How Critical is Critical Thinking?

Tony Robbins has been quoted saying, “it is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.” Now, for most people, shaping their destiny is harder to connect with than shaping your next quarter at work, your career path, or your personal relationships.

So, if the decisions we make are so important, how do we improve our decision-making ability?

In her book, “Critical Thinking Skills,” by Stella Cottrell, she provides a great resource for improving this skill and removing barriers impacting our ability to think critically. Well, what is Critical thinking? It is a cognitive activity, associated with using the mind. Learning to think critically analytically and evaluative ways means using mental processes such as attention, categorization, selection, and judgement. However, many people who have potential to develop more effective critical thinking can be prevented from doing so for a variety of reasons apart from lack of ability. Personal and emotional, or ‘affective’, reasons can create barriers.

It is likely that many people over-estimate the quality of the critical thinking they bring to activities such as reading, watching TV, using the internet, or to work and study. It is not unusual to assume our point of view is well-founded, that we know best, and that we are logical and reasonable. Other people observing us may not share this view. A lack of self-awareness and weak reasoning skills can result in unsatisfactory appraisals at work or poor marks for academic work. Certainly, comments from managers and lecturers indicate that many employees and students are prevented from gaining promotions or better marks because their work lacks evidence of rigorous critical thinking.

Cottrell provides an overview of, Critical thinking as a process:

Critical thinking is a complex process of deliberation which involves a wide range of skills and attitudes. It includes:

·        Identifying other people’s positions, arguments and conclusions;

·        Evaluating the evidence for alternative points of view;

·        Weighing up opposing arguments and evidence fairly;

·        Being able to read between the lines, seeing behind surfaces, and identifying false or unfair assumptions;

·        Recognizing techniques used to make certain positions more appearing more appealing that others, such as false logic and persuasive devices;

·        Reflecting on issues in a structured way, bringing logic and insight to bear;

·        Drawing conclusions about whether arguments are valid and justifiable, based on good evidence and sensible assumptions;

·        Synthesizing information: drawing together your judgements of the evidence, synthesizing these to form your own new position;

·        Presenting a point of view in a structured, clear, well-reasoned way that convinces others.

In addition to walking decisions through the process above, critical thinking involves accuracy and precision, and this can require dedication to finding the right answer for the individual making the decision. It includes:

·        Attention to detail: taking the time to note small clues that throw greater light on the overall issue.

·        Identifying trends and patterns: this may be through careful mapping of information, analysis of data, or identifying repetition and similarity.

·        Repetition: going back over the same ground several times to check that nothing has been missed.

·        Taking different perspectives: looking at the same information from several points of view.

·        Objectivity: putting your own likes, beliefs and interests to one side with the aim of gaining the most accurate outcome or a deeper understanding.

·        Considering implications and distant consequences: what appears to be a good idea in the short term, for example, might have long-term effects that are less desirable.

We have the ability to continuously up-level our skills and if you agree that your decisions daily, over time, impact the outcomes you experience, elevating critical thinking skills is worth adding into your personal development backlog (our make a critical decision to start now 😊).  

What are skills are you prioritizing in your personal development?

-Calen

Reference

Cottrell, S. (2017). Critical Thinking Skills: Effective Analysis, Argument and Reflection (Macmillan Study Skills) (3rd ed. 2017 ed.). Red Globe Press.