critical thinking in our everyday lives

16 Critical Thinking Examples in Real Life

What is critical thinking.

While making your academic assignments or thesis, you are required to do some research and analyze various things, or for making a career decision or any other decision you are required to think of all pros and cons of that decision. Well, the most important thing that helps us to effectively take these decisions is what we call critical thinking. Critical thinking is very important in both personal and professional life. The process of critical thinking involves the analysis of the various facts and figures in a particular situation before straightaway acting on that situation. Critical thinking demands keen observation, creativity, problem-solving skills, which helps the individual to thoroughly evaluate the gathered information and then use this available information as a guide to making accurate decisions. From doing academic works or regular activities to solving various large scale problems, critical thinking is required in everyday life. In this article, we will learn about some real-life examples where critical thinking plays an important role.

Critical Thinking Examples in Real Life

1. critical thinking in problem solving.

Suppose your manager asks you to find an effective solution to a problem that is affecting the business. What would be your first step? Like most people, you may also start looking for potential solutions to deal with that situation. Well, one requires the use of critical thinking here. Before looking for the solution one needs to take a step back and try to understand the cause of the problem first. One should ask for the opinions of the other people that how does this particular problem impact them and the overall business. If you arrive at a solution, you should not only just rely on one solution, instead, you should always have various backup plans in case the first solution does not work as expected. Most people feel that they are great at problem-solving, but if one is not following all these above discussed steps before making a final judgement, he/she is not a critical thinker. Critical thinking allows people to find the best possible solution to any problem. Critical thinking is an important factor of problem-solving skills, one needs to look at any situation from multiple perspectives because in some cases, your decisions not only impact you but also the people in your surrounding.

2. Critical Thinking in Analysing Risks

Risk assessment is another important factor, which requires the use of critical thinking. Risk assessment is required in various sectors, from children analysing the impact of eating junk food on their health to large businesses in analysing the impact of certain policies on the growth of the company. Let us understand the implication of critical thinking in analysing the risks with some examples.

3. Critical Thinking in Data Analysis

Whether analysing the performance of the children in the schools or analysing the business growth of a multi-national company, the skill of data analysis is very crucial. In today’s era, almost every sector demands experts that can accurately evaluate the available data or information and draw out effective conclusions from it. With the rise in technology, the various tasks of the data analysis such as finding profit and loss, creating balance sheets, and issuing invoices are done with the help of various software, but it does not mean that human skill is not required. Various kinds of software can just convert a large amount of data into some simpler and readable format, but it is the critical thinking of the humans that is required to effectively interpret the data and apply the obtained insight for the benefits. The data analysis can even help us to estimate the future trends and potential risks of taking any decisions.

4. Critical Thinking in Hiring Employees

The ability to objectively view any situation without getting influenced by your personal beliefs or thoughts is one of the important characteristics of critical thinking. In business, the hiring managers require critical thinking to evaluate a large number of resume’s to choose the suitable candidates for the required position. Critical thinking here enables the hiring managers not to hire a candidate on the basis of various factors like gender, age, religion or country, these factors may influence the hiring managers unconsciously. The hiring manager may tend to choose the candidate on his/her subjective beliefs if he/she does not use critical thinking. Hence, critical thinking can help HR’s to hire the best employees that may eventually lead to the growth of the company.

5. Promoting the Teamwork

In a team, every individual is unique and has his/her different ideas to tackle the proposed problem. It is the responsibility of the team leader to understand the perspective of each member and encourage them to work collectively to solve the common problem. You may find the opinion of the other members of your team as ineffective, but instead of straightway denying their opinions one should logically analyse their suggestions and try to put your point of view regarding the problem in an effective and calm manner. If the team leader does not use critical thinking, instead, he/she boost his/her opinions on others, the team is sure to collapse.

6. Critical Thinking in Self-Evaluation

Critical thinking plays a major role in self-evaluation. The knowledge of critical thinking skills allows you to accurately analyse your performance by controlling various subjective biases. People should always evaluate their reactions towards any situation and the way they think, this may help them to get a deep insight into their thought processes, hence improving their thinking abilities to take accurate decisions. Self-evaluation is very important in professional life too. Suppose your manager has set a new target for the company. Every employee is thus required to analyse his/her contribution to the company and try to accomplish the set target. If you know your contribution to the company, it will help you to analyse your performance, and you can try to improve your performance in the areas where you lag.

7. Critical Thinking in Choosing the Career

Almost all of us face various dilemmas in our lives such as choosing the stream, the type of job, choosing between the regular college degree or the online programme. Whatever you choose, every option has its pros and cons. However, critical thinking allows us to accurately weigh the positives and negatives of each option and choose the one that offers more benefits than drawbacks. The best way to do this is to make a list of the pros and the cons and then analyse. Well, this is not just limited to choosing the career path, it can be used in other situations also such as professionally, and financially. One can list the pros and cons of selecting to work in a specific company or choosing the right insurance plan. It is often seen that our choices are greatly influenced by the choices of our friends or known, but one should understand that every individual’s beliefs, desires, and ambitions are different so, if the particular carrear or job is best for the others it does not mean that it would be the best option for you also. Hence, to choose the right carrear path, one requires critical thinking.

8. Critical Thinking in Time Management

Time is the most valuable asset that we have, hence utilizing it appropriately is very crucial. Critical thinking in time management helps you to wisely plan your schedule according to the importance of the particular task or the activity. For example, if the task to which you devote most of your time, is not giving you much return then you need to reconsider your schedule and should devote more time to the tasks that give you high returns.

9. Critical Thinking in Analysing the Fake News

Suppose, one of your friends shares a piece of news with you. Do you bother to analyse that whether this piece of news is real or not? Many of us just believe in the news and shares this with others too without thinking that this can be fake news too. A study conducted by Stanford University showed that around 82 per cent of the teenagers failed to distinguish between the real news and the advertisement with the ‘sponsored content’ label. This problem arises because the standard education curriculum does not emphasise much on critical thinking skills much because of the assumption that critical thinking is inbuilt in every person. By introducing certain lessons or activities that may help to increase the knowledge or overall thinking skills, the critical thinking of the children can be improved. Well, it is also seen that not only children, but adults also fall for these fake news and articles that circulate on various social media platforms. Before believing any piece of information, one should think of various questions like the source of the publication, the intention of the article, the author of the article, and the agenda behind the article. Critical thinking helps us to precisely evaluate any information before straightway believing it.

10. Critical Thinking in Distinguishing between Right and Wrong

Most people, especially teenagers are very much conscious about what their friends or relatives think of their behaviour. You may have had been through the situation, wherein if your friends think that certain behaviour is cool then you start acting in that way to fit in your friend’s circle without even considering that what you are doing is good or bad, and is your actions are related to your beliefs or not? One should understand that if a certain behaviour seems cool to some people, it may also seem bad to some others. One should not change his/her actions depending upon the approval of certain people, rather one should look at the broader aspect and should deeply analyse that whether their actions are morally right or wrong.

11. Critical Thinking in Decoding Fashion Trends

Nowadays, some people are so crazy about following the latest fashion trends, they start following every trend that some popular actor, actress, or fashion influencer suggest. If you are a critical thinker you may have had thought of the questions like why the particular trend that was so popular a few years back seems foolish now? why does a particular trend that does not even look good is so popular? Do the particular fashion trend that suits the other person suits yourself or not? Critical thinking helps people from falling victim to the bandwagon fallacy; it is fallacy in which people starts believing a particular thing or idea as good or bad if the majority of the population thinks so. Fashion trends are a common example of bandwagon fallacy.

12. Critical Thinking in Choosing the Suitable Diet and Exercise

You must have heard of various types of diets such as the Keto diet, Whole 30 diet, Gluten-free diet, Vegan diet and so on. It seems complex to choose the diet that is best for you. What people usually do is that they search online, go through several videos and choose the diet that showed the best results to the person in the video. Well, this is not the right approach, choosing the best diet for yourself requires critical thinking. People who use critical thinking evaluate the pros and cons of the particular diet on their own body, they generally ask about the suitable diet from professional dieticians rather than just following the advice of a random person online. Like choosing a suitable diet, choosing a suitable exercise also demands critical thinking. For example, What are your goals? How can you achieve this? At what time you can do exercise? Do you have any injuries that may get affected by the particular exercise? People who use critical thinking tend to ask all these questions, and then by utilizing the knowledge they have and the following routine for a few weeks, and by analyzing the results they are getting from it, they finally plan a proper schedule for them.

13. Critical Thinking in Online Shopping

In today’s digital era, online shopping is preferred by most people. However, there are various tactics and psychological tricks such as the anchoring effect , Stroop effect , and Serial position effect that are used by the various e-commerce websites, which makes the customers buy more things or things that they don’t even need. Critical thinking can help people to smartly buy items without falling victim to all these effects or tactics. While making the purchase you should focus on the price that you are paying for the particular item rather than the discount you are getting on that item because the chances are that the price that you are paying for that item is not worth paying even after the discount.

14. Critical Thinking in Job Search

Critical thinking plays an important role in the Job search. If you are applying for a job, you may consider the following points to get the desired job.

Use of Keywords in Resume: One should always understand the job post and its requirements before straightaway applying for the job. It is important to update your resume according to the job and add some keywords (mentioned in the job requirements) into your resume to get the job. If you possess some critical thinking skills such as problem-solving, analytical, communication, or creativity skills, it is better to put that in your resume. However, one should always restrain from adding any random critical thinking skills that you do not possess.

Cover Letter: Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes daily, hence the chances that they will read every resume are quite less. Well, you can make your resume different from others by adding a good cover letter. You can add some of the critical skills that you have to your resume, it is better to explain a little about the tasks or activities where you showed these skills in your previous jobs or work experiences rather than just simply writing the skill. This assures the recruiter that you are not randomly writing the skills and you possess these qualities.

Interviews: Nowadays, some interviewers present the interviewees with hypothetical stories to check their critical thinking skills. You may be asked to explain what you think of the given situation or your first reaction after looking at the given image. You are required to solve any random problem, and then you have to explain to the recruiter about your thought processes. The interviewer here is more focused on the way you reach the conclusion rather than the conclusion itself. Your thought process helps the interviewer to analyse and evaluate the way you approach various problems

15. Critical Thinking While Driving

Imagine you are driving on a busy road and your phone starts ringing. It’s an urgent call that you have to pick. What would you do? Would you pick up the call and risk yourself into an accident or stop your car on the roadside to take the call. Critical thinking helps you to make accurate decisions while driving, it includes finding the right place to park your car, analysing whether you can pass the car through that narrow street or not, or how to handle if any animal suddenly comes in front of your car. Hence, critical thinking is must require skill in driving.

