Many decision-making and problem-solving tasks require critical thinking skills, which entail the ability to analyze information to reach a rational conclusion. Critical thinking skills are a common requirement in job descriptions, but what exactly does that mean?
What is critical thinking?
Depending on where you look, you might find differences between definitions. First, we’ll rely on a simple definition: Critical thinking is the process of analyzing a topic or a problem deeply based on relevant information.
Critical thinkers refuse to accept subject matter at face value and are aware of their own cognitive biases, which allows them to approach objective conclusions. Higher-order thinking skills like critical thinking enable you to learn actively, rather than passively absorbing information as it’s presented to you.
Here are six practices to develop your critical thinking mastery:
- Pinpoint the issue
Whether it’s a problem that needs solving or a question that needs an answer, determine what has caused it.
- Collect data, suggestions, and arguments
You should be capable of analyzing the situation based on facts, data, and information about the problem. It will be helpful to collect views and ideas from various sources. Make sure to seek out sources that challenge your own beliefs.
- Examine and scrutinize.
Check sources and reliability of the data to confirm if the conclusions are evidence-based or just opinions. Support your hypothesis with enough information and data.
- Confirm significance
Each side of an argument will likely have supporting evidence. Deciding which information is most important, deductive, valid, and has a sound premise will help decide the significance of each.
- Draw conclusions
Decide on one or more possible conclusions. Evaluate the soundness of your conclusions and flag any flaws. You can also weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of all options.
- Explain your conclusions.
Communicate your conclusions to the relevant parties.
Conclusion
Are you a rising critical thinking star? Great! If not, practice and perfect this invisible craft that unifies wisdom, method, and action to the delight, wow, and wonder of those around you.