What is Critical Thinking?
Critical Thinking is the ability to effectively analyse information and make a reasoned judgement. So, rather than simply recalling information learnt, or accepting information on face value, it is an approach to thinking that challenges and calls for reflection, understanding the bigger picture, the details and then making an informed conclusion.
As The Foundation for Critical Thinking highlights, “Critical thinking can be seen as having two components: 1) a set of information and belief generating and processing skills, and 2) the habit, based on intellectual commitment, of using those skills to guide behavior. It is thus to be contrasted with: 1) the mere acquisition and retention of information alone, because it involves a particular way in which information is sought and treated; 2) the mere possession of a set of skills, because it involves the continual use of them; and 3) the mere use of those skills (“as an exercise”) without acceptance of their results.”
This video below, although slightly tedious in the examples it gives, does a good job of explaining the basic premise of critical thinking in depth.
When relating to the world of work, employers want a job candidate who can evaluate a situation using logic by offering the best solution. They should be able to be trusted to make decisions independently.
The Skills We Need for Critical Thinking…
‘Skills you Need’ goes through some of the main areas that make up the skill of being able to reflect on given information; 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.
So… 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.
Taking yourself out of the picture…
Depending on what it is you are critically analysing, recognising and removing your own biases is a really beneficial practice as it allows for a more neutral assessment of a given situation. This is to fullest extent impossible – you will always see the world with your own eyes and there are always implicit biases at work, but the attempt is worthwhile as even in trying to, you are recognising that your own thoughts and feelings are part of the equation.
Uses of Critical Thinking
Yes, critical thinking is something that becomes immediately relevant in academia, being able to decipher between reputable sources of information and construct a well rounded argument; it also becomes immediately relevant in a workspace setting when dealing with multiple tasks and plenty of information. But in addition to these settings, it’s also just a valuable life skill when it comes to understanding the world and working with and understanding people. It can be used when watching the news, listening to gossip from a friend, deciding whether to buy those expensive shoes you have always wanted.
When working with other people, there are differences of opinion, there are conflicting claims and there is uncertainty. All three of these points call for individuals to critically reflect on a given situation rather than simply defending their own agenda. Uncertainty is one of the main factors in the machine that drives critical thinking, it is that uncertainty that necessitates somebody to step out of their situation and observe, reflect, take all important factors into account and disregard those that maybe aren’t so important to come to a decision.
Practicing critical thinking also promotes the skill of seeing and understanding cause and effect, dealing with a problem by determining the root of it and solving it from there. For example, if you disagree with somebody, why might you disagree? If that has been identified, what’s the solution? And why?
This constant questioning to understand the picture more clearly, aside from your own immediate perspective and others, is essentially what critical thinking is all about… and that’s relevant in all areas of life.
Relevancy to your time with Think Pacific
Working in a Team
During your time on a Think Pacific program, you will be working with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds that will bring with them completely different perspectives. Practicing critical thinking and being critical of your own biases and perspective creates an environment that helps the team reach a shared and strong decision on an action or team approach. It allows you to determine the reasons why people may think differently to you and value that, see it as a strength within a team rather than a hindrance.
Culture
You will be experiencing and learning about an entirely different culture which nurtures an entirely different worldview for those who embody it. Approaching cultural differences with humility and curiosity is essential, but approaching culture critically also allows you to connect the dots to understand why things are the way they are… giving a whole new depth to cultural learning and comprehension!
Top Tips…
If critical thinking requires you to explore the complexities of the subject matter, evaluate and then make your own conclusion, we’ve put together some tips of how to approach this daily:
Listen to others – ‘We cannot disagree intelligently unless we first understand profoundly’. This quote symbolises a lot of key messages – one being the importance of listening to the other person. Without listening to reasons as to why a particular individual believes as they do, you will not be able to form a fully-considered response. Also, assuming the person that you are talking to knows at least one thing that you do not is a fantastic way to remain humble.
Analyse Evidence – Don’t just take ‘headline’ statistics, which may present widely inaccurate figures. Educate yourself on what constitutes effective research and learn to identify when research is being presented from a bias perspective. This may become visible through finding out who conducted that particular research, as funders can influence the end conclusions.
Keep an open mind – Be prepared to be challenged, and be ready to show humility in changing your mind. Nobody is ever correct 100% of the time and some situations have no correct answer at all – therefore it is imperative that you welcome people’s thoughts before concluding whether you wish to adopt that particular belief.
A little quiz to test your knowledge and round off the section: