. Draw on what you already know, and turn to new sources of information to help inform your understanding. Consider what gaps there are in your knowledge and seek to fill them. And look for information that challenges your assumptions and beliefs.

Be sure to verify the authority and authenticity of your sources. Not everything you read is true! Use this checklist to ensure that your information is valid:

• Are your information sources trustworthy ? (For example, well-respected authors, trusted colleagues or peers, recognized industry publications, websites, blogs, etc.)
• Is the information you have gathered up to date ?
• Has the information received any direct criticism ?
• Does the information have any errors or inaccuracies ?
• Is there any evidence to support or corroborate the information you have gathered?
• Is the information you have gathered subjective or biased in any way? (For example, is it based on opinion, rather than fact? Is any of the information you have gathered designed to promote a particular service or organization?)

If any information appears to be irrelevant or invalid, don't include it in your decision making. But don't omit information just because you disagree with it, or your final decision will be flawed and bias.

Now observe the information you have gathered, and interpret it. What are the key findings and main takeaways? What does the evidence point to? Start to build one or two possible arguments based on what you have found.

You'll need to look for the details within the mass of information, so use your powers of observation to identify any patterns or similarities. You can then analyze and extend these trends to make sensible predictions about the future.

To help you to sift through the multiple ideas and theories, it can be useful to group and order items according to their characteristics. From here, you can compare and contrast the different items. And once you've determined how similar or different things are from one another, Paired Comparison Analysis can help you to analyze them.

The final step involves challenging the information and rationalizing its arguments.

Apply the laws of reason (induction, deduction, analogy) to judge an argument and determine its merits. To do this, it's essential that you can determine the significance and validity of an argument to put it in the correct perspective. Take a look at our article, Rational Thinking , for more information about how to do this.

Once you have considered all of the arguments and options rationally, you can finally make an informed decision.

Afterward, take time to reflect on what you have learned and what you found challenging. Step back from the detail of your decision or problem, and look at the bigger picture. Record what you've learned from your observations and experience.

Critical thinking involves rigorously and skilfully using information, experience, observation, and reasoning to guide your decisions, actions and beliefs. It's a useful skill in the workplace and in life.

You'll need to be curious and creative to explore alternative possibilities, but rational to apply logic, and self-aware to identify when your beliefs could affect your decisions or actions.

You can demonstrate a high level of critical thinking by validating your information, analyzing its meaning, and finally evaluating the argument.

Critical Thinking Infographic

See Critical Thinking represented in our infographic: An Elementary Guide to Critical Thinking .

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Critical Thinking Is About Asking Better Questions

• John Coleman

Six practices to sharpen your inquiry.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and effectively break down an issue in order to make a decision or find a solution. At the heart of critical thinking is the ability to formulate deep, different, and effective questions. For effective questioning, start by holding your hypotheses loosely. Be willing to fundamentally reconsider your initial conclusions — and do so without defensiveness. Second, listen more than you talk through active listening. Third, leave your queries open-ended, and avoid yes-or-no questions. Fourth, consider the counterintuitive to avoid falling into groupthink. Fifth, take the time to stew in a problem, rather than making decisions unnecessarily quickly. Last, ask thoughtful, even difficult, follow-ups.

Are you tackling a new and difficult problem at work? Recently promoted and trying to both understand your new role and bring a fresh perspective? Or are you new to the workforce and seeking ways to meaningfully contribute alongside your more experienced colleagues? If so, critical thinking — the ability to analyze and effectively break down an issue in order to make a decision or find a solution — will be core to your success. And at the heart of critical thinking is the ability to formulate deep, different, and effective questions.

• JC John Coleman is the author of the HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose . Subscribe to his free newsletter, On Purpose , follow him on Twitter @johnwcoleman, or contact him at johnwilliamcoleman.com.

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What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas.  Critical thinking has been the subject of much debate and thought since the time of early Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates and has continued to be a subject of discussion into the modern age, for example the ability to recognise fake news .

Critical thinking might be described as the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking.

In essence, critical thinking requires you to use your ability to reason. It is about being an active learner rather than a passive recipient of information.

Critical thinkers rigorously question ideas and assumptions rather than accepting them at face value. They will always seek to determine whether the ideas, arguments and findings represent the entire picture and are open to finding that they do not.

Critical thinkers will identify, analyse and solve problems systematically rather than by intuition or instinct.

Someone with critical thinking skills can:

Understand the links between ideas.

Determine the importance and relevance of arguments and ideas.

Recognise, build and appraise arguments.

Identify inconsistencies and errors in reasoning.

Approach problems in a consistent and systematic way.

Reflect on the justification of their own assumptions, beliefs and values.

Critical thinking is thinking about things in certain ways so as to arrive at the best possible solution in the circumstances that the thinker is aware of. In more everyday language, it is a way of thinking about whatever is presently occupying your mind so that you come to the best possible conclusion.

Critical Thinking is:

A way of thinking about particular things at a particular time; it is not the accumulation of facts and knowledge or something that you can learn once and then use in that form forever, such as the nine times table you learn and use in school.

The Skills We Need for Critical Thinking

The skills that we need in order to be able to think critically are varied and include observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving, and decision making.

Specifically we need to be able to:

Think about a topic or issue in an objective and critical way.

Identify the different arguments there are in relation to a particular issue.

Evaluate a point of view to determine how strong or valid it is.

Recognise any weaknesses or negative points that there are in the evidence or argument.

Notice what implications there might be behind a statement or argument.

Provide structured reasoning and support for an argument that we wish to make.

The Critical Thinking Process

You should be aware that none of us think critically all the time.

Sometimes we think in almost any way but critically, for example when our self-control is affected by anger, grief or joy or when we are feeling just plain ‘bloody minded’.

On the other hand, the good news is that, since our critical thinking ability varies according to our current mindset, most of the time we can learn to improve our critical thinking ability by developing certain routine activities and applying them to all problems that present themselves.

Once you understand the theory of critical thinking, improving your critical thinking skills takes persistence and practice.

Try this simple exercise to help you to start thinking critically.

Think of something that someone has recently told you. Then ask yourself the following questions:

Who said it?

Someone you know? Someone in a position of authority or power? Does it matter who told you this?

What did they say?

Did they give facts or opinions? Did they provide all the facts? Did they leave anything out?

Where did they say it?

Was it in public or in private? Did other people have a chance to respond an provide an alternative account?

When did they say it?

Was it before, during or after an important event? Is timing important?

Why did they say it?

Did they explain the reasoning behind their opinion? Were they trying to make someone look good or bad?

How did they say it?

Were they happy or sad, angry or indifferent? Did they write it or say it? Could you understand what was said?

What are you Aiming to Achieve?

One of the most important aspects of critical thinking is to decide what you are aiming to achieve and then make a decision based on a range of possibilities.

Once you have clarified that aim for yourself you should use it as the starting point in all future situations requiring thought and, possibly, further decision making. Where needed, make your workmates, family or those around you aware of your intention to pursue this goal. You must then discipline yourself to keep on track until changing circumstances mean you have to revisit the start of the decision making process.

However, there are things that get in the way of simple decision making. We all carry with us a range of likes and dislikes, learnt behaviours and personal preferences developed throughout our lives; they are the hallmarks of being human. A major contribution to ensuring we think critically is to be aware of these personal characteristics, preferences and biases and make allowance for them when considering possible next steps, whether they are at the pre-action consideration stage or as part of a rethink caused by unexpected or unforeseen impediments to continued progress.

The more clearly we are aware of ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, the more likely our critical thinking will be productive.

The Benefit of Foresight

Perhaps the most important element of thinking critically is foresight.

Almost all decisions we make and implement don’t prove disastrous if we find reasons to abandon them. However, our decision making will be infinitely better and more likely to lead to success if, when we reach a tentative conclusion, we pause and consider the impact on the people and activities around us.

The elements needing consideration are generally numerous and varied. In many cases, consideration of one element from a different perspective will reveal potential dangers in pursuing our decision.

For instance, moving a business activity to a new location may improve potential output considerably but it may also lead to the loss of skilled workers if the distance moved is too great. Which of these is the more important consideration? Is there some way of lessening the conflict?

These are the sort of problems that may arise from incomplete critical thinking, a demonstration perhaps of the critical importance of good critical thinking.

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In Summary:

Critical thinking is aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes in any situation. In order to achieve this it must involve gathering and evaluating information from as many different sources possible.

Critical thinking requires a clear, often uncomfortable, assessment of your personal strengths, weaknesses and preferences and their possible impact on decisions you may make.

Critical thinking requires the development and use of foresight as far as this is possible. As Doris Day sang, “the future’s not ours to see”.