16. Critical Thinking in Business

Critical thinking is one of the most important things that the owner of the business needs to possess. One has to make several important decisions, effectively communicate with the clients, hire suitable employees, take certain risks, and deal with several ups and downs in the business, and much more; all these things require critical thinking.

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Great post! I’ve been trying to apply critical thinking to my life, and these examples are a great way to start.

critical thinking is what anyone of us should have in spoiled world

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Global Cognition

Critical thinking in everyday life.

by Winston Sieck updated September 19, 2021

Have you ever been listening to one of your teacher’s lessons and thought that it had no relevance to your own life?

You’re not alone. Just about every student has felt the same way.

Sure, you use critical thinking skills in the classroom to solve word problems in math, write essays in English, and create hypotheses in science.

But how will you use critical thinking in everyday life?

First, keep in mind that critical thinking is simply a “deliberate thought process.”

Basically, it means that you are using reason and logic to come to a conclusion about an issue or decision you are tangling with.

And clear, sound reasoning is something that will help you every day.

To help you make the leap from classroom to real world, here are 3 concrete examples of critical thinking in everyday life.

Fake News vs. Real News

Take a moment to reflect on your media skills. Do you think you have what it takes to sort out a real news source from a piece of clever advertising?

According to a recent study from Stanford University, a whopping 82% of the teens surveyed could not distinguish between an ad labeled “sponsored content” and a legitimate news story.

Part of the problem may come from schools cutting back on formal instruction of critical thinking skills and an assumption that today’s “digital native” teens can automatically tell the difference without practice or instruction.

You are good at lots of things. But, you know, you’ve practiced those things you’re good at. So, how can you practice telling fact from fiction?

One way (outside of school) is to chat with your family and friends about media sources. Find out how they stay informed, and why they choose those outlets. Ask each other routine questions for evaluating sources .

Do your Friends Know Everything?

It’s tempting to believe that the world begins and ends with your friends. Don’t get me wrong. Friends are definitely important. However, it pays to reflect a little on how a group influences our lives.

To practice critical thinking in everyday life, take a close look at your group of friends. Are there things that are “forbidden” in your social circle? Are you expected to act a certain way, dress a certain way?

Think a certain way?

It’s natural that when a group defines something as “cool”, all the people in the group work to fit into that definition. Regardless of what they individually believe.

The problem is that virtually every situation can be defined in multiple ways. What is “dumb” to one person may be “cool” to another.

Develop your ability to redefine the way you see the world around you. On your own terms.

Find a time when your friend group sees the negative in a situation. Is there a positive way to view it instead? Or at least a way that makes it seem not quite so bad?

You may not be ready to speak up with your independent view. And that’s ok. Just practice thinking differently from the group to strengthen your mind.

Critical Thinking in the Driver’s Seat

One of the core critical thinking skills you need every day is the ability to examine the implications and consequences of a belief or action. In its deepest form, this ability can help you form your own set of beliefs in everything from climate change to religion.

But this skill can also save your life (and your car insurance rate) behind the wheel.

Imagine you are cruising down the freeway when your phone alerts you to an incoming text message. The ability to examine your potential actions and their accompanying consequences will help you make the best choice for how to handle the situation.

Do you look at the text and risk getting into an accident? Do you wait and risk not responding to an urgent matter? Or do you pull over to look at the text and risk being late for your appointment?

The same skill can be applied when you are looking for a place to park, when to pull onto a busy street, or whether to run the yellow light.

Better yet, the more practiced you are at looking at the implications of your driving habits, the faster you can make split second decisions behind the wheel.

Why Critical Thinking in Everyday Life Matters

Literally everyone can benefit from critical thinking because the need for it is all around us.

In a philosophical paper , Peter Facione makes a strong case that critical thinking skills are needed by everyone, in all societies who value safety, justice, and a host of other positive values:

“Considered as a form of thoughtful judgment or reflective decision-making, in a very real sense critical thinking is pervasive. There is hardly a time or a place where it would not seem to be of potential value. As long as people have purposes in mind and wish to judge how to accomplish them, as long as people wonder what is true and what is not, what to believe and what to reject, strong critical thinking is going to be necessary.”

So, in other words, as long as you remain curious, purposeful, and ambitious, no matter what your interests, you’re going to need critical thinking to really own your life.

About Winston Sieck

Dr. Winston Sieck is a cognitive psychologist working to advance the development of thinking skills. He is founder and president of Global Cognition, and director of Thinker Academy .

Reader Interactions

July 27, 2019 at 7:20 am

Wonderful article.. Useful in daily life… I have never imagined the way critical thinking is useful to make judgments

December 9, 2020 at 9:38 pm

My name is Anthony Lambert I am student at miller Motte. Critical Thinking is one my classes. I thank you for giving me the skills of critical thinking.

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41+ Critical Thinking Examples (Definition + Practices)

Critical thinking is an essential skill in our information-overloaded world, where figuring out what is fact and fiction has become increasingly challenging.

But why is critical thinking essential? Put, critical thinking empowers us to make better decisions, challenge and validate our beliefs and assumptions, and understand and interact with the world more effectively and meaningfully.

Critical thinking is like using your brain's "superpowers" to make smart choices. Whether it's picking the right insurance, deciding what to do in a job, or discussing topics in school, thinking deeply helps a lot. In the next parts, we'll share real-life examples of when this superpower comes in handy and give you some fun exercises to practice it.

Critical Thinking Process Outline

Critical thinking means thinking clearly and fairly without letting personal feelings get in the way. It's like being a detective, trying to solve a mystery by using clues and thinking hard about them.

It isn't always easy to think critically, as it can take a pretty smart person to see some of the questions that aren't being answered in a certain situation. But, we can train our brains to think more like puzzle solvers, which can help develop our critical thinking skills.

Here's what it looks like step by step:

Spotting the Problem: It's like discovering a puzzle to solve. You see that there's something you need to figure out or decide.

Collecting Clues: Now, you need to gather information. Maybe you read about it, watch a video, talk to people, or do some research. It's like getting all the pieces to solve your puzzle.

Breaking It Down: This is where you look at all your clues and try to see how they fit together. You're asking questions like: Why did this happen? What could happen next?

Checking Your Clues: You want to make sure your information is good. This means seeing if what you found out is true and if you can trust where it came from.

Making a Guess: After looking at all your clues, you think about what they mean and come up with an answer. This answer is like your best guess based on what you know.

Explaining Your Thoughts: Now, you tell others how you solved the puzzle. You explain how you thought about it and how you answered. 

Checking Your Work: This is like looking back and seeing if you missed anything. Did you make any mistakes? Did you let any personal feelings get in the way? This step helps make sure your thinking is clear and fair.

And remember, you might sometimes need to go back and redo some steps if you discover something new. If you realize you missed an important clue, you might have to go back and collect more information.

Critical Thinking Methods

Just like doing push-ups or running helps our bodies get stronger, there are special exercises that help our brains think better. These brain workouts push us to think harder, look at things closely, and ask many questions.

It's not always about finding the "right" answer. Instead, it's about the journey of thinking and asking "why" or "how." Doing these exercises often helps us become better thinkers and makes us curious to know more about the world.

Now, let's look at some brain workouts to help us think better:

1. "What If" Scenarios

Imagine crazy things happening, like, "What if there was no internet for a month? What would we do?" These games help us think of new and different ideas.

Pick a hot topic. Argue one side of it and then try arguing the opposite. This makes us see different viewpoints and think deeply about a topic.

3. Analyze Visual Data

Check out charts or pictures with lots of numbers and info but no explanations. What story are they telling? This helps us get better at understanding information just by looking at it.

4. Mind Mapping

Write an idea in the center and then draw lines to related ideas. It's like making a map of your thoughts. This helps us see how everything is connected.

There's lots of mind-mapping software , but it's also nice to do this by hand.

5. Weekly Diary

Every week, write about what happened, the choices you made, and what you learned. Writing helps us think about our actions and how we can do better.

6. Evaluating Information Sources

Collect stories or articles about one topic from newspapers or blogs. Which ones are trustworthy? Which ones might be a little biased? This teaches us to be smart about where we get our info.

There are many resources to help you determine if information sources are factual or not.

7. Socratic Questioning

This way of thinking is called the Socrates Method, named after an old-time thinker from Greece. It's about asking lots of questions to understand a topic. You can do this by yourself or chat with a friend.

Start with a Big Question:

"What does 'success' mean?"

Dive Deeper with More Questions:

"Why do you think of success that way?" "Do TV shows, friends, or family make you think that?" "Does everyone think about success the same way?"

"Can someone be a winner even if they aren't rich or famous?" "Can someone feel like they didn't succeed, even if everyone else thinks they did?"

Look for Real-life Examples:

"Who is someone you think is successful? Why?" "Was there a time you felt like a winner? What happened?"

Think About Other People's Views:

"How might a person from another country think about success?" "Does the idea of success change as we grow up or as our life changes?"

Think About What It Means:

"How does your idea of success shape what you want in life?" "Are there problems with only wanting to be rich or famous?"

Look Back and Think:

"After talking about this, did your idea of success change? How?" "Did you learn something new about what success means?"

8. Six Thinking Hats 

Edward de Bono came up with a cool way to solve problems by thinking in six different ways, like wearing different colored hats. You can do this independently, but it might be more effective in a group so everyone can have a different hat color. Each color has its way of thinking:

White Hat (Facts): Just the facts! Ask, "What do we know? What do we need to find out?"

Red Hat (Feelings): Talk about feelings. Ask, "How do I feel about this?"

Black Hat (Careful Thinking): Be cautious. Ask, "What could go wrong?"

Yellow Hat (Positive Thinking): Look on the bright side. Ask, "What's good about this?"

Green Hat (Creative Thinking): Think of new ideas. Ask, "What's another way to look at this?"

Blue Hat (Planning): Organize the talk. Ask, "What should we do next?"

