What Is Critical Thinking?

Transcript

[Presenter] Have you ever made a rash decision? Or jumped to a false conclusion? Or been so overwhelmed by lots of different pieces of information, you just took the easiest route and agreed with what everyone else was saying?

Perhaps you look back and regret not taking the time to properly consider everything.

This is where critical thinking can help. It's the deliberate process of analyzing information, questioning it, and looking for hard evidence to draw conclusions that make sound, logical and coherent sense.

It's also one of the skills employers value most in the workplace. This is because it can help you to solve problems, identify real or fake news, and ultimately make better and wiser decisions.

So how can you think more critically?

1. Play the sceptic

First, you need to play the skeptic.

Don't take information at face value. Question it. For example, when you're presented with an argument, ask yourself, "What's the source? Is it credible? Could the author be biased in any way? What further evidence is there that backs up this information?"

2. Be aware of cognitive bias

Also, beware of cognitive bias.

Sometimes our ability to think critically and objectively about something can be impacted by our own internal biases. We might agree with something because it fits well with our values and worldview, or because of peer pressure.

To avoid bias from creeping in, ask yourself things like, "Am I allowing personal opinion or emotion to affect my decision?", "Am I agreeing with something because it feels familiar or safe?", "What are the actual facts and evidence that I should be focusing on here?"

3. Be curious

Be curious, too.

Curiosity is the desire to explore, discover, and learn new things. Even when something seems obvious, perhaps it's not.

Don't be afraid to investigate further and seek opposing views. Perhaps you'll discover something you never considered before. And, if you do, don't be afraid to reassess your original beliefs in light of this new information.

4. Apply logic

Finally, apply logic.

This may sound simple. But, actually, if you have to sift through lots of different, and possibly even competing, information, it can be tricky.

Essentially, logic means evaluating information in a coherent, structured way that allows you to draw reasonable and sensible conclusions.

To do this, focus on the facts first. What is definitely true? And what might not be true?

Anything that is not definitely a fact will likely be based on an assumption and will need to be investigated further to test whether it's valid or not.

Let's recap.

Critical thinking is the deliberate practice of analyzing and evaluating information to draw sensible and sound conclusions. You can become a better critical thinker by playing the skeptic; avoiding cognitive bias; being curious; and applying the rules of logic.

When you can do all this, you'll be in a much stronger position to decipher complex information, understand what's fact and what's not, solve difficult problems, and make robust decisions that are based on hard evidence.