Implementing the decisions made arising from critical thinking must take into account an assessment of possible outcomes and ways of avoiding potentially negative outcomes, or at least lessening their impact.

• Critical thinking involves reviewing the results of the application of decisions made and implementing change where possible.

It might be thought that we are overextending our demands on critical thinking in expecting that it can help to construct focused meaning rather than examining the information given and the knowledge we have acquired to see if we can, if necessary, construct a meaning that will be acceptable and useful.

After all, almost no information we have available to us, either externally or internally, carries any guarantee of its life or appropriateness.  Neat step-by-step instructions may provide some sort of trellis on which our basic understanding of critical thinking can blossom but it doesn’t and cannot provide any assurance of certainty, utility or longevity.

Continue to: Critical Thinking and Fake News Critical Reading

See also: Analytical Skills Understanding and Addressing Conspiracy Theories Introduction to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

The Ultimate Guide To Developing Critical Thinking Skills For Success

Table Of Contents:

What is Critical Thinking?

What are critical thinking skills, and why are they important, tips to develop critical thinking skills, how to practice critical thinking skills at work, critical thinking example in real-life, applying critical thinking skills for success.

Critical thinking is a fundamental cognitive skill that involves the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in a systematic and rational manner. This section will delve into the core components of critical thinking, exploring its significance in fostering intellectual development and enhancing decision-making processes. Understanding the principles of critical thinking lays the groundwork for the subsequent sections that elaborate on its practical application in various aspects of life.

Critical thinking skills refer to the cognitive abilities that enable individuals to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information effectively. These skills encompass a range of intellectual processes, including logical reasoning, problem-solving, and the capacity to make well-informed decisions based on careful career assessment and understanding.

The importance of developing critical thinking skills lies in their transformative impact on both personal and professional realms. These skills empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern world with clarity and confidence, enabling them to:

• Foster Independent Thought: Critical thinking skills encourage individuals to question assumptions, challenge preconceived notions, and approach information with a discerning mindset. By fostering independent thought, these skills cultivate a deeper understanding of complex issues and promote intellectual autonomy.
• Enhance Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to think critically equips individuals with the tools to identify and solve complex problems through logical analysis and innovative approaches. By honing critical thinking skills, individuals can devise effective strategies to address challenges, both within their personal lives and in professional contexts.
• Navigate Ambiguity and Uncertainty: In an ever-evolving and unpredictable world, critical thinking skills enable individuals to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty with confidence. These skills promote adaptability and resilience, allowing individuals to approach unfamiliar situations with a rational and analytical mindset.
• Make Informed Decisions: The cultivation of critical thinking skills empowers individuals to make well-informed decisions based on comprehensive analysis and thoughtful evaluation of available information. By developing the capacity to assess the validity and reliability of data, individuals can make sound judgments and choices that align with their goals and values.
• Promote Effective Communication: Critical thinking skills facilitate effective communication by enabling individuals to articulate their thoughts clearly, express ideas coherently, and engage in constructive discourse. These skills foster the ability to convey complex concepts and information in a manner that is accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.
• Encourage Lifelong Learning: By encouraging a mindset of curiosity and intellectual exploration, critical thinking skills promote a lifelong commitment to learning and personal development. Individuals who possess strong critical thinking skills are more inclined to seek out new knowledge, engage in continuous self-improvement, and adapt to the changing demands of the contemporary world.

Vati is a dynamic online career planning platform dedicated to fostering the development of critical thinking skills. With a comprehensive range of interactive courses, engaging resources, and personalized learning modules, VATI empowers learners to cultivate analytical acumen and navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity.

Developing critical thinking skills is a dynamic process that involves fostering a combination of cognitive abilities and adopting a deliberate approach to intellectual growth. Here are some effective strategies to help you develop and enhance your critical thinking skills:

• Cultivate a questioning mindset: Encourage yourself to question assumptions, biases, and preconceived notions. Develop a habit of critically evaluating information and perspectives, fostering a more analytical and discerning approach to understanding complex issues.
• Engage with diverse perspectives: Actively seek out opportunities to engage with diverse viewpoints and opinions. Embrace discussions and debates that challenge your perspectives, and strive to understand alternative viewpoints, fostering a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of complex topics.
• Practice active listening: Hone your critical thinking skills by actively listening to others and seeking to understand their viewpoints without judgment. Pay attention to the underlying motivations and reasoning behind their arguments, enabling you to develop a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of different perspectives.
• Analyze and evaluate information: Practice analyzing and evaluating information from various sources, discerning credible and reliable information from misleading or biased sources. Develop the ability to identify logical fallacies, assess the validity of data, and differentiate between facts and opinions, fostering a more informed and evidence-based approach to critical thinking.
• Foster problem-solving skills: Engage in activities and challenges that require innovative problem-solving and logical reasoning. Practice approaching complex problems from multiple angles, exploring alternative solutions, and assessing the potential implications of each approach, thus fostering a more systematic and adaptive problem-solving approach.
• Embrace intellectual humility: Cultivate humility in your intellectual pursuits by acknowledging the limitations of your knowledge and expertise. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others and recognize that continuous learning and growth are essential aspects of developing robust critical thinking skills.
• Reflect on your thought processes: Allocate time for self-reflection and introspection to assess your cognitive processes and decision-making strategies. Reflective thinking enables you to gain insights into your reasoning patterns, identify areas for improvement, and refine your critical thinking skills through self-awareness and self-assessment.
• Apply critical thinking in real-life scenarios: Practice applying critical thinking skills to everyday situations, such as making decisions, evaluating information, and solving problems. Actively apply critical thinking methodologies to various aspects of your life, thereby honing your cognitive abilities and fostering a more analytical and discerning approach to navigating challenges and making informed decisions.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine and actively engaging in activities that promote critical thinking, you can cultivate a more analytical, adaptable, and insightful mindset, thus empowering yourself to navigate complex challenges and make well-informed decisions in both personal and professional contexts.

Practicing critical thinking skills at work is crucial for fostering a productive and innovative work environment. Here are some effective strategies to help you apply and enhance your critical thinking skills in the workplace:

• Analyze complex problems: Identify and analyze complex challenges or issues within your work environment. Break down the problem into manageable components, assess the underlying factors contributing to the issue, and develop a strategic plan to address it systematically and effectively.
• Evaluate information and data: Practice evaluating the credibility and reliability of information and data relevant to your work. Scrutinize reports, research findings, and market trends, and assess the validity of the information to make informed decisions and recommendations based on well-founded evidence.
• Engage in collaborative decision-making: Participate in collaborative decision-making processes by sharing your insights and perspectives with your colleagues. Encourage open discussions that involve diverse viewpoints and constructive debates, fostering a collaborative environment that values critical thinking and collective problem-solving.
• Anticipate potential challenges: Anticipate potential challenges or obstacles that may arise in your projects or tasks. Develop contingency plans and proactive strategies to mitigate risks and uncertainties, demonstrating your ability to think ahead and adapt to changing circumstances effectively.
• Seek feedback and constructive criticism: Welcome feedback and constructive criticism from your colleagues and supervisors. Actively solicit input on your ideas, proposals, and problem-solving approaches, and use the feedback as an opportunity to refine your critical thinking skills and enhance your decision-making capabilities.
• Implement innovative solutions: Identify opportunities to implement innovative solutions and approaches to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and foster growth within your organization. Encourage yourself to think creatively and propose novel ideas that address existing challenges or capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• Foster a learning culture: Advocate for a learning culture within your workplace by encouraging continuous education and professional development. Engage in training programs, workshops, and seminars that promote critical thinking and encourage your colleagues to participate, fostering a culture of intellectual growth and innovation.
• Reflect on your decision-making processes: Allocate time for self-reflection and introspection to evaluate your decision-making processes and outcomes. Reflect on the effectiveness of your critical thinking approaches, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to refine your skills and enhance your contributions to the workplace.

By actively practicing these strategies, you can cultivate a workplace environment that values critical thinking, fosters innovation, and encourages proactive problem-solving, thereby contributing to the overall success and growth of your organization.

A compelling real-life example that illustrates the application of critical thinking is the decision-making process involved in a company’s expansion into a new market. Imagine a mid-sized technology firm considering the prospect of entering a foreign market to broaden its customer base and increase its global presence. The company’s leadership must apply critical thinking skills to assess the potential risks, benefits, and challenges associated with this strategic move.

In this scenario, the company’s executives engage in a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including market trends, consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, and potential competitors within the target market. They critically evaluate the economic stability, cultural nuances, and political climate of the prospective region, aiming to understand the feasibility and sustainability of the expansion.