When using this method with a group:

• Explain all the hats.
• Decide which hat to wear first.
• Make sure everyone switches hats at the same time.
• Finish with the Blue Hat to plan the next steps.

9. SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis is like a game plan for businesses to know where they stand and where they should go. "SWOT" stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

There are a lot of SWOT templates out there for how to do this visually, but you can also think it through. It doesn't just apply to businesses but can be a good way to decide if a project you're working on is working.

Strengths: What's working well? Ask, "What are we good at?"

Weaknesses: Where can we do better? Ask, "Where can we improve?"

Opportunities: What good things might come our way? Ask, "What chances can we grab?"

Threats: What challenges might we face? Ask, "What might make things tough for us?"

Steps to do a SWOT Analysis:

• Goal: Decide what you want to find out.
• Research: Learn about your business and the world around it.
• Brainstorm: Get a group and think together. Talk about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Pick the Most Important Points: Some things might be more urgent or important than others.
• Make a Plan: Decide what to do based on your SWOT list.
• Check Again Later: Things change, so look at your SWOT again after a while to update it.

Now that you have a few tools for thinking critically, let’s get into some specific examples.

Everyday Examples

Life is a series of decisions. From the moment we wake up, we're faced with choices – some trivial, like choosing a breakfast cereal, and some more significant, like buying a home or confronting an ethical dilemma at work. While it might seem that these decisions are disparate, they all benefit from the application of critical thinking.

10. Deciding to buy something

Imagine you want a new phone. Don't just buy it because the ad looks cool. Think about what you need in a phone. Look up different phones and see what people say about them. Choose the one that's the best deal for what you want.

11. Deciding what is true

There's a lot of news everywhere. Don't believe everything right away. Think about why someone might be telling you this. Check if what you're reading or watching is true. Make up your mind after you've looked into it.

12. Deciding when you’re wrong

Sometimes, friends can have disagreements. Don't just get mad right away. Try to see where they're coming from. Talk about what's going on. Find a way to fix the problem that's fair for everyone.

13. Deciding what to eat

There's always a new diet or exercise that's popular. Don't just follow it because it's trendy. Find out if it's good for you. Ask someone who knows, like a doctor. Make choices that make you feel good and stay healthy.

14. Deciding what to do today

Everyone is busy with school, chores, and hobbies. Make a list of things you need to do. Decide which ones are most important. Plan your day so you can get things done and still have fun.

15. Making Tough Choices

Sometimes, it's hard to know what's right. Think about how each choice will affect you and others. Talk to people you trust about it. Choose what feels right in your heart and is fair to others.

16. Planning for the Future

Big decisions, like where to go to school, can be tricky. Think about what you want in the future. Look at the good and bad of each choice. Talk to people who know about it. Pick what feels best for your dreams and goals.

Job Examples

17. solving problems.

Workers brainstorm ways to fix a machine quickly without making things worse when a machine breaks at a factory.

18. Decision Making

A store manager decides which products to order more of based on what's selling best.

19. Setting Goals

A team leader helps their team decide what tasks are most important to finish this month and which can wait.

20. Evaluating Ideas

At a team meeting, everyone shares ideas for a new project. The group discusses each idea's pros and cons before picking one.

21. Handling Conflict

Two workers disagree on how to do a job. Instead of arguing, they talk calmly, listen to each other, and find a solution they both like.

22. Improving Processes

A cashier thinks of a faster way to ring up items so customers don't have to wait as long.

23. Asking Questions

Before starting a big task, an employee asks for clear instructions and checks if they have the necessary tools.

24. Checking Facts

Before presenting a report, someone double-checks all their information to make sure there are no mistakes.

25. Planning for the Future

A business owner thinks about what might happen in the next few years, like new competitors or changes in what customers want, and makes plans based on those thoughts.

26. Understanding Perspectives

A team is designing a new toy. They think about what kids and parents would both like instead of just what they think is fun.

School Examples

27. researching a topic.

For a history project, a student looks up different sources to understand an event from multiple viewpoints.

28. Debating an Issue

In a class discussion, students pick sides on a topic, like school uniforms, and share reasons to support their views.

29. Evaluating Sources

While writing an essay, a student checks if the information from a website is trustworthy or might be biased.

30. Problem Solving in Math

When stuck on a tricky math problem, a student tries different methods to find the answer instead of giving up.

31. Analyzing Literature

In English class, students discuss why a character in a book made certain choices and what those decisions reveal about them.

32. Testing a Hypothesis

For a science experiment, students guess what will happen and then conduct tests to see if they're right or wrong.

33. Giving Peer Feedback

After reading a classmate's essay, a student offers suggestions for improving it.

34. Questioning Assumptions

In a geography lesson, students consider why certain countries are called "developed" and what that label means.

35. Designing a Study

For a psychology project, students plan an experiment to understand how people's memories work and think of ways to ensure accurate results.

36. Interpreting Data

In a science class, students look at charts and graphs from a study, then discuss what the information tells them and if there are any patterns.

Critical Thinking Puzzles

Not all scenarios will have a single correct answer that can be figured out by thinking critically. Sometimes we have to think critically about ethical choices or moral behaviors. 

Here are some mind games and scenarios you can solve using critical thinking. You can see the solution(s) at the end of the post.

37. The Farmer, Fox, Chicken, and Grain Problem

A farmer is at a riverbank with a fox, a chicken, and a grain bag. He needs to get all three items across the river. However, his boat can only carry himself and one of the three items at a time. 

Here's the challenge:

• If the fox is left alone with the chicken, the fox will eat the chicken.
• If the chicken is left alone with the grain, the chicken will eat the grain.

How can the farmer get all three items across the river without any item being eaten? 

38. The Rope, Jar, and Pebbles Problem

You are in a room with two long ropes hanging from the ceiling. Each rope is just out of arm's reach from the other, so you can't hold onto one rope and reach the other simultaneously. 

Your task is to tie the two rope ends together, but you can't move the position where they hang from the ceiling.

You are given a jar full of pebbles. How do you complete the task?

39. The Two Guards Problem

Imagine there are two doors. One door leads to certain doom, and the other leads to freedom. You don't know which is which.

In front of each door stands a guard. One guard always tells the truth. The other guard always lies. You don't know which guard is which.

You can ask only one question to one of the guards. What question should you ask to find the door that leads to freedom?

40. The Hourglass Problem

You have two hourglasses. One measures 7 minutes when turned over, and the other measures 4 minutes. Using just these hourglasses, how can you time exactly 9 minutes?

41. The Lifeboat Dilemma

Imagine you're on a ship that's sinking. You get on a lifeboat, but it's already too full and might flip over. 

Nearby in the water, five people are struggling: a scientist close to finding a cure for a sickness, an old couple who've been together for a long time, a mom with three kids waiting at home, and a tired teenager who helped save others but is now in danger. 

You can only save one person without making the boat flip. Who would you choose?

42. The Tech Dilemma

You work at a tech company and help make a computer program to help small businesses. You're almost ready to share it with everyone, but you find out there might be a small chance it has a problem that could show users' private info. 

If you decide to fix it, you must wait two more months before sharing it. But your bosses want you to share it now. What would you do?

43. The History Mystery

Dr. Amelia is a history expert. She's studying where a group of people traveled long ago. She reads old letters and documents to learn about it. But she finds some letters that tell a different story than what most people believe. 

If she says this new story is true, it could change what people learn in school and what they think about history. What should she do?

The Role of Bias in Critical Thinking

Have you ever decided you don’t like someone before you even know them? Or maybe someone shared an idea with you that you immediately loved without even knowing all the details. 

This experience is called bias, which occurs when you like or dislike something or someone without a good reason or knowing why. It can also take shape in certain reactions to situations, like a habit or instinct. 

Bias comes from our own experiences, what friends or family tell us, or even things we are born believing. Sometimes, bias can help us stay safe, but other times it stops us from seeing the truth.

Not all bias is bad. Bias can be a mechanism for assessing our potential safety in a new situation. If we are biased to think that anything long, thin, and curled up is a snake, we might assume the rope is something to be afraid of before we know it is just a rope.

While bias might serve us in some situations (like jumping out of the way of an actual snake before we have time to process that we need to be jumping out of the way), it often harms our ability to think critically.

How Bias Gets in the Way of Good Thinking

Selective Perception: We only notice things that match our ideas and ignore the rest. 

It's like only picking red candies from a mixed bowl because you think they taste the best, but they taste the same as every other candy in the bowl. It could also be when we see all the signs that our partner is cheating on us but choose to ignore them because we are happy the way we are (or at least, we think we are).

Agreeing with Yourself: This is called “ confirmation bias ” when we only listen to ideas that match our own and seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms what we already think we know or believe. 

An example is when someone wants to know if it is safe to vaccinate their children but already believes that vaccines are not safe, so they only look for information supporting the idea that vaccines are bad.

Thinking We Know It All: Similar to confirmation bias, this is called “overconfidence bias.” Sometimes we think our ideas are the best and don't listen to others. This can stop us from learning.

Have you ever met someone who you consider a “know it”? Probably, they have a lot of overconfidence bias because while they may know many things accurately, they can’t know everything. Still, if they act like they do, they show overconfidence bias.

There's a weird kind of bias similar to this called the Dunning Kruger Effect, and that is when someone is bad at what they do, but they believe and act like they are the best .

Following the Crowd: This is formally called “groupthink”. It's hard to speak up with a different idea if everyone agrees. But this can lead to mistakes.

An example of this we’ve all likely seen is the cool clique in primary school. There is usually one person that is the head of the group, the “coolest kid in school”, and everyone listens to them and does what they want, even if they don’t think it’s a good idea.

How to Overcome Biases

Here are a few ways to learn to think better, free from our biases (or at least aware of them!).

Know Your Biases: Realize that everyone has biases. If we know about them, we can think better.

Listen to Different People: Talking to different kinds of people can give us new ideas.

Ask Why: Always ask yourself why you believe something. Is it true, or is it just a bias?

Understand Others: Try to think about how others feel. It helps you see things in new ways.

Keep Learning: Always be curious and open to new information.

In today's world, everything changes fast, and there's so much information everywhere. This makes critical thinking super important. It helps us distinguish between what's real and what's made up. It also helps us make good choices. But thinking this way can be tough sometimes because of biases. These are like sneaky thoughts that can trick us. The good news is we can learn to see them and think better.