Through collaborative discussions and rigorous evaluation of market research data, the executives identify potential challenges, such as cultural barriers, regulatory complexities, and shifting consumer preferences. They critically analyze the implications of these challenges on the company’s resources, operations, and brand reputation, considering the long-term impact of their decisions on the company’s growth trajectory and financial stability.

Applying critical thinking skills, the company’s leadership devises a strategic plan that accounts for potential risks and challenges while leveraging the company’s strengths and competitive advantages. They develop contingency plans to mitigate potential risks, establish key performance indicators to monitor the progress of the expansion, and allocate resources effectively to support the successful entry into the new market.

By incorporating critical thinking into the decision-making process, the company’s leadership demonstrates their ability to assess complex information, evaluate potential outcomes, and make informed, strategic decisions that align with the company’s long-term goals and vision. This real-life example highlights the practical application of critical thinking in a business context, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful analysis, proactive problem-solving, and strategic planning in achieving successful and sustainable business expansion.

In the realms of education, career advancement, and personal growth, the application of critical thinking skills is pivotal for achieving success and reaching one’s full potential. By applying critical thinking methodologies to everyday decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic career planning process , individuals can position themselves to thrive in dynamic and competitive environments, fostering a culture of innovation and progress.

As the world continues to evolve and present new challenges, the development of critical thinking skills remains a cornerstone for personal and professional growth. By following the strategies outlined in this ultimate guide, individuals can harness the power of critical thinking to navigate complexities with clarity, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of their communities and organizations. Through a commitment to continuous learning , a questioning mindset, and a dedication to analytical evaluation, individuals can unlock their full potential and pave the way for a successful and fulfilling journey in both their personal and professional lives.

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Why Critical Thinking is Important for Success

In today’s fast-paced world, success often relies on individuals’ ability to think critically. Critical thinking , the skill of objectively analyzing and evaluating information, enables individuals to make sound decisions and solve problems effectively. As the cornerstone of success in various fields, from business to personal relationships, critical thinking plays a crucial role in problem-solving, decision-making, and even innovation.

Some people may wonder why critical thinking is vital and how it can transform their lives. The answer lies in its application in everyday situations. Whether it be tackling a challenging project at work or choosing between two job offers, critical thinking equips individuals with the cognitive tools necessary to navigate life’s complexities. By fostering a critical mindset, individuals can develop skills that lead to success both personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways

• Critical thinking enhances problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Success in any field is dependent on the effective application of critical thinking.
• Developing critical thinking skills can lead to personal and professional growth. 

Defining Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a crucial skill that enables individuals to objectively analyze and evaluate information in order to make sound decisions and solve problems. This skill is instrumental to accomplishing success in various aspects of life, ranging from professional and personal relationships to education and career goals. Here are some key aspects of critical thinking:

Problem Solving : By implementing critical thinking, individuals can effectively identify and tackle challenges, whether they are minor or major issues. This allows them to approach problems strategically and overcome them step by step.

Decision Making : Life is full of choices and critical thinking provides guidance in making well-informed decisions. By weighing the pros and cons and aligning them with long-term objectives, individuals can make informed decisions that positively impact their lives.

Innovation : Success often depends on one’s ability to innovate, and critical thinkers are natural innovators since they continuously seek new perspectives and ideas. This aspect of critical thinking enables individuals and businesses to adapt and thrive in various circumstances.

It is essential to note that critical thinking is not a talent but a skill that can be cultivated and improved with practice. By incorporating critical thinking into daily activities and decision-making, individuals can progressively develop this vital skill, which holds the potential to unlock numerous opportunities for personal and professional success.

The Cornerstone of Success

Problem solving.

Problem solving is a crucial skill to have for success in any aspect of life, whether in business or personal relationships. Critical thinking allows individuals to identify various issues and tackle them head-on. By breaking a problem into manageable parts, creating a strategy, and conquering it step by step, one can become an effective problem-solving machine.

Decision Making

Life presents us with a multitude of choices, ranging from career decisions to everyday selections like breakfast. Critical thinking helps guide individuals through the decision-making process. With this skill, an individual can weigh the pros and cons of a situation and align them with their long-term goals, resulting in an informed decision that shapes their entire life.

Innovation is often the key to success. Critical thinkers are natural innovators, as they continuously seek new perspectives and ideas. For example, in a small business setting, an individual without critical thinking skills might resort to the same old marketing strategies. However, with the ability to analyze market trends and adapt their approach, they can transform their business and achieve considerable success.

In conclusion, the cornerstone of success rests upon critical thinking, as it allows individuals to excel in problem solving, decision making, and innovation. This skill can be developed through consistent practice, ensuring a thorough understanding of its importance in achieving success.

Practical Application

Problem Solving : Critical thinking helps break down complex issues into manageable parts, creating a step-by-step strategy. This skill enables individuals to tackle problems head-on and with confidence.

Decision Making : Critical thinking is essential for making informed decisions in all aspects of life. By accurately weighing the pros and cons of a situation, individuals can align their choices with long-term goals.

Innovation : Critical thinking promotes innovation by encouraging the exploration of new ideas and perspectives. This skill allows individuals to adapt their approach to various challenges, opening doors to previously unimagined success.

By practicing and incorporating critical thinking into daily life, individuals can unlock their potential for success in various areas, including work, personal relationships, and even decision-making in everyday situations.

Developing Critical Thinking

Critical thinking plays a vital role in personal and professional success, as it enables an individual to analyze information objectively and make informed decisions. The core benefits of critical thinking can be highlighted through three primary aspects:

Problem Solving: Critical thinking allows one to identify issues and confront them directly, transforming individuals into efficient problem solvers. For instance, in a challenging work project, critical thinkers can break down problems into smaller, manageable tasks and conquer them step-by-step.

Decision Making: Life is full of choices, ranging from career decisions to daily activities like choosing a meal. Critical thinking helps individuals navigate these choices by weighing pros and cons, and aligning them with long-term objectives. For example, when faced with multiple job offers, critical thinking enables a person to make an informed decision that can shape their entire career.

Innovation: Success often relies on creativity and fresh perspectives. Critical thinkers are natural innovators who constantly explore new ideas and perspectives. A small business owner with critical thinking skills, for instance, might analyze market trends and adapt their marketing strategies to achieve greater success.

In summary, mastering critical thinking is essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation in both personal and professional contexts. Remember that critical thinking is a skill that can be developed with practice and applied to various aspects of one’s life.

Final Challenge and Engagement

Critical thinking is essential for success in various aspects of life, including problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation. Here is a brief overview of these connections:

Problem-solving : Critical thinking helps identify and tackle issues head-on by breaking them into manageable parts, creating strategies, and conquering them step by step.

• Can handle challenging projects at work
• Improves adaptability and confidence in addressing problems

Decision-making : Critical thinking allows individuals to evaluate choices and align them with long-term goals, leading to better informed and impactful decisions.

• Assists in career and personal decisions
• Encourages a more thoughtful approach to everyday choices

Innovation : Critical thinkers are natural innovators, seeking new perspectives and ideas to foster progress and growth.

• Useful in running a small business
• Can shift and adapt strategies effectively
• Results in a thriving and successful business

By embracing critical thinking, individuals can unlock the potential for success in their personal and professional lives. Practicing and applying these skills daily fosters growth and encourages continuous improvement, enabling one to reach their goals and aspirations.

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Why Critical Thinking Matters in Your Business

Table of Contents

Many professionals hope to pursue careers they’re passionate about so they can find joy and meaning in their work. Caring deeply about your work is vital for engagement and productivity, but balancing emotions with critical thinking is essential in the workplace. 

When employees engage in critical thinking, they use an independent, reflective thought process to evaluate issues and solve problems based on knowledge and objective evidence. 

Critical thinking skills can guide your organization toward success, but to truly maximize the problem-solving benefits of critical thinking, it’s crucial to teach this skill to your entire team. We’ll explore critical thinking skills and how to teach them in the workplace to help your business improve its decision-making and problem-solving. 

What is critical thinking?

Jen Lawrence, co-author of Engage the Fox: A Business Fable About Thinking Critically and Motivating Your Team , defines critical thinking as “the ability to solve problems effectively by systematically gathering information about an issue, generating further ideas involving a variety of perspectives, evaluating the information using logic, and making sure everyone involved is on board.”

This is a complex definition for a challenging concept. Though critical thinking might seem as straightforward as stepping back and using a formal thinking process instead of reacting instinctively to conflicts or problems, it is actually a much more challenging task.

Critical thinking’s ultimate goal is ensuring you have the best answer to a problem with maximum buy-in from all parties involved – an outcome that will ultimately save your business time, money and stress.

Why is critical thinking essential in the workplace?

A World Economic Forum report revealed that critical thinking is one of the most in-demand career skills employers seek when trying to attract and retain the best employees – and employers believe critical thinking skills will become even more necessary in the coming years. 

Critical thinking in the workplace guarantees objective and efficient problem-solving, ultimately reducing costly errors and ensuring that your organization’s resources are used wisely. Team members employing critical thinking can connect ideas, spot errors and inconsistencies, and make the best decisions most often. 

Employees with critical thinking are also more likely to accomplish the following:

• Analyzing information
• Thinking outside the box
• Coming up with creative solutions to sudden problems
• Devising thought-through, systematic plans
• Requiring less supervision

Critical thinkers are sure about the reasoning behind their decisions, allowing them to communicate with employees clearly. This level of communication enhances employee engagement .

What are critical thinking skills?

Critical thinking is a soft skill that comprises multiple interpersonal and analytical abilities and attributes. Here are some essential critical thinking skills that can support workforce success.

• Observation: Employees with critical thinking can easily sense and identify an existing problem – and even predict potential issues – based on their experience and sharp perception. They’re willing to embrace multiple points of view and look at the big picture. 
• Analytical thinking: Analytical thinkers collect data from multiple sources, reject bias, and ask thoughtful questions. When approaching a problem, they gather and double-check facts, assess independent research, and sift through information to determine what’s accurate and what can help resolve the problem. 
• Open-mindedness: Employees who demonstrate critical thinking are open-minded – not afraid to consider opinions and information that differ from their beliefs and assumptions. They listen to colleagues; they can let go of personal biases and recognize that a problem’s solution can come from unexpected sources. 
• Problem-solving attitude: Critical thinkers possess a positive attitude toward problem-solving and look for optimal solutions to issues they’ve identified and analyzed. They are usually proactive and willing to offer suggestions based on all the information they receive. [Related article: How to Develop a Positive Attitude in the Workplace ]
• Communication: When managers make a decision, they must share it with the rest of the team and other stakeholders. Critical thinkers demonstrate excellent communication skills and can provide supporting arguments and evidence that substantiate the decision to ensure the entire team is on the same page. 

What are the benefits of critical thinking in the workplace?

Many workplaces operate at a frantic tempo that reinforces hasty thinking and rushed business decisions, resulting in costly mistakes and blunders. When employees are trained in critical thinking, they learn to slow the pace and gather crucial information before making decisions. 

Along with reducing costly errors, critical thinking in the workplace brings the following benefits: 

• Critical thinking improves communication. When employees think more clearly and aren’t swayed by emotion, they communicate better. “If you can think more clearly and better articulate your positions, you can better engage in discussions and make a much more meaningful contribution in your job,” said David Welton, managing partner at Grove Critical Thinking.
• Critical thinking boosts emotional intelligence. It might seem counterintuitive to associate analytical rationality with emotional intelligence . However, team members who possess critical thinking skills are less prone to rash, emotion-driven decisions. Instead, they take time to analyze the situation and make the most informed decision while being mindful and respectful of the emotional and ethical implications. 
• Critical thinking encourages creativity. Critical thinkers are open to new ideas and perspectives and accumulate a significant amount of information when facing decisions. Because of this, they’re more likely to come up with creative solutions . They are also curious and don’t shy away from asking open-ended questions. 
• Critical thinking saves time and money. By encouraging critical thinking in the workplace, you minimize the need for supervision, catch potential problems early, promote independence and initiative, and free managers to focus on other duties. All this helps your company save valuable time and resources. 

Critical thinking skills are essential for dealing with difficult customers because they help your team make informed decisions while managing stressful situations.

How do you teach critical thinking in the workplace?

Experts agree that critical thinking is a teachable skill. Both Lawrence and Welton recommend exploring critical thinking training programs and methods to improve your workplace’s critical thinking proficiency. Here’s a breakdown of how to teach critical thinking in the workplace: 

• Identify problem areas. Executives and managers should assess workplace areas most lacking in critical thinking. If mistakes are consistently made, determine whether the issue is a lack of critical thinking or an inherent issue with a team or process. After identifying areas that lack critical thinking, research the type of training best suited to your organization. 
• Start small. Employees newly embracing critical thinking might have trouble tackling large issues immediately. Instead, present them with smaller challenges. “Start practicing critical thinking as a skill with smaller problems as examples, and then work your way up to larger problems,” Lawrence said.
• Act preemptively. Teaching and implementing critical thinking training and methodology takes time and patience. Lawrence emphasized that critical thinking skills are best acquired during a time of calm. It might feel urgent to seek critical thinking during a crisis, but critical thinking is a challenging skill to learn amid panic and stress. Critical thinking training is best done preemptively so that when a crisis hits, employees will be prepared and critical thinking will come naturally.
• Allow sufficient time. From a managerial perspective, giving employees extra time on projects or problems might feel stressful in the middle of deadlines and executive pressures. But if you want those working for you to engage in critical thinking processes, it’s imperative to give them ample time. Allowing employees sufficient time to work through their critical thinking process can save the company time and money in the long run.

How do you identify successful critical thinking?

Successful critical thinking happens during a crisis, not after.

Lawrence provided an example involving restaurants and waitstaff: If a customer has a bad experience at a restaurant, a server using critical thinking skills will be more likely to figure out a solution to save the interaction, such as offering a free appetizer or discount. “This can save the hard-earned customer relationship you spent a lot of marketing dollars to create,” Lawrence said. This concept is applicable across many business and organizational structures. 

You should also be aware of signs of a lack of critical thinking. Lawrence pointed out that companies that change strategy rapidly, moving from one thing to the next, are likely not engaging in critical thinking. This is also the case at companies that seem to have good ideas but have trouble executing them.

As with many issues in business, company leadership determines how the rest of the organization acts. If leaders have excellent ideas but don’t follow critical thinking processes, their team will not buy into those ideas, and the company will suffer. This is why critical thinking skills often accompany positive communication skills.

“Critical thinking doesn’t just help you arrive at the best answer, but at a solution most people embrace,” Lawrence said. Modeling critical thinking at the top will help the skill trickle down to the rest of the organization, no matter your company’s type or size.

To get your employees thinking critically, conduct employee surveys with well-designed questions to help them identify issues and solutions.

Critical thinking is the key to your business success

When critical thinking is actively implemented in an organization, mistakes are minimized, and operations run more seamlessly. 

With training, time and patience, critical thinking can become a second-nature skill for employees at all levels of experience and seniority. The money, time and conflict you’ll save in the long run are worth the extra effort of implementing critical thinking in your workplace.

Rebecka Green contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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Why Critical Thinking Is Important (& How to Improve It)

Last updated May 1, 2023. Edited and medically reviewed by Patrick Alban, DC . Written by Deane Alban .

By improving the quality of your thoughts and your decisions, better critical thinking skills can bring about a big positive change in your life. Learn how.

The quality of your life largely depends on the quality of the decisions you make.

Amazingly, the average person makes roughly 35,000 conscious decisions every day! 

Imagine how much better your life would be if there were a way to make better decisions, day in and day out?

Well, there is and you do it by boosting a skill called critical thinking .

Learning to master critical thinking can have a profoundly positive impact on nearly every aspect of your life.

What Exactly Is Critical Thinking?

The first documented account of critical thinking is the teachings of Socrates as recorded by Plato. 

Over time, the definition of critical thinking has evolved.

Most definitions of critical thinking are fairly complex and best understood by philosophy majors or psychologists.

For example, the Foundation for Critical Thinking , a nonprofit think tank, offers this definition:

“Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”

If that makes your head spin, here are some definitions that you may relate to more easily.

Critical thinking is “reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.”

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Or, a catchy way of defining critical thinking is “deciding what’s true and what you should do.”

But my favorite uber-simple definition is that critical thinking is simply “thinking about thinking.”

6 Major Benefits of Good Critical Thinking Skills

Whether or not you think critically can make the difference between success and failure in just about every area of your life.

Our human brains are imperfect and prone to irrationality, distortions, prejudices, and cognitive biases .

Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of irrational thinking.

While the number of cognitive biases varies depending on the source, Wikipedia, for example, lists nearly 200 of them ! 

Some of the most well-known cognitive biases include:

• catastrophic thinking
• confirmation bias
• fear of missing out (FOMO)

Critical thinking will help you move past the limitations of irrational thinking.

Here are some of the most important ways critical thinking can impact your life.

1. Critical Thinking Is a Key to Career Success

There are many professions where critical thinking is an absolute must.