There are cool tools and ways we've talked about, like the "Socratic Questioning" method and the "Six Thinking Hats." These tools help us get better at thinking. These thinking skills can also help us in school, work, and everyday life.

We’ve also looked at specific scenarios where critical thinking would be helpful, such as deciding what diet to follow and checking facts.

Thinking isn't just a skill—it's a special talent we improve over time. Working on it lets us see things more clearly and understand the world better. So, keep practicing and asking questions! It'll make you a smarter thinker and help you see the world differently.

Critical Thinking Puzzles (Solutions)

The farmer, fox, chicken, and grain problem.

• The farmer first takes the chicken across the river and leaves it on the other side.
• He returns to the original side and takes the fox across the river.
• After leaving the fox on the other side, he returns the chicken to the starting side.
• He leaves the chicken on the starting side and takes the grain bag across the river.
• He leaves the grain with the fox on the other side and returns to get the chicken.
• The farmer takes the chicken across, and now all three items -- the fox, the chicken, and the grain -- are safely on the other side of the river.

The Rope, Jar, and Pebbles Problem

• Take one rope and tie the jar of pebbles to its end.
• Swing the rope with the jar in a pendulum motion.
• While the rope is swinging, grab the other rope and wait.
• As the swinging rope comes back within reach due to its pendulum motion, grab it.
• With both ropes within reach, untie the jar and tie the rope ends together.

The Two Guards Problem

The question is, "What would the other guard say is the door to doom?" Then choose the opposite door.

The Hourglass Problem

• Start both hourglasses. 
• When the 4-minute hourglass runs out, turn it over.
• When the 7-minute hourglass runs out, the 4-minute hourglass will have been running for 3 minutes. Turn the 7-minute hourglass over. 
• When the 4-minute hourglass runs out for the second time (a total of 8 minutes have passed), the 7-minute hourglass will run for 1 minute. Turn the 7-minute hourglass again for 1 minute to empty the hourglass (a total of 9 minutes passed).

The Boat and Weights Problem

Take the cat over first and leave it on the other side. Then, return and take the fish across next. When you get there, take the cat back with you. Leave the cat on the starting side and take the cat food across. Lastly, return to get the cat and bring it to the other side.

The Lifeboat Dilemma

There isn’t one correct answer to this problem. Here are some elements to consider:

• Moral Principles: What values guide your decision? Is it the potential greater good for humanity (the scientist)? What is the value of long-standing love and commitment (the elderly couple)? What is the future of young children who depend on their mothers? Or the selfless bravery of the teenager?
• Future Implications: Consider the future consequences of each choice. Saving the scientist might benefit millions in the future, but what moral message does it send about the value of individual lives?
• Emotional vs. Logical Thinking: While it's essential to engage empathy, it's also crucial not to let emotions cloud judgment entirely. For instance, while the teenager's bravery is commendable, does it make him more deserving of a spot on the boat than the others?
• Acknowledging Uncertainty: The scientist claims to be close to a significant breakthrough, but there's no certainty. How does this uncertainty factor into your decision?
• Personal Bias: Recognize and challenge any personal biases, such as biases towards age, profession, or familial status.

The Tech Dilemma

Again, there isn’t one correct answer to this problem. Here are some elements to consider:

• Evaluate the Risk: How severe is the potential vulnerability? Can it be easily exploited, or would it require significant expertise? Even if the circumstances are rare, what would be the consequences if the vulnerability were exploited?
• Stakeholder Considerations: Different stakeholders will have different priorities. Upper management might prioritize financial projections, the marketing team might be concerned about the product's reputation, and customers might prioritize the security of their data. How do you balance these competing interests?
• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Implications: While launching on time could meet immediate financial goals, consider the potential long-term damage to the company's reputation if the vulnerability is exploited. Would the short-term gains be worth the potential long-term costs?
• Ethical Implications : Beyond the financial and reputational aspects, there's an ethical dimension to consider. Is it right to release a product with a known vulnerability, even if the chances of it being exploited are low?
• Seek External Input: Consulting with cybersecurity experts outside your company might be beneficial. They could provide a more objective risk assessment and potential mitigation strategies.
• Communication: How will you communicate the decision, whatever it may be, both internally to your team and upper management and externally to your customers and potential users?

The History Mystery

Dr. Amelia should take the following steps:

• Verify the Letters: Before making any claims, she should check if the letters are actual and not fake. She can do this by seeing when and where they were written and if they match with other things from that time.
• Get a Second Opinion: It's always good to have someone else look at what you've found. Dr. Amelia could show the letters to other history experts and see their thoughts.
• Research More: Maybe there are more documents or letters out there that support this new story. Dr. Amelia should keep looking to see if she can find more evidence.
• Share the Findings: If Dr. Amelia believes the letters are true after all her checks, she should tell others. This can be through books, talks, or articles.
• Stay Open to Feedback: Some people might agree with Dr. Amelia, and others might not. She should listen to everyone and be ready to learn more or change her mind if new information arises.

Ultimately, Dr. Amelia's job is to find out the truth about history and share it. It's okay if this new truth differs from what people used to believe. History is about learning from the past, no matter the story.

Related posts:

• Experimenter Bias (Definition + Examples)
• Hasty Generalization Fallacy (31 Examples + Similar Names)
• Ad Hoc Fallacy (29 Examples + Other Names)
• Confirmation Bias (Examples + Definition)
• Equivocation Fallacy (26 Examples + Description)

Reference this article:

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Why and How to Use Critical Thinking in Everyday Life

Written by Argumentful

Critical thinking is a helpful skill that allows you to analyze information and make informed decisions. It’s all about taking a step back and evaluating information objectively, considering multiple perspectives, and making sound judgments based on evidence. With critical thinking, you can tackle problems with confidence, communicate your thoughts and ideas clearly, and reduce the influence of emotions, biases, and misinformation. Plus, by using critical thinking, you can continue to grow and develop as a person by questioning your own beliefs and perspectives.

Elder and Paul’s article “ Critical Thinking: The Nature of Critical and Creative Thought ” argues that critical thinking is essential for success in everyday life. They explain that critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information, as well as generating new ideas and perspectives.

Overall, critical thinking is a valuable tool for all of us to navigate the complex and ever-changing world we live in.

Here are some examples of using critical thinking in our daily lives.

EXAMPLES OF CRITICAL THINKING IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Using critical thinking in making smart health choices.

When it comes to taking care of yourself, using critical thinking to check the reliability of your sources and weigh the strength of the evidence can help you make better decisions for your health. If your doctor recommends a certain treatment or you come across a new health trend online, how can you be sure it’s the right choice for you? By using critical thinking, you can evaluate the credibility of sources, consider the evidence behind health claims, and make informed decisions that promote your well-being. Whether it’s choosing a fitness plan, exploring alternative therapies, or making dietary changes, critical thinking can help you take control of your health and make choices that are truly right for you. Don’t just blindly follow health advice, use critical thinking to help you make informed decisions for a healthier you!

Smart budgeting for a stable future

By taking a closer look at your income and expenses, you can use critical thinking to make informed decisions about your finances that will set you up for long-term stability. Should you invest now or should you save for a rainy day? What expenses can you cut back on to reach your financial goals? By using critical thinking, you can assess your financial situation, weigh the risks and benefits of different options, and make smart decisions that improve your financial stability.

Diane Halpern, award-winning educator and past president of the American Psychological Association, explains that critical thinking involves skills such as analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, and making informed decisions.

Whether it’s creating a budget, setting savings goals, or making investments, critical thinking can help you make informed decisions that put you on a path towards financial security.

Problem solving at work

When you’re facing a problem on the job, using critical thinking can help you get to the bottom of it, weigh your options, and make a well-informed decision. Sometimes the solution may be simple, but other times, it can be complex and involve multiple factors. By using critical thinking, you can objectively analyze the problem, consider different perspectives, and determine the best course of action. This can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making in the workplace, helping you to tackle challenges and reach your goals with confidence.

Joe Lau, associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong explains how to identify and avoid common thinking errors, as well as how to use critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions.

So, when a problem arises on the job, don’t just react impulsively, take a step back and use critical thinking to find the best solution.

Fighting propaganda and misinformation with critical thinking

In today’s world with so much information at our fingertips, it’s important to use critical thinking skills to sort out credible sources from misinformation and propaganda. What if instead of relying on hearsay or biased sources, you could make informed decisions based on accurate information? That’s where critical thinking comes in handy. By evaluating the evidence and reasoning behind information, you can separate facts from fiction and make well-informed choices in all areas of your life. Whether it’s evaluating news articles, scientific studies, or even advertisements, critical thinking can help you navigate the maze of information and make informed decisions.

Making decisions about relationships

This might sound like we’re overthinking it, but even in the area of personal relationship you should use clear thinking. When making decisions about relationships, critical thinking can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your relationships, and make informed choices about the future. Should you get married? Should you end the relationship with a friend that is not supportive of your life choices and goals? By using critical thinking, you can weigh the pros and cons of these important decisions, and make choices that align with your values and aspirations. You can work out the decisions to these challenges methodically when you think critically.

Shopping and consumer decisions

By critically evaluating product claims, advertisements, and customer reviews, you can make informed purchasing decisions that meet your needs and budget. No longer will you be swayed by flashy advertising or a single glowing review. With critical thinking skills, you can objectively assess the validity of product claims, compare prices and features, and determine what truly matches your needs and budget. This can lead to more informed and confident purchasing decisions, saving you time and money in the long run. So, before you click “add to cart,” take a moment to critically evaluate the information available and make an informed choice!

Planning for the future

When making decisions about education, career, and retirement, critical thinking skills will help you evaluate options and make informed choices about the future. Will you continue living driven by others or will you make choices that align with your own goals and values? Weigh the pros and cons of different options, consider long-term consequences, and make decisions that are truly right for you!

Evaluating political information

In a politically charged world, you need critical thinking skills to evaluate political information, identify biases and propaganda, and make informed decisions about political issues. Who will you vote for in the next election? What political issues matter most to you? By using critical thinking, you can examine political information with a skeptical eye, consider multiple perspectives, and make justified choices based on facts and evidence. This can help you navigate the complex world of politics. So, don’t just take political information at face value, use your critical thinking skills to help you make informed and impactful decisions.