Lawyers, analysts, accountants, doctors, engineers, reporters, and scientists of all kinds must apply critical thinking frequently.

But critical thinking is a skill set that is becoming increasingly valuable in a growing number of professions.

Critical thinking can help you in any profession where you must:

• analyze information
• systematically solve problems
• generate innovative solutions
• plan strategically
• think creatively
• present your work or ideas to others in a way that can be readily understood

And, as we enter the fourth industrial revolution , critical thinking has become one of the most sought-after skills.

According to the World Economic Forum , critical thinking and complex problem-solving are the two top in-demand skills that employers look for. 

Critical thinking is considered a soft or enterprise skill — a core attribute required to succeed in the workplace . 

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According to The University of Arizona, other soft skills include : 

• interpersonal skills
• communication skills
• digital literacy

Critical thinking can help you develop the rest of these soft skills.

Developing your critical thinking can help you land a job since many employers will ask you interview questions or even give you a test to determine how well you can think critically.

It can also help you continually succeed in your career, since being a critical thinker is a powerful predictor of long-term success.

2. Critical Thinkers Make Better Decisions

Every day you make thousands of decisions.

Most of them are made by your subconscious , are not very important, and don’t require much thought, such as what to wear or what to have for lunch. 

But the most important decisions you make can be hard and require a lot of thought, such as when or if you should change jobs, relocate to a new city, buy a house, get married, or have kids.

At work, you may have to make decisions that can alter the course of your career or the lives of others.

Critical thinking helps you cope with everyday problems as they arise.

It promotes independent thinking and strengthens your inner “BS detector.”

It helps you make sense of the glut of data and information available, making you a smarter consumer who is less likely to fall for advertising hype, peer pressure, or scams.

3. Critical Thinking Can Make You Happier

Knowing and understanding yourself is an underappreciated path to happiness. 

We’ve already shown how your quality of life largely depends on the quality of your decisions, but equally as important is the quality of your thoughts.

Critical thinking is an excellent tool to help you better understand yourself and to learn to master your thoughts.

You can use critical thinking to free yourself from cognitive biases, negative thinking , and limiting beliefs that are holding you back in any area of your life.

Critical thinking can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses so that you know what you have to offer others and where you could use improvement.

Critical thinking will enable you to better express your thoughts, ideas, and beliefs.

Better communication helps others to understand you better, resulting in less frustration for both of you.

Critical thinking fosters creativity and out-of-the-box thinking that can be applied to any area of your life.

It gives you a process you can rely on, making decisions less stressful.

4. Critical Thinking Ensures That Your Opinions Are Well-Informed

We have access to more information than ever before .

Astoundingly, more data has been created in the past two years than in the entire previous history of mankind. 

Critical thinking can help you sort through the noise.

American politician, sociologist, and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan once remarked , “You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.” 

Critical thinking ensures your opinions are well-informed and based on the best available facts.

You’ll get a boost in confidence when you see that those around you trust your well-considered opinions.

5. Critical Thinking Improves Relationships

You might be concerned that critical thinking will turn you into a Spock-like character who is not very good at relationships.

But, in fact, the opposite is true.

Employing critical thinking makes you more open-minded and better able to understand others’ points of view.

Critical thinkers are more empathetic and in a better position to get along with different kinds of people.

Critical thinking keeps you from jumping to conclusions.

You can be counted on to be the voice of reason when arguments get heated.

You’ll be better able to detect when others:

• are being disingenuous
• don’t have your best interests at heart
• try to take advantage of or manipulate you

6. Critical Thinking Makes You a Better, More Informed Citizen

“An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.”

This quote has been incorrectly attributed to Thomas Jefferson , but regardless of the source, these words of wisdom are more relevant than ever. 

Critical thinkers are able to see both sides of any issue and are more likely to generate bipartisan solutions.

They are less likely to be swayed by propaganda or get swept up in mass hysteria.

They are in a better position to spot fake news when they see it.

5 Steps to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Some people already have well-developed critical thinking skills.

These people are analytical, inquisitive, and open to new ideas.

And, even though they are confident in their own opinions, they seek the truth, even if it proves their existing ideas to be wrong.

They are able to connect the dots between ideas and detect inconsistencies in others’ thinking.

But regardless of the state of your critical thinking skills today, it’s a skill set you can develop.

While there are many techniques for thinking rationally, here’s a classic 5-step critical thinking process . 

How to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Clearly define your question or problem.

This step is so important that Albert Einstein famously quipped:

“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”

Gather Information to Help You Weigh the Options

Consider only the most useful and reliable information from the most reputable sources.

Disregard the rest.

Apply the Information and Ask Critical Questions

Scrutinize all information carefully with a skeptic’s eye.

Not sure what questions to ask?

You can’t go wrong starting with the “5 Ws” that any good investigator asks: Who? What? Where? When? Why?

Then finish by asking “How?”

You’ll find more thought-provoking questions on this Critical Thinking Skills Cheatsheet .

Consider the Implications

Look for potential unintended consequences.

Do a thought experiment about how your solution could play out in both the short term and the long run.

Explore the Full Spectrum of Viewpoints

Examine why others are drawn to differing points of view.

This will help you objectively evaluate your own viewpoint.

You may find critical thinkers who take an opposing view and this can help you find gaps in your own logic.

Watch the Video

This TED-Ed video on YouTube elaborates on the five steps to improve your critical thinking.

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• Improve your mental clarity and focus.
• Boost your memory and your ability to learn.
• Increase your capacity to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.

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1.16: Critical Thinking

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Learning Objectives

• Explore the concept of critical thinking

As a college student, you are tasked with engaging and expanding your thinking skills. One of the most important of these skills is critical thinking. Critical thinking relates to nearly all tasks, situations, topics, careers, environments, challenges, and opportunities—it’s not restricted to a particular subject area.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is clear, reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do. It means asking probing questions like, “How do we know?” or “Is this true in every case or just in this instance?” It involves being skeptical and challenging assumptions, rather than simply memorizing facts or blindly accepting what you hear or read.

Imagine, for example, that you’re reading a history textbook. You wonder who wrote it and why, because you detect certain assumptions in the writing. You find that the author has a limited scope of research focused only on a particular group within a population. In this case, your critical thinking reveals that there are “other sides to the story.”

https://assessments.lumenlearning.co...essments/20206

Who are critical thinkers, and what characteristics do they have in common? Critical thinkers are usually curious and reflective people. They like to explore and probe new areas and seek knowledge, clarification, and new solutions. They ask pertinent questions, evaluate statements and arguments, and they distinguish between facts and opinion. They do not rely on quick, first-order level thinking, but instead use second-level or higher-order thinking skills that require them to think more deeply before jumping to conclusions. They can evaluate their own opinion and judge whether ideas are their own. They are also willing to examine their own beliefs, possessing a manner of humility that allows them to admit a lack of knowledge or understanding when needed. They are fair-minded and open to changing their mind. Perhaps most of all, they actively enjoy learning, and seeking new knowledge is a lifelong pursuit.

Sharpen Your Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills are perhaps the most fundamental skills involved in making judgments and solving problems. You use them every day, and you can continue improving them.

The ability to think critically about a matter—to analyze a question, situation, or problem down to its most basic parts—is what helps us evaluate the accuracy and truthfulness of statements, claims, and information we read and hear. It is the sharp knife that, when honed, separates fact from fiction, honesty from lies, and the accurate from the misleading. We all use this skill to one degree or another almost every day.

For example, we use critical thinking every day as we consider the latest consumer products and why one particular product is the best among its peers. Is it a quality product because a celebrity endorses it? Because a lot of other people may have used it? Because it is made by one company versus another? Or perhaps because it is made in one country or another? These are questions representative of critical thinking.

The academic setting demands more of us in terms of critical thinking than everyday life. It demands that we evaluate information and analyze a myriad of issues. It is an environment where our critical thinking skills can be the difference between success and failure. In this environment, we must consider information in an analytical, critical manner. We must ask questions—What is the source of this information? Is this source an expert one and what makes it so? Are there multiple perspectives to consider on an issue? Do multiple sources agree or disagree on an issue? Does quality research substantiate information or opinion? Do I have any personal biases that may affect my consideration of this information?

It is only through purposeful, frequent, intentional questioning such as this that we can sharpen our critical thinking skills and improve as students, learners, and researchers.

—Dr. Andrew Robert Baker, Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom

No matter where you are on the road to being a critical thinker, you can always more fully develop your skills. Doing so will help you develop more balanced arguments, express yourself clearly, read critically, and absorb important information efficiently. Critical thinking skills will help you in any profession or any circumstance of life, from science to art to business to teaching.

A YouTube element has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view it online here: pb.libretexts.org/ec1/?p=106

You can view the transcript for “Why Critical Thinking (Study Skills)” here (opens in new window) .

Critical thinking is fundamentally a process of questioning. You may question the information you read in a textbook, or you may question what a politician or a professor or a classmate says. You can also question a commonly-held belief or a new idea. With critical thinking, anything and everything is subject to question and examination.

An Example of Critical Thinking

Let’s use a simple example of applying logic to a critical-thinking situation. In this hypothetical scenario, Professor Brown has a PhD in political science, and he works as a professor at a local college. His wife works at the college, too. They have three young children in the local school system, and their family is well known in the community.

Professor Brown is now running for political office. Are his credentials and experience sufficient for entering public office? Will he be effective in the political office? Some voters might believe that his personal life and current job, on the surface, suggest he will do well in the position, and they will vote for him.

In truth, Brown’s characteristics as described above don’t guarantee that he will do a good job. What else might you want to know? How about whether Brown has already held a political office? If so, was he effective? How about Brown’s reputation for personal integrity? Just because he works as a professor does not mean he has experience or skill with the ethical issues of public office. Does he have the leadership skills required to be an effective public leader? Just because he teaches college students does not mean Brown has effective leadership skills. In this case, we want to ask, “How much information is adequate in order to make a decision based on logic instead of assumptions?”

The following questions, presented in Figure 1, below, are ones you may apply to formulate a logical, reasoned perspective in the above scenario or any other situation:

• What’s happening? Gather the basic information and begin to think of questions.
• Why is it important? Ask yourself why it’s significant and whether or not you agree.
• What don’t I see? Is there anything important missing?
• How do I know? Ask yourself where the information came from and how it was constructed.
• Who is saying it? What’s the position of the speaker and what is influencing them?
• What else? What if? What other ideas exist and are there other possibilities?

Problem-Solving With Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is not just an academic exercise. For most people, a typical day is filled with critical thinking. We use critical thinking to solve problems all the time. For example, consider the following situation. Gisella is doing well in college, and most of her college and living expenses are covered, but there are some gaps between what she wants and what she feels she can afford. She uses critical thinking to analyze her income, savings, and budget to better calculate what she will need to stay in college and maintain her desired level of spending.

Remember, when you apply the skills of a good critical thinker to your academic work or to the problems in your life, your challenge will be less of a hurdle. If you are curious, reflective, knowledge-seeking, open to change, probing, organized, and ethical, you’ll be in a good position to find intelligent solutions.

critical thinking : clear, reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do

Contributors and Attributions

• Foundations of Academic Success. Authored by : Thomas C. Priester, editor. Provided by : Open SUNY Textbooks. Located at : textbooks.opensuny.org/foundations-of-academic-success/. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• Critical Thinking. Provided by : Critical and Creative Thinking Program. Located at : cct.wikispaces.umb.edu/Critical+Thinking. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Critical Thinking Skills. Authored by : Linda Bruce. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Project : courses.lumenlearning.com/lu...inking-skills/. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Why Critical Thinking. Provided by : Careers and Skills. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ntsfbMXGwU&feature=youtu.be . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

Module 5: Thinking and Analysis

Critical thinking, learning objectives.

• Define critical thinking

Thinking comes naturally. You don’t have to make it happen—it just does. But you can make it happen in different ways. For example, you can think positively or negatively. You can think with your heart and you can think with rational judgment. You can also think strategically and analytically, and mathematically and scientifically. These are a few of multiple ways in which the mind can process thought.

What are some forms of thinking you use? When do you use them and why?

As a college student, you are tasked with engaging and expanding your thinking skills. One of the most important thinking skills is critical thinking. Critical thinking is important because it relates to nearly all tasks, situations, topics, careers, environments, challenges, and opportunities. It’s a “domain-general” thinking skill—not a thinking skill that’s reserved for a one subject alone or restricted to a particular subject area. Critical thinking is used in every domain, from physics to auto mechanics. It is often employed to problem solve when we are puzzled by something or to reveal that there is an error in common ways of thinking about things. Thus, critical thinking is essential for revealing biases.

For example, Galileo used a common form of reasoning called reductio ad absurdum  (Latin for “reduce to absurdity) to show that the physics of his day was mistaken. People at that time believed that the heavier something was, the faster it would fall. Galileo knew this common conception was mistaken and he proved it both empirically and conceptually. Here is how he proved it conceptually. Suppose you have two objects, one heavier (call it B) than the other (call it A). Suppose the heavier object falls faster. When you put the lighter object under the heavier object (c), the lighter object should slow down the heavier object. On the other hand gluing together both objects results in a heavier object (c), which should fall even faster than (b). See diagram here . The contradiction proves by reductio ad absurdum that the assumption must be false. This is just one example, but the form of reasoning (reductio ad absurdum) is the same across every domain—from science to religion to auto mechanics. The form of reasoning is just this: assume for the sake of the argument that A is true. If we can then show that A leads to a contradiction (literally where two statements are asserted that cannot possibly be true), then we prove that A is false.

Great leaders have highly attuned critical thinking skills, and you can too. In fact, you probably have a lot of these skills already. Of all your thinking skills, critical thinking may have the greatest value.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is clear, reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do. It means asking probing questions like, “How do we know?” or “Is this true in every case or just in this instance?” It involves being skeptical and challenging assumptions, rather than simply memorizing facts or blindly accepting what you hear or read.

Imagine, for example, that you’re reading a history textbook. You wonder who wrote it and why because you detect certain biases in the writing. You find that the author has a limited scope of research focused only on a particular group within a population. In this case, your critical thinking reveals that there are other sides to the story.

Who are critical thinkers, and what characteristics do they have in common? Critical thinkers are usually curious and reflective people. They like to explore and probe new areas and seek knowledge, clarification, and new solutions. They ask pertinent questions, evaluate statements and arguments, and they distinguish between facts and opinion. They are also willing to examine their own beliefs, possessing a manner of humility that allows them to admit lack of knowledge or understanding when needed. They are open to changing their mind. Perhaps most of all, they actively enjoy learning and seeking new knowledge is a lifelong pursuit.

This description may well be you!

No matter where you are on the road to being a critical thinker, you can always more fully develop and finely tune your skills. Doing so will help you develop more balanced arguments, express yourself clearly, read critically, and glean important information efficiently. Critical thinking skills will help you in any profession or any circumstance of life, from science to art to business to teaching. With critical thinking, you become a clearer thinker and problem solver.

The following video from Lawrence Bland presents the major concepts and benefits of critical thinking.

You can view the transcript for “Critical Thinking.wmv” here (opens in new window) .

Supporting Claims with Evidence

Thinking and constructing analyses based on your thinking will bring you in contact with a great deal of information. Some of that information will be factual, and some will not be. You need to be able to distinguish between facts and opinions so you know how to support your arguments. Begin with the following basic definitions:

• Fact: a statement that can be supported by objective evidence such as observation, argument, or research.
• Opinion: a statement whose truth depends on someone’s desire(s) rather than objective evidence. Opinions that cannot be supported by objective evidence are at most subjectively true.

Of course, the tricky part is that most people do not label statements as fact and opinion, so you need to be aware and recognize the difference as you go about honing your critical thinking skills.

You probably have heard the old saying “Everyone is entitled to their own opinions,” which may be true, but conversely not everyone is entitled to their own facts. Facts are true for everyone, not just those who want to believe in them. For example, “mice are mammals”  is a fact since it has been established by scientific research. In contrast, “mice make the best pets” is an opinion (since best means whatever one likes the best—and that is a matter of one’s subjective desires).

Facts vs. opinion

Determine if the following statements are facts or opinions based on just the information provided here, referring to the basic definitions above. Some people consider scientific findings to be opinions even when they are convincingly backed by reputable evidence and experimentation. However, remember the definition of fact—verifiable by research or observation. Think about what other research you may have to conduct to make an informed decision.

• Oregon is a state in the United States. (How would this be proven?)
• Beef is made from cattle. (See current legislation concerning vegetarian “burgers.”)
• Increased street lighting decreases criminal behavior. (What information would you need to validate this claim?)
• In 1952, Elizabeth became Queen of England. (What documents could validate this statement?)
• Oatmeal tastes plain. (What factors might play into this claim?)
• Acne is an embarrassing skin condition. (Who might verify this claim?)
• Kindergarten decreases student dropout rates. (Think of different interest groups that may take sides on this issue.)
• Carbohydrates promote weight gain. (Can you determine if this is a valid statement?)
• Cell phones cause brain tumors. (What research considers this claim?)
• Immigration is good for the US economy. (What research would help you make an informed decision on this topic?)