Making decisions about personal safety

If you are faced with safety concerns, critical thinking skills can also help you evaluate potential risks, make informed decisions, and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s always better to be prepared and proactive when it comes to safety. By using critical thinking, you can assess potential dangers, weigh your options, and take steps to ensure the well-being of yourself and those around you. Whether it’s preparing for natural disasters, navigating unfamiliar territory, or making decisions about personal safety, critical thinking can help you make choices that promote peace of mind and security.

Managing stress and emotions by thinking critically

By critically evaluating the root causes of stress and emotions, individuals can make informed decisions about how to manage their mental health and well-being. When was the last time you took a step back and evaluated what’s causing your stress and emotions? By using critical thinking, you can dig deeper into the root causes of your feelings and identify patterns or triggers. For example, maybe you notice that you feel stressed every time you have a big project due at work. By recognizing this pattern, you can take proactive steps to manage your stress, such as breaking down the project into smaller tasks or seeking support from a colleague. Similarly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions, critical thinking can help you evaluate what might be contributing to those feelings and determine steps you can take to improve your emotional well-being. For example, perhaps you’re feeling down because you’re not spending enough time with friends and family.

By recognizing this, you can make an effort to reach out and connect with loved ones, which can help boost your mood and emotional health.

By now you can probably guess the benefits of thinking critically. Here are some of them.

BENEFITS OF THINKING CRITICALLY

• Better decision making : By using critical thinking skills, you can evaluate information objectively, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions that are based on evidence.
• Improved problem solving : When faced with a challenge, critical thinking can help you identify the root cause, evaluate potential solutions, and make an informed decision.
• Increased creativity : Critical thinking encourages you to challenge assumptions and consider new ideas, leading to increased creativity and innovation.
• Better communication : By using critical thinking, you can organize your thoughts, clarify your ideas, and communicate effectively with others.
• Reduced influence of emotions and biases : By using critical thinking, you can reduce the influence of emotions, biases, and misinformation and make decisions based on rational analysis and evidence.
• Personal growth and development : By questioning your own beliefs and perspectives, critical thinking can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
• Enhanced analytical skills : By regularly practicing critical thinking, you can improve your ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments.
• Increased confidence : By making informed decisions based on rational analysis and evidence, critical thinking can increase your confidence in your own abilities.
• Improved critical evaluation skills : Critical thinking can help you evaluate information and arguments from multiple perspectives, leading to improved critical evaluation skills.
• Better understanding of complex issues : By using critical thinking skills, you can gain a better understanding of complex issues and make informed decisions about important topics.

So what are some techniques that can help in building critical thinking?

TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING CRITICAL THINKING

• Asking questions : Asking questions helps to clarify understanding, gather information, and challenge assumptions.
• Examining evidence : Evaluate the evidence supporting a claim, and determine its relevance, reliability, and sufficiency.
• Analyzing arguments : Evaluate the structure of arguments, including the premises, conclusions, and any underlying assumptions.
• Considering multiple perspectives : Try to consider multiple viewpoints and understand the reasoning behind each perspective.
• Practicing skepticism : Don’t accept information or arguments at face value, instead question their validity and seek additional evidence.
• Checking for biases : Recognize your own biases and try to avoid them when evaluating information and arguments.
• Seeking diverse sources of information : Look for information from a variety of sources, including those that challenge your beliefs.
• Reflecting on your thought process : Regularly reflect on your own thought processes, and try to identify areas where you may be able to improve your critical thinking skills.
• Engaging in discussion and debate : Engage in discussions and debates with others, and actively listen to their perspectives and arguments.
• Continuously learning : Stay curious and actively seek out new information and knowledge, as this can help you to expand your understanding and improve your critical thinking skills.

It’s important to also be aware of the many challenges that can divert us from thinking critically.

CHALLENGES TO CRITICAL THINKING

Challenges to critical thinking can arise from a variety of sources, such as emotions, biases, lack of information, and cognitive biases. However, these challenges can be overcome with practice and a few helpful tips.

• Emotional involvement : Emotions can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to think critically. To overcome this challenge, try to recognize when you are feeling emotional and take a step back to assess the situation objectively.
• Confirmation bias : Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for and interpret information in a way that confirms your existing beliefs. To overcome this, seek out diverse sources of information and try to consider multiple perspectives.
• Lack of information : When making decisions or evaluating arguments, it can be challenging to think critically when you don’t have all the necessary information. To overcome this challenge, gather information from credible sources and be transparent about what you don’t know.
• Cognitive biases : Cognitive biases refer to systematic errors in thinking that can impact our decision making and critical thinking skills. To overcome this, try to recognize and avoid common cognitive biases, such as the sunk cost fallacy or the availability heuristic.
• Fear of being wrong : Sometimes, fear of being wrong can prevent you from thinking critically. To overcome this challenge, try to approach situations with an open mind and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow.

Final words

In conclusion, critical thinking is a valuable skill that can be improved with practice and by being aware of the challenges that can impact our ability to think critically.

Richard Paul, an expert in critical thinking and co-founder of the Foundation for Critical Thinking, emphasized the importance of critical thinking in everyday life and provided several insights on how to apply it effectively.

One of the key things that Paul said about critical thinking for everyday life is that it involves actively and skillfully analyzing information and ideas, rather than simply accepting them at face value. He stressed the importance of questioning assumptions, considering different perspectives, and evaluating evidence in order to arrive at well-reasoned conclusions.

Paul also emphasized the need to be aware of our own biases and assumptions, as well as the influence of external factors such as media and advertising. He encouraged us to develop a habit of reflection and self-assessment, constantly questioning our own thought processes and seeking out new information and perspectives.

By recognizing these challenges and taking steps to overcome them, you can become a more effective critical thinker and make better decisions in your everyday life.

References :

• “Critical Thinking: The Nature of Critical and Creative Thought” by Richard Paul and Linda Elder
• “Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking” by Diane Halpern
• “An Introduction to Critical Thinking and Creativity: Think More, Think Better” by Joe Lau
• “Critical Thinking: An Introduction” by Alec Fisher
• “Thinking Critically” by John Chaffee
• “A Rulebook for Arguments” by Anthony Weston
• “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren
• “The Art of Reasoning” by David Kelley
• “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
• “Thinking About Thinking: A Guide to Metacognition” by John Dunlosky and Katherine Rawson

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7 Ways You Can Engage Critical Thinking in Everyday Life

Critical thinking is an essential skill that everyone needs to develop in order to make meaningful and informed decisions. It is an important part of problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking in professional lives as well as personal.

It involves taking a step back from a problem or situation, looking at it from different perspectives, and developing innovative solutions and outcomes to resolve an issue.

Let’s examine what critical thinking skills are and their importance, as well as provide tips for developing this important soft skill.

Table of Contents

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a process of analyzing and evaluating information, making judgments and drawing conclusions based on the analysis. It involves looking at a subject from various angles and being able to acquire new perspectives from different sources.

This process also involves being able to evaluate the credibility of the source, weighing different options and being able to identify the most effective solutions.

Critical thinkers think more effectively, resolving complex problems with greater confidence. It is a vital skill for anyone who wishes to be successful in the workplace and lead a peaceful personal life too.

Critical Thinking Examples

Critical thinking concepts can be hard to understand without some real-world examples to help. So here are a few examples of related soft skills to spark your imagination and engage critical thinking.

Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking is a type of critical thinking that involves breaking down complex information into smaller parts in order to better understand it. It involves looking at the facts and data, analyzing them, and then drawing conclusions based on deductive reasoning.

Analytical skills require one to be able to identify patterns and trends in the data, as well as being able to draw logical conclusions from the evidence. This type of critical thinking can be applied to any situation, from everyday life to complex business decisions.

Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is a form of critical thinking that involves coming up with new and innovative ideas. It is the process of generating ideas, solutions, or products that are unique and original.

Creative thinkers, especially neurodivergent employees , adopt a “think outside the box” approach and come up with creative solutions to problems. This type of thinking encourages individuals to explore different possibilities and look at things from different perspectives.

Scientific Thinking

Scientific thinking is a form of critical thinking that involves using the scientific method to analyze and evaluate data. This type of thinking involves gathering evidence, forming hypotheses, testing those hypotheses, and drawing conclusions based on the results.

Scientific thinking requires an open mind and an ability to look at a problem from multiple angles in order to come up with the best solution.

Contrary to popular belief, pioneers of scientific thinking do not prescribe to science as what is “known as fact”, but that the goal of science is to disprove what has come before.

Open-Mindedness

Open-mindedness is an important part of critical thinking. It involves being able to consider different perspectives and ideas without bias or prejudice. Open-mindedness encourages individuals to be more receptive to new ideas, challenge their own beliefs and assumptions, and think outside the box.

Open-mindedness also allows for a greater understanding of other people’s personalities , which can lead to better relationships with the wider world. It’s important to note everyone has cognitive biases.

But with open-mindedness, one can use open-mindedness and reflective thinking to overcome these cognitive biases in the interests of the world around them, if not their own belief system.

Asking The Right Questions

Asking the right questions is an important part of critical thinking. It involves being able to identify the key elements of a problem or situation and then asking questions that will help you gain more information about it.

Asking the right questions can help you spot connections between ideas, a core skill required in some professions such as project management to be able to maximize efficiency. You can include these when applying for jobs on your resume .

Some examples of questions that can be asked include: What are the facts? What assumptions are being made, or could be made?

Critical thinking is pivotal to success in any leadership role

Divergent Thinking vs. Critical Thinking

There is a slight difference. Divergent thinking is the process of generating multiple solutions to a problem, while critical thinking is the process of evaluating those solutions.

Divergent thinking encourages individuals to explore different possibilities and come up with creative ideas. Critical thinking helps them evaluate those solutions and determine which one is best.

It also requires an open mind and the ability to think outside the box. By engaging in critical thinking on a regular basis, you become more aware of your own biases and assumptions, as well as those of others.

The Seven Steps of Critical Thinking

The concept of critical thinking can be difficult to grasp, but it is a vital skill to have. Critical thinking skills allow you to look objectively at a situation and use evidence, facts, and analysis to form a judgement. It involves the ability to recognize and assess assumptions, evaluate arguments, and draw accurate conclusions .