Defending against Bias

Once you have all your information gathered and you have checked your sources for currency and validity, you need to direct your attention to how you’re going to present your now well-informed analysis. Be careful on this step to recognize your own possible biases (metacognition). Facts are verifiable statements; opinions are statements without supporting evidence. Stating an opinion is just that. You could say, “Blue is the best color,” and that would be your opinion. In contrast, suppose you were to conduct research and find the use of blue paint in mental hospitals reduces patients’ heart rates by twenty-five percent and contributes to fewer angry outbursts from patients. In that case, the statement “blue paint in mental hospitals reduces patients’ heart rate by twenty-five percent” would be a fact supported by objective evidence.

Not everyone will accept your analysis, which can be frustrating. Most people resist change and have firm beliefs on both important issues and less significant preferences. With all the competing information surfacing online, on the news, and in general conversation, you can understand how confusing it can be to make any decisions. Look at all the reliable, valid sources that claim different approaches to be the best diet for healthy living: ketogenic, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, low fat, raw foods, paleo, Mediterranean, etc. All you can do in this sort of situation is conduct your own serious research, check your sources, and write clearly and concisely to provide your analysis of the information for consideration. You cannot force others to accept your stance, but you can show your evidence in support of your thinking, being as persuasive as possible without lapsing into your own personal biases.

critical thinking:  clear, reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do, often as a result of challenging assumptions

opinions:  statements offered without supporting evidence

• College Success. Authored by : Matthew Van Cleave. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
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Why the Clock Counts with Critical Thinking

Timing matters when it comes to accepting extraordinary claims..

Posted September 24, 2023 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

• Embracing a strong belief in the right thing at the wrong time is a deceptive victory.
• Strange possibilities should not be ruled out.
• The core power and most exciting aspect of science is not what we know now, but what we might learn next.
• The best we can do is strive to be correct according to the best evidence available now.

It may seem counterintuitive, but being correct in the long run is not the only consideration when it comes to extraordinary claims. It’s a detail often missed, but when one decides to accept or believe something matters—even if it eventually proves true.

This is important to recognize because embracing a strong belief in the right thing at the wrong time is a deceptive victory. It can encourage overconfidence in unreliable hunches and obscure flawed and dangerous thinking processes, all of which are likely to create problems throughout life.

Consider the factor of timing regarding UFOs. Anyone who “knows” today that some of them are extraterrestrial visitors has had their mind probed and abducted by an irrational belief because there is nothing close to credible confirmation for it. But what if aliens were to land on the rooftop of the United Nations building tomorrow and confess that they have been buzzing us for decades?

UFO believers would say, “told you so,” and deservedly so. But their prior position still would have been the result of extraordinarily poor thinking skills. And those skills won’t improve without a personal reckoning that includes acknowledging the significance of timing and a new commitment to thinking before believing.

It would be no different if Bigfoot were captured or a quirk of quantum physics proved the claims of homeopathy. Feelings of vindication aside, the unjustified embrace of an extremely dubious position that later turns out to be correct is not much more impressive than that of a broken clock being precisely accurate twice per day. A supervolcano might choke out civilization next year, but it wouldn’t mean the guy on a street corner yelling, “The end is near,” knew what he was talking about.

Some will argue that being proven right over time is enough, regardless of how unjustified the conclusion or belief once was. But this ignores the dangers of habitual sloppy thinking. If skepticism and quality of evidence are unimportant for one claim, then what is the standard for others? If one believes the Apollo Moon landings were faked, why not trust a chiropractor to treat a serious health issue? If reflexology is valid, why not Assyrian haruspicy, too? Where does it end? Sadly, of course, there is no end for some who seem to live almost entirely in a state of cognitive chaos.

To help premature believers, advocates of critical thinking might add the role of timing to their list of essential talking points. I consistently emphasize to others that the safer and more efficient way to mentally navigate the world is to consistently side with the best knowledge currently available—and be prepared to change course the moment new evidence demands it. I also make a point to concede that a given extraordinary and unlikely claim could be true, but quickly add that it doesn’t matter if currently there are no good reasons to believe it.

I understand that this burden of waiting for sufficient evidence can be inconvenient or uncomfortable, but it is crucial when it comes to important and unusual claims. There are exceptions, of course. Sometimes the stakes are high, there is legitimate urgency, and a hunch is all you have. For example, if I’m walking in a dark alley and someone in the shadows appears to be waving a knife and seems to be whispering something about my wallet, I’m running and not hanging around for scientific confirmation. In most cases, however, we have the luxury of waiting to see if good evidence ever arrives.

Drawing attention to this timing component of critical thinking is not a blanket rejection of fringe ideas. It is important to consider unlikely things and maintain appropriate humility before strange possibilities. The core power and most exciting aspect of science is not what we know now, but what we might learn next. A nagging intuition , compelling flash of insight, or gut feeling can be a fruitful starting point toward spectacular discovery.

But the hunch itself is not enough, and certainly should not be the endpoint. For example, my love of science fiction and the compressed version of the Drake Equation that lives in my head biases me with a strong inclination to think that we are not alone in a universe with this much time, space, matter, and energy. But until SETI holds the greatest press conference in history, it would be an appalling breach of reason if I were to take any stance other than “I don’t know.” The critical-thinking clock is clear on this. It’s too early to be sure.

An important technical point is that waiting for sufficient evidence is not an absolute denial of the claim. Neither is it a sign of being closed-minded, the standard cheap shot lobbed at critical thinkers. I suppose it can feel like a contradiction, but good thinking demands that we c onsider anything and doubt everything .

The late astronomer Carl Sagan mentioned this in his book The Demon Haunted World : “As I’ve tried to stress , at the heart of science is an essential balance between two seemingly contradictory attitudes—an openness to new ideas, no matter how bizarre or counterintuitive, and the most ruthlessly skeptical scrutiny of all ideas, old and new. This is how deep truths are winnowed from deep nonsense.”

I have learned from experience that openly noting the possibility of improbable things can aid communication between believer and skeptic. I readily admit that giant primates and interstellar visitors are not impossible, only that declaring them to be real phenomena right now is a problem. It demonstrates the same kind of muddled judgment that leads people into dangerous medical quackery, financial scams, predatory organizations, and destructive political loyalties.

The best we can do is strive to be correct according to the best evidence available now . Mind the clock and keep steering toward the best current version of reality. Take positions that are most reasonable today . We can always change our minds tomorrow if the aliens land and say hello.

Guy P. Harrison is the author of Think: Why You Should Question Everything.

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Critical Thinking is Important: Improve Your Analytical Skills

• Post author: Samir Saif
• Post published: May 12, 2023
• Post category: soft skills
• Post comments: 3 Comments
• Post last modified: December 4, 2023
• Reading time: 10 mins read

The process of actively and skillfully analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information in order to make reasoned and logical conclusions or decisions is referred to as critical thinking abilities.

It entails thoroughly and objectively scrutinizing arguments and facts, recognizing biases and assumptions, and calling statements and conclusions into question.

Analytical thinking is more than just accepting data at face value or relying on intuition or own views. It necessitates the capacity to analyze data and arguments, consider many perspectives, and make informed decisions based on sound reasoning and evidence.

Table of Contents

Critical Thinking key Elements

Analytical thinking requires several critical components, including:

• Analysis: The ability to disassemble complex information into its constituent elements and thoroughly evaluate them.
• Ability to evaluate the trustworthiness, relevance, and validity of information and arguments.
• Synthesis: The ability to synthesize information and ideas from several sources in order to arrive at a new understanding or perspective.
• Inference: The ability to make inferences based on evidence and logic.
• The ability to comprehend and articulate the meaning and relevance of information and ideas.
• Reflection is the ability to consider one’s own thought processes, including biases and assumptions.
• Problem-solving abilities include the capacity to identify and analyze problems, as well as develop and assess viable solutions.

Developing critical thinking abilities takes time and effort. It entails remaining open-minded, and curious.

Why is Analytical  thinking Important

Critical thinking is crucial because it allows people to make better informed and reasoned judgments, solve issues more effectively, and assess information more thoughtfully and nuancedly. Here are some of the reasons why critical thinking is essential:

Decision-making: Critical thinking assists individuals in making informed decisions by carefully examining facts and arguments, considering alternative perspectives, and weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various possibilities.

Problem-solving: Critical thinking assists individuals in identifying and analyzing problems, evaluating viable solutions, and making smart judgments in order to effectively handle situations.

Creativity: The ability to think creatively and produce new ideas by combining current knowledge and information in novel ways is required for critical thinking.