Here are the seven steps of critical thinking:

1. Defining the Problem With Different Types of Thinking

One of the first steps in critical thinking is to define the problem that needs to be solved. Without a clear understanding of the problem, it will be difficult to develop a plan to solve it. This step involves gathering all the available information about the problem, researching the issue, and understanding the scope of the problem.

This can include examining the root causes, the implications of the problem, and any potential solutions. Defining the problem allows you to frame the problem in a way that makes it easier to evaluate and identify potential solutions.

2. Gathering Relevant Information by Active Listening

Gathering relevant information is an important part of critical thinking. This involves learning as much as possible about the subject we are thinking about by researching, reading, and asking questions.

It is important to make sure that the information we are gathering is accurate and up-to-date, and that we are looking at the issue from multiple perspectives. Gathering the right information can help us form more accurate conclusions and can help us make better decisions with an improved form of knowledge.

3. Analyzing the Information

Analyzing the information is one of the most important elements of critical thinking. This involves breaking the information down into different parts and evaluating each individual component. By assessing the facts, data, and other information, you can begin to identify patterns and make connections between the different pieces of information.

This helps you to draw conclusions that are based on evidence and logic, as opposed to assumptions or personal bias. It also allows you to develop a more comprehensive view of the issue so that you can make well-informed decisions.

4. Developing Real Life Solutions

Developing solutions is the fourth step in critical thinking. This involves taking the information you have gathered and analyzing it to find potential solutions to the problem. During this step, you should consider all the facts, as well as other potential solutions that may not have been considered.

5. Evaluating Solutions Using Existing Knowledge

The next stage of the critical thinking process is evaluating solutions. This is the point where you assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and plausibility of each solution. You will need to consider the implications of each solution, the costs and benefits associated with it, and the expected outcomes.

This step often requires you to weigh the pros and cons of each solution and determine which one is best. Finally, you can decide whether the proposed solution is viable or if it needs to be modified or scrapped.

6. Making a Decision Using Valid Reasoning

Making a decision is the penultimate step in the critical thinking process. This is the culmination of all the research and analysis that has been done up to this point. A decision must be made based on the available evidence and the facts.

Once a decision has been made, it is important to evaluate the outcome and reflect on the decision-making process. This provides an opportunity to learn from the experience and improve decision-making skills in the future.

7. Reflecting on the Decision Made Through Observational Ability

Critical thinking skills also include reflecting on the decision made once it has been made. It is important to take the time to assess the decision.

That way, you can determine if it is the best solution based on the available data and the desired outcomes. Reflecting on decisions can help identify potential opportunities, or areas for improvement, through learning from mistakes in reasoning and personal biases.

By reflecting on decisions, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the situation and identify potential areas for improvement. This can help identify potential mistakes and learn from them. These kind of skills work great when you’re working with clients , and you can offer advice and consultation to help them improve.

Additionally, reflecting on the decision can help to develop a deeper understanding of the decision-making process and the associated risks and benefits that come with exercising such a valuable skill.

Anyone Can Be a Critical Thinker

Critical thinking skills are invaluable in any field or situation. They require a disciplined process of observation, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information, and help individuals to identify and solve problems and make well-informed decisions in daily life.

Developing and honing your critical thinking ability can help you confidently develop creative solutions and make better decisions, in both professional and personal settings.

Keep reading to learn more about developing the mind and thinking outside the box!

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Why Is Critical Thinking Important and How to Improve It

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Why Is Critical Thinking Important and How to Improve It

Updated: July 8, 2024

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?

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing facts to form a judgment. Essentially, it involves thinking about thinking. Historically, it dates back to the teachings of Socrates , as documented by Plato.

Today, it is seen as a complex concept understood best by philosophers and psychologists. Modern definitions include “reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do” and “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.

Photo by Marcelo Chagas from Pexels

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 Improve Your Critical Thinking

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

• 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, but much of this essential skill is encouraged and practiced in school. Fostering a culture of inquiry is crucial, encouraging students to ask questions, analyze information, and evaluate evidence.

Teaching strategies like Socratic questioning, problem-based learning, and collaborative discussions help students think for themselves. When teachers ask questions, students can respond critically and reflect on their learning. Group discussions also expand their thinking, making them independent thinkers and effective problem solvers.

How Does Critical Thinking Apply To Your Career?

Critical thinking is a valuable asset in any career. Employers value employees who can think critically, ask insightful questions, and offer creative solutions. Demonstrating critical thinking skills can set you apart in the workplace, showing your ability to tackle complex problems and make informed decisions.

In many careers, from law and medicine to business and engineering, critical thinking is essential. Lawyers analyze cases, doctors diagnose patients, business analysts evaluate market trends, and engineers solve technical issues—all requiring strong critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking also enhances your ability to communicate effectively, making you a better team member and leader. By analyzing and evaluating information, you can present clear, logical arguments and make persuasive presentations.

Incorporating critical thinking into your career helps you stay adaptable and innovative. It encourages continuous learning and improvement, which are crucial for professional growth and success in a rapidly changing job market.

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile from Pexels

Critical thinking is a vital skill with far-reaching benefits for personal and professional success. It involves systematic skills such as analysis, evaluation, inference, interpretation, and explanation to assess information and arguments.

By gathering relevant data, considering alternative perspectives, and using logical reasoning, critical thinking enables informed decision-making. Reflecting on and refining these processes further enhances their effectiveness.

The future of critical thinking holds significant importance as it remains essential for adapting to evolving challenges and making sound decisions in various aspects of life.

What are the benefits of developing critical thinking skills?

Critical thinking enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to evaluate information critically. It helps in making informed decisions, understanding others’ perspectives, and improving overall cognitive abilities.

How does critical thinking contribute to problem-solving abilities?

Critical thinking enables you to analyze problems thoroughly, consider multiple solutions, and choose the most effective approach. It fosters creativity and innovative thinking in finding solutions.

What role does critical thinking play in academic success?

Critical thinking is crucial in academics as it allows you to analyze texts, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and understand complex concepts, leading to better academic performance.

How does critical thinking promote effective communication skills?

Critical thinking helps you articulate thoughts clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful discussions. It improves your ability to argue logically and understand different viewpoints.

How can critical thinking skills be applied in everyday situations?

You can use critical thinking to make better personal and professional decisions, solve everyday problems efficiently, and understand the world around you more deeply.

What role does skepticism play in critical thinking?

Skepticism encourages questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and distinguishing between facts and opinions. It helps in developing a more rigorous and open-minded approach to thinking.

What strategies can enhance critical thinking?

Strategies include asking probing questions, engaging in reflective thinking, practicing problem-solving, seeking diverse perspectives, and analyzing information critically and logically.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

The Ultimate Guide To Critical Thinking

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Table Of Contents

The basic process of critical thinking, improving your critical thinking skills, critical thinking and social media, critical thinking and the mainstream media, critical thinking and improving mental health, critical thinking in everyday life.

Critical thinking is the foundation of rationality and independent thought.

Developing this vital skill allows a person to not only see the world through clearer eyes, but to reach reasonable conclusions and make better decisions in their life .

It is one’s ability to think objectively without the influence of one’s own biases, prejudices, personal feelings, or opinions and come to a conclusion solely on factual, objective information.

A critical thinker is someone who can draw logical connections between actions and reactions, troubleshoot and systematically solve problems, and detect common mistakes in the reasoning of arguments – including their own.

The critical thinker is a person who is more easily able to understand themselves and their motivations for feeling and believing the things that they do.

They are also willing and able to entertain and understand multiple perspectives of an argument before making their own decisions.

Many people mistake critical thinking for the collection of knowledge. A degree does not necessarily mean that the person is a good critical thinker, though many people credit college education with developing their critical thinking skills.

A critical thinker is more agile. They tend to use the knowledge they possess to identify weaknesses in their reasoning and seek out new information that will allow them to make a more informed decision.

They are typically not afraid to ask questions or change their opinions when presented with new information.

Another common misconception is that critical thinking means to be overly skeptical or critical of what other people are saying or doing. Though it can be used to tear through weak arguments or bad reasoning, it can also be used to help persuade and build in a more positive direction.

Critical thinking is a valuable tool for personal or professional success because it helps us make sounder decisions from a rational place rather than acting on how we feel.

There are those – often artists and creative types – who feel deeply that placing rules and restrictions on one’s thinking limits their ability to be creative. That isn’t necessarily so.

In fact, critical thinking pairs well with creative thinking when trying to build a large or long-term project. If it is not well ordered and organized, a project or idea can be broken to pieces from the stress when it finally reaches a real world application.

The guidelines and rules of critical thinking can serve to guide our thoughts. If we know, by virtue of the knowledge that we have, that some facet of a project won’t work out, we can deduce that we need a better solution rather than relying on what we know or seeking a shortcut.

That leads a creator down different roads that they may not have previously considered before.

People perceive and think of the world in different ways. The following steps present the basic process of critical thinking, but should really only be used as a guideline and a place to start developing or improving on those skills.

Analysis and problem solving is best done in a methodical way, so you can develop a habit to build on and hone further.

It can also help you identify any weaker points in your thinking so you can work on developing those further too.

1. Identification and clarification.

Identification and clarification of the problem or subject gives us our place to start. You can’t solve a problem or scrutinize information unless you identify what you are trying to accomplish.

Examples of identification and clarification may include:

– Is this news headline or article biased? The news and media, particularly opinion-editorials, will often be written from a perspective that is not neutral.

– Is this factoid presented in a way that is meant to evoke emotion? Advertisers and influencers may write or speak in such a way as to evoke an emotional reaction to influence the way you think about what you are viewing.

– Is this social media meme honestly representing the subject matter? Almost everything shared around on social media will have some emotional bias to it, often purposefully put there to play on fear or anger.

– Is this problem that I’m looking at the actual problem or is it something else? The problem in front of you isn’t always the actual problem. The low morale in a workplace may not be because the job is bad, but because management is bad. Things aren’t always what they seem on the surface.

2. Investigation and research.

Once you’ve identified what you’re actually looking for, it’s time to research and investigate the components of the thing that you are scrutinizing. How do you go about that?

– Identify the source. Ideally, you want to track the piece of information back to where it came from to see how it originated.

Is it just a problem that developed? Is it a piece of information that’s been carefully crafted by a think-tank or marketing firm with an agenda? Does anyone stand to gain anything by you or other people believing it?

In regard to personal interactions, it’s always worthwhile to double-check on their claims. Trust, but verify.

– Look for third-party information on the claim. Ideally, you want to look for neutral, unbiased third-party information about the claim.

Where can you find that? Articles from the Associated Press, Reuters, and the BBC are a good start. Websites that are from .gov and .edu domains are usually valid.

The blogs of attorneys and doctors can be valuable as well, because reputation is so important in their respective fields so they tend to scrutinize what represents them well.

Legitimate online journals and Google Scholar can be used to find studies for further information.

Any language that includes emotional appeals in the writing or material is not likely to be a good source.

3. Identify bias, either personal or external.

Identifying outside bias is much easier than identifying personal bias.

A person really needs to be in tune with who they are, what they believe, and why they believe it to be able to identify their own bias in their perceptions of a piece of information or a problem.

Again, we come back to emotions. How do you feel about the piece of information or problem? Does it invoke anger? Sadness? Excitement? Hopefulness? Why does it invoke those emotions? And are those emotions causing you to not see the other angles of the situation?

Emotion is a quick, easy way to tell that you may be influenced by your own beliefs rather than objective facts.

Of course, there are some things that we are so raw about that it is impossible to be completely objective, and that’s okay.

Just being aware of the bias and striving to not use it as a basis of your examination, judgment, and decision making will give you a much greater edge in your critical thinking.

4. Inference and conclusion.

Data and information does not always come with a clean, foregone conclusion attached to it. Most of the time, you will need to draw your own conclusions from the information that is available.

The more valid information you can gather before drawing your conclusion, the more likely it is that your conclusion will land in the general area of correct. Particular details may change the overall perspective of a piece of data.

As an example, let’s say a business produces 1,000 widgets in the course of a production run. You can’t infer if that is a lot of widgets or not.

Maybe they need to produce a million for their order, in which case it’s not that many widgets. Maybe they had machinery that broke down where they were only able to produce half of their widget capacity for the production run.

It may be a lot, it may not be. New factual information and details will change your perspective on the business’s widget production.

5. Determining relevance of information.

There is a lot of information out there. The internet is packed with over 1 billion websites where you can find a plethora of information on just about everything.

Too much information can be a serious problem. The internet is also polluted with a lot of biased and misinformation.

Even if your information is factually correct, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is relevant to whatever data, information, or situation you are trying to analyze. It may turn out that there are only a handful of data points that are important to the situation.

Let’s build a bit more on the widget example. Is 1,000 widgets an efficient production run for the company? The business has 30 employees. But wait, how many employees are actually responsible for producing the widgets?

What about management? Accounting? Marketing? Research and Development? It doesn’t matter if the company has 30 employees if only 5 of them are producing the necessary widgets.

The number of total employees is irrelevant information, though factually correct, while the quantity that are producing the widgets is relevant.

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1. Ask more relevant questions. Far too often we force ourselves into a narrow path of thinking based on the information that is given to us.

However, there are times when that path would be much broader if we only had a greater perspective of the overall situation.

Asking more relevant questions allows you to gather more information, discern what is important and not, and allows you to make more informed decisions.

2. Question your basic assumptions. Do you just know a certain thing to be true? What do you believe in as an adamant truth? Something you believe in wholeheartedly?

Question it. Look into the counterarguments from experts and other people about those assumptions.

Can you adequately justify what you believe past how you feel or what you believe? Can you shore up those adamant beliefs with facts and truth?

3. Identify your personal biases and prejudices. What do you hate? What upsets you? What makes you angry, sad, or afraid?

Identifying these emotional points in yourself can help you when you are confronted with those situations, because sometimes our emotions do not line up with the reality that we are perceiving. This is particularly true with opinion-editorials, social media, and the news.

4. Examine other conclusions. There are a lot of people in the world who have already blazed trails that you may be trying to walk down. You don’t need to blaze the trail again if you have a goal you are pursuing and need to find your way.

By all means, incorporate your own ideas and pick your own path, but do research about how other people accomplished similar goals.

It can provide additional inspiration thanks to an outside perspective that you may not have otherwise considered. Also, be certain to explore how they reached their ultimate conclusion and destination.

5. Understand that no one can think critically all of the time. Even the most stalwart of critical thinkers is going to have momentary lapses of judgment or understanding.

You’re not going to maintain a veneer of perfection in your critical thinking. No one does or can. It’s just impossible.

That’s why it is always a good idea to not only double check your own sources, but those of other people, even if they are someone you admire for their perspective or critical thinking skills.

Mistakes happen. Trust, but verify.

6. Don’t lose yourself in the research and thoughts of others. In doing your research, you do want to make sure that you are thinking for yourself .

If something seems off or doesn’t line up with your own experience, it’s worth making a note of it and exploring it further. You may find that you have knowledge of your own that changes context or perspective that can give you additional clarity.

Don’t get so caught up in the work that you forget about your own knowledge and experience.

7. Practice continued curiosity in more things. Curiosity is a fundamental part of critical thinking. It’s the reason we examine the ‘why’ of a bit of knowledge or experience.

Make curiosity and wonder a regular part of your existence. If something seems interesting to you, do some research on it.

Better yet, even if something doesn’t seem interesting to you, do some additional research on it. That will help you build a broad perspective and body of knowledge to draw from.

8. Never assume you’re right. In assuming that you are right about a particular thing, you miss out on the opportunity to learn something new from someone who might have a different perspective or information you have not considered.

It’s okay to be confident in what you know, but it is worthwhile to listen to additional perspectives for more facts and context that you may not possess.

People who assume they are right rarely take the time to really listen to other people, instead defaulting to what they think they know and closing themselves off.

Social media is a pervasive part of the everyday lives of many people. Nearly 3 billion people around the world are using social media as a means to connect, share information and news, and exchange ideas every day.

The problem with that is that people with similar ideas tend to flock together. The algorithms that social media websites utilize look at your interests, what you are commenting about, what you are liking and sharing, and serve you up more information about the things that you like.

That can be good in finding things that are relevant to your interest, but it can be bad if all you’re doing is shouting into an echo chamber.

You can very quickly find yourself being presented with news and information that is crafted and tailored specifically to people with your interests and perspectives.

On the one hand, it can be a good thing to be around other people with similar interests. On the other, it can reinforce negative and incorrect perceptions about the world, fanning the flames of ignorance, anxiety, fear, and anger.

Social media is a fantastic tool for keeping in touch and seeking out new information, but one must be careful to treat everything they read with skepticism.

People with an agenda may craft emotional appeals or create content that is slanted to evoke an impulsive emotional reaction out of the viewer.

Misinformation spreads like wildfire because it’s often emotional speculation, which resonates with people and causes them to hit those like and share buttons.

A good rule of thumb is to check the veracity and accuracy of any story or claim that evokes an emotional reaction out of you.

Angry? Disgusted? Scared? Research it. Someone with an agenda likely crafted it that way to capitalize on your emotions and use them against you.

The critical examination of these feelings and their sources can bring a lot more peace and calmness to your life.

The internet, blogging, and social media has forced mainstream media into a questionable place.

The internet and social media move at a tremendous pace. Old school mainstream media and news sources did not.

It used to be that there were only one or two new bulletins a day. It gave the news plenty of time to research stories, dig up the truth, eliminate fabrications or misconceptions, and present a fairly unbiased story.

Now, the mainstream media needs to compete with the instant gratification for information that the internet provides. Consumers of news information are going to go where they can access it immediately.

As a result, you have social media or comment sections on news sites blowing up about events that have happened, or that are currently in progress, before anyone has had any time to actually confirm what the truth is.

Many news organizations have also introduced entertainment factors into their shows, particularly with pundits and personality hosts who are able to generate an audience and draw a crowd.

Far too many people are equating the skewed opinions of their favorite hosts or pundits with what is factual, because they rely on emotional appeal to connect and maintain a relationship with their audience.

None of it should be taken at face value because it’s impossible to know just how truthful and honest that source of information is without taking the time to research their claims. Instead, use their information to guide your own research and reading.

A good indicator that you’re being influenced is the use of weasel words and speculative questioning. “Could this be happening…?” “What exactly is going on here…?” “This circumstance may be occurring…” “What don’t they want you to know?”

Good news reporting is direct, factual, and unemotional.

Improving one’s critical thinking can serve as an effective tool to help improve one’s emotional and mental health.

There are many mental health issues that stem from emotions that are either allowed to run uncontrolled or are running out of control on their own.

This is not to suggest that all emotions are controllable or that a person can just think themselves to mental wellness. That’s not how it usually works.

However, there are times when a person can lessen the effects of mental or emotional unwellness with the help of critical thinking.

Consider a person with anxiety. The news and social media are chock full of fearful information, often that is written or presented in such a way to capitalize on the emotion of the consumer.

That person with anxiety may make their own anxiety worse by constantly keeping themselves embroiled in the drama and half-truths that are rife throughout media sources.

There’s always something to be fearful of, because fear and insecurity keeps people tuning in for more information about things that may or may not affect them.

In a similar way, there are many people with depression who find solace in dark humor, sad music, or depression related memes and content.

The more depressing and sad things a person exposes themselves to, the more it is going to drag down their own mood and perceptions of the world, which in turn fuels and makes the depression worse.

It is well-known and accepted that social media can negatively impact mental health in particular situations.

However, it is also a way for people to solidly connect with one another that may otherwise have a hard time finding like-minded people. It’s not all negative, but it’s not all positive either.

Critical thinking is a powerful tool that can help a person greatly in their pursuit of peace, happiness, and a calm life, but it is not a natural skill.

Few people are inherently blessed with critical thinking capabilities, while others need to practice and train their mind to embrace the related concepts.

Adding it to your mental toolbox can help you avoid certain pitfalls of life and not be unnecessarily disturbed by what goes on in the world.

It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are. Critical thinking is good and beneficial for everyone.

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About The Author

Jack Nollan is a mental health writer of 10 years who pairs lived experience with evidence-based information to provide perspectives from the side of the mental health consumer. Jack has lived with Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar-depression for almost 30 years. With hands-on experience as the facilitator of a mental health support group, Jack has a firm grasp of the wide range of struggles people face when their mind is not in the healthiest of places. Jack is an activist who is passionate about helping disadvantaged people find a better path.

The Importance of Critical Thinking in Everyday Life

Annie Walls

Critical thinking is an essential skill that plays a significant role in our everyday lives. It involves analyzing and evaluating information, making logical connections, and solving problems. By developing critical thinking skills, we can make informed decisions, avoid cognitive biases, and effectively communicate with others. In this article, we will explore the importance of critical thinking in various aspects of life and discuss key takeaways to help enhance our critical thinking abilities.

Key Takeaways

• Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions.
• Developing critical thinking skills can help us avoid cognitive biases and make logical connections.
• Problem-solving and creativity are essential components of critical thinking.
• Applying critical thinking in everyday life can lead to better decision-making and effective communication.
• Critical thinking is crucial in the workplace for problem-solving, decision-making, innovation, and conflict resolution.

Understanding Critical Thinking

Defining critical thinking.

Critical thinking is a crucial skill that allows individuals to analyze and evaluate information objectively. It involves carefully considering evidence, arguments, and reasoning before making conclusions or decisions. By engaging in critical thinking, individuals can uncover biases, assumptions, and fallacies that may be present in the information they encounter. This helps them to make more informed and rational choices in their everyday lives.

The Components of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is composed of several key components that work together to enhance our ability to analyze and evaluate information. These components include analysis , interpretation , inference , evaluation , explanation , and self-regulation .

The Benefits of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking has numerous benefits that can positively impact various aspects of life. By engaging in critical thinking, individuals can enhance their problem-solving skills , improve their decision-making abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. Analytical thinking is a key component of critical thinking, allowing individuals to break down problems into smaller parts and analyze them systematically. This process enables individuals to identify patterns, make connections, and draw logical conclusions. Moreover, critical thinking promotes creativity and innovation by encouraging individuals to think outside the box and explore alternative solutions. By challenging assumptions and questioning established norms, individuals can generate new ideas and approaches to various situations. Additionally, critical thinking helps individuals evaluate information more effectively, enabling them to make informed decisions based on evidence and logical reasoning. By avoiding cognitive biases and critically assessing the credibility and reliability of information, individuals can navigate through the vast amount of information available in today's digital age. Effective communication is another crucial skill that is enhanced through critical thinking. By critically analyzing and organizing thoughts, individuals can articulate their ideas more clearly and persuasively, leading to more effective communication and collaboration with others.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Analytical thinking.

Analytical thinking is a crucial component of critical thinking. It involves breaking down complex problems or situations into smaller parts and examining them systematically. By analyzing the different elements and their relationships, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the issue at hand. This process allows for the identification of patterns, trends, and potential solutions. Analytical thinking helps individuals make informed decisions based on evidence and logical reasoning. It also enables them to evaluate information objectively and identify any biases or fallacies that may be present.

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning is a fundamental aspect of critical thinking. It involves the ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions. By using logical reasoning, individuals can evaluate arguments, assess the validity of claims, and make informed decisions. Analyzing evidence and evaluating the logical consistency of statements are key skills in logical reasoning. It allows individuals to think critically and make sound judgments based on evidence and reasoning.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving is a crucial skill in everyday life. It involves identifying and analyzing problems, generating possible solutions, and selecting the best course of action. Creativity plays a significant role in problem-solving as it allows individuals to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Additionally, logical reasoning is essential in evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of different solutions. To enhance problem-solving skills, it is important to practice analytical thinking and engage in critical evaluation of potential solutions. By developing these skills, individuals can approach problems with a systematic and strategic mindset, leading to more effective problem-solving outcomes.

Creativity and Innovation

Creativity and innovation are essential skills in today's rapidly changing world. Creativity allows individuals to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and find unique solutions to problems. It involves breaking free from conventional thinking and exploring different perspectives. On the other hand, innovation is the process of implementing creative ideas to create value. It involves taking those new ideas and turning them into practical solutions or products that benefit individuals and society.

To foster creativity and innovation, it is important to create an environment that encourages experimentation and risk-taking. This can be achieved by providing opportunities for brainstorming sessions, promoting collaboration among team members, and embracing diverse perspectives. By fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, individuals and organizations can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world.

In addition to fostering creativity and innovation, it is also important to nurture these skills through continuous learning and development. This can be done by seeking out new experiences, exploring different fields of knowledge, and challenging oneself to think outside the box. By continuously expanding one's knowledge and skills, individuals can enhance their creative thinking abilities and become more innovative in their approach to problem-solving.

Overall, creativity and innovation are not only important in the workplace but also in everyday life. They enable individuals to adapt to change, find unique solutions to problems, and create value for themselves and others. By embracing creativity and innovation, individuals can unlock their full potential and make a positive impact in the world.

Applying Critical Thinking in Everyday Life

Making informed decisions.

Making informed decisions is a crucial aspect of critical thinking. It involves gathering relevant information, analyzing it objectively, and considering different perspectives before making a choice. By making informed decisions, individuals can minimize the risk of making hasty or uninformed choices that may have negative consequences. It is important to gather information from reliable sources and critically evaluate the credibility and validity of the information. Additionally, considering the potential outcomes and weighing the pros and cons can help individuals make more rational and well-thought-out decisions.

Evaluating Information

Evaluating information is a crucial skill in today's information age. With the abundance of information available online, it is important to be able to discern reliable and accurate sources from misleading or false ones. One effective way to evaluate information is to critically analyze the source and consider its credibility, expertise, and bias. Additionally, fact-checking and cross-referencing information with multiple sources can help ensure its accuracy. It is also important to be aware of cognitive biases that can influence our perception of information and to approach it with a skeptical mindset. By developing the skill of evaluating information, we can make more informed decisions and avoid being misled by misinformation or propaganda.

Avoiding Cognitive Biases

In order to make sound decisions and think critically, it is important to be aware of and avoid cognitive biases . Cognitive biases are inherent tendencies to think in certain ways that can lead to errors in judgment and decision-making. By recognizing and understanding these biases, individuals can improve their ability to think critically and make more rational choices.

Effective Communication

Effective communication is a crucial skill in everyday life. It allows individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions clearly and concisely. Clear and concise communication helps in avoiding misunderstandings and ensures that messages are accurately conveyed. It involves not only speaking but also listening actively and attentively to others.

In addition to verbal communication, non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice play a significant role in effective communication. Being aware of these cues and using them appropriately can enhance the overall effectiveness of communication.

To improve your communication skills, consider the following tips:

• Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the speaker and avoiding distractions.
• Use open-ended questions to encourage meaningful conversations.
• Be mindful of your body language and maintain eye contact.
• Use appropriate and respectful language.

Remember, effective communication is a two-way process that requires both speaking and listening skills.

Critical Thinking in the Workplace

Problem-solving in the workplace.

Problem-solving is a crucial skill in the workplace as it allows individuals and teams to identify and address challenges effectively. It involves analyzing the situation , identifying possible solutions, and implementing the best course of action. Creativity plays a significant role in problem-solving, as it enables individuals to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Additionally, analytical thinking and logical reasoning are essential in evaluating the pros and cons of different options. To enhance problem-solving skills, organizations can provide training workshops that focus on developing creative thinking skills and techniques for generating and evaluating new ideas. By fostering a culture that values and encourages problem-solving, businesses can create a more innovative and adaptable work environment.

Decision-making in a Team

Effective decision-making is crucial in a team setting. When a group of individuals come together to make decisions, it is important to consider different perspectives and gather relevant information. Collaboration is key in this process, as it allows team members to share their insights and expertise. By leveraging the collective knowledge of the team, better decisions can be made. It is also important to establish clear communication channels to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the rationale behind the decisions. Additionally, conflict resolution skills play a vital role in decision-making within a team. When conflicts arise, it is important to address them in a constructive manner and find a resolution that benefits the team as a whole.

Innovation and Adaptability

Innovation and adaptability are crucial skills in today's rapidly changing world. Innovation involves thinking creatively and coming up with new ideas, products, or solutions to problems. It requires the ability to think outside the box and challenge conventional thinking. Adaptability , on the other hand, is the capacity to adjust and thrive in changing circumstances. It involves being open to new ideas, being flexible, and being able to learn and grow from new experiences.

To foster innovation and adaptability in the workplace, organizations can:

• Encourage a culture of experimentation and risk-taking
• Provide opportunities for employees to learn and develop new skills
• Foster collaboration and cross-functional teams
• Embrace diversity and inclusion

Innovation and adaptability go hand in hand, as being innovative often requires the ability to adapt to new situations and challenges. By cultivating these skills, individuals and organizations can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is an essential skill in the workplace. It involves finding a solution to disagreements or conflicts that arise between individuals or teams. Effective conflict resolution can lead to improved relationships, increased productivity, and a positive work environment. Here are some strategies for resolving conflicts:

• Active listening : Listening attentively to all parties involved and seeking to understand their perspectives.
• Collaboration : Working together to find a mutually beneficial solution.
• Compromise : Finding a middle ground that satisfies both parties to some extent.
• Mediation : Involving a neutral third party to facilitate communication and guide the resolution process.

Remember, conflict resolution is not about winning or losing, but about finding a resolution that is fair and satisfactory for everyone involved.

Critical thinking is a crucial skill in the workplace. It allows individuals to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. In today's fast-paced and complex business environment, employers value employees who can think critically and solve problems effectively. By honing your critical thinking skills, you can become a valuable asset to any organization. If you want to learn more about the importance of critical thinking and how it can benefit your career, visit Keynote Speaker James Taylor's website. James Taylor is an inspiring keynote speaker and internationally recognized leader in business creativity and innovation. His website offers valuable insights and resources to help you enhance your critical thinking abilities. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your career to the next level. Visit Keynote Speaker James Taylor's website today!

In conclusion, critical thinking is an essential skill that plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. It allows us to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. By cultivating critical thinking skills, we can navigate through the complexities of the modern world and avoid falling victim to misinformation and manipulation. Whether it's in our personal relationships, professional endeavors, or societal interactions, critical thinking empowers us to question assumptions, challenge biases, and seek truth. Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritize the development and application of critical thinking in our daily lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is critical thinking.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information