Learning: Critical thinking aids learning by allowing people to better absorb and analyze complex information and concepts.

Communication: Critical thinking helps people communicate more successfully by allowing them to more precisely evaluate and interpret information and arguments, as well as explain their own thoughts and viewpoints.

Employers place a high emphasis on critical thinking, which is required for success in numerous fields such as business, law, science, and engineering.

Personal development: Critical thinking helps people become more open-minded, inquiring, and thoughtful in their approach to life, which can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

Overall, critical thinking is an important talent that allows people to negotiate difficult situations and make informed decisions that can have a big impact on their personal and professional lives.

How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Developing critical thinking abilities takes time and practice, but it can be gratifying and empowering. Here are some pointers for strengthening your critical thinking abilities:

Pose the following questions: Asking questions is the first step in critical thinking. Inquire about the material you come across, the assumptions that underpin arguments, and the evidence that supports or refutes statements.

When reading a news piece, for example, ask yourself, “What evidence supports this claim?” or “How biased is the author?”

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Seek out diverse perspectives

Consideration of many perspectives is required for critical thinking. Seek out many points of view and perspectives, and try to comprehend the reasons behind them.

For example, if you’re investigating a contentious issue, look for articles or opinions that provide opposing points of view and try to grasp the reasoning behind each one.

Evaluate the evidence

Analytical thinking entails assessing the validity and believability of evidence and arguments. Look for credible information sources and analyze the evidence given in arguments.

Consider aspects such as sample size, methodology, and potential biases while evaluating a scientific study, for example.

Consider your own biases

Analytical thinking entails identifying and addressing one’s own biases and assumptions. Consider your own views and values, and how they may influence your thinking.

Consider how your strong view on an issue could influence your appraisal of evidence and arguments, for example.

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Practice reflection

Reflecting on your own thought process and recognizing opportunities for improvement is part of critical thinking. Consider your own assumptions, biases, and decision-making processes.

For example, after making a decision, analyze the reasons that influenced it and how you might approach a similar decision in the future.

You can become a more informed, deliberate, and successful decision-maker by honing your analytical thinking skills.

Developing these talents requires time and practice, but the benefits are well worth the effort. You can make better informed judgments, solve problems more effectively, and negotiate complicated circumstances with greater confidence and clarity if you have critical thinking skills.

Common Barriers to Critical Thinking

While analytical thinking is a crucial skill to have, there are some frequent roadblocks that can make using critical thinking successfully challenging. Here are some of the most typical critical thinking roadblocks and how to overcome them:

Confirmation bias:

This is the proclivity to seek out and evaluate information that validates our pre-existing opinions and ideals.

For example, if we already believe that a particular political party is terrible, we may seek for information that reinforces that idea while ignoring evidence that contradicts it.

We must be mindful of our own biases and actively seek out diverse opinions to combat confirmation bias.

Assumptions:

Assumptions are beliefs that we accept without examination. For example, we may make the mistake of assuming that everyone shares our cultural values or that a particular product is the best on the market without evaluating alternatives.

To combat assumptions, we must evaluate our views and seek facts to back them up.

Emotional Reasoning:

This is when we analyze a situation or make a decision based on emotions rather than logic. For example, rather than considering considerations such as job stability or money, we may choose a career path based on what makes us happy.

To overcome emotional reasoning, we must become conscious of our emotions and evaluate how they may influence our thinking.

Limited perspective:

This is the tendency to look at a problem from only one perspective. For example, we may solely examine a decision’s short-term benefits without considering its long-term ramifications.

To overcome a narrow perspective, we must seek out other viewpoints and examine the consequences of our judgments.

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Lack of information:

This occurs when we lack sufficient information to make an informed judgment. For example, we may make a decision based on insufficient knowledge or without evaluating all of the alternatives.

To overcome a shortage of information, we must seek out reputable information sources and analyze all accessible possibilities.

We can become more effective critical thinkers and make more informed judgments by recognizing and overcoming some typical hurdles to critical thinking.

Real-Life Applications of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a vital ability with numerous real-world applications. Here are a couple such examples:

Decision-making:

Making educated and productive judgments requires analytical thinking. We can make more likely conclusions by assessing information, evaluating evidence, and considering other points of view.

When determining which car to buy, for example, critical thinking abilities can help us analyze features, dependability, and pricing to make an informed selection.

Read Also:  Positive Thinking: Techniques, Benefits, and Goal Achievement

Problem-solving:

Problem-solving also benefits from critical thinking. We can arrive at successful answers by breaking down difficult problems, identifying potential solutions, and weighing the pros and drawbacks of each alternative.

Solve problems for example, might assist us in solving workplace challenges such as detecting inefficiencies in a process or discovering strategies to improve customer satisfaction.

Communication: By allowing us to convey our views clearly and persuasively, critical thinking can help us communicate more successfully.

We can convey our ideas in a way that others are more likely to understand and accept by analyzing evidence, anticipating objections, and considering diverse perspectives.

Creativity:

Critical thinking can also boost creativity by allowing us to look outside the box and come up with new ideas.

We can produce innovative ideas that lead to new goods, services, or ways of doing things by questioning assumptions, examining diverse views, and seeking for unusual solutions.

Personal growth:

Analytical thinking is beneficial to one’s own growth and development. We can obtain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us by challenging our own beliefs, assumptions, and biases.

This can result in personal development, enhanced empathy, and a respect for diversity.

Conclusion and summary

In conclusion, critical thinking skills have a wide range of real-life applications, ranging from decision-making and problem-solving to communication and personal development. We may become more productive, knowledgeable, and empowered in many aspects of our lives by honing our critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking skills are important in many aspects of life, including education, professional work, and personal decision-making. It enables people to make better informed and reasoned judgments, solve issues more effectively, and assess information in a more careful and nuanced manner.

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3 critical thinking skills you need in 2024.

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Critical thinking skills help you improve diversity and inclusion within your team

In 2018, a Hart survey revealed that out of over 500 business executives interviewed, 78% agreed that critical thinking is the most essential skill they desire to see demonstrated in their employees. However, astonishingly, a mere 34% of college graduates were equipped with this in-demand skill.

Today, critical thinking remains one of the most essential skill sets you need to succeed in today's workforce and experience a thriving career. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2023 report confirmed just how essential critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills are in 2024, placing this skill set at the top of its list.

In an earlier report from the Forum, it most notably pointed out:

“Skills gaps continue to be high as in-demand skills across jobs change in the next five years. The top skills and skill groups which employers see as rising in prominence in the lead up to 2025, include groups such as critical thinking and analysis as well as problem-solving."

This is hardly surprising, given the fact that we continue to be bombarded with the spread of misinformation everyday, from social media, to conspiracy groups, to the prevalent usage of AI which can generate misleading and potentially harmful information if not developed and used ethically. This makes it of the utmost important that we take deliberate effort to develop the habit of critically analysis, everything instead of taking at face value and accepting things for what they are.

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Through developing critical thinking skills, you can prevent the advancement of misinformation, become a trusted an reliable source within your network and industry, and gain access to exciting career opportunities including promotions.

But how can you develop critical thinking and analysis skills?

First, let's unpack what critical thinking actually is.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking, in simple terms, is the process of objectively analyzing data, and using your reflections and observations from multiple sources to arrive at conclusions, decisions, or judgements.

What Are Some Critical Thinking Skills?

To develop critical thinking for your career success, consider building the following skills:

1. Curiosity

Innovation comes through being curious enough to keep probing and digging for information. Challenge your own assumptions, and those of others. As you do this, you will notice that it will help pave the way for the removal of unconscious bias within the workplace. When never you do receive information, regardless of the source or format, seek clarification before accepting it as fact.

2. Evaluation

To evaluate others' conclusions and supporting arguments, research their background, credentials, reputation, possible influencing factors, and experience. This will help you assess just how reliable, relevant, and credible they are.

3. Diversity

Last but not least, it's essential to keep an open mind to a wide variety of sources. The greater the variety, the higher the quality of your conclusion. For example, as a leader or manager, you should seek to foster inclusivity and diversity within your team by creating processes whereby all team members can feel involved in your decision-making or policy creation process.

This helps to ensure that the final solution is reflective of those it is intended to serve and is well adapted to everyone's needs and preferences.

Through developing critical thinking skills, you can help stay the spread of misinformation and be ... [+] recognized as a credible industry expert

Practice these three essential critical thinking skills every time you read a new item of information online, when browsing through social media, watching the news, in a meeting, or when studying for your professional development. The more you practice, the more you'll refine and strengthen your critical thinking skills over time.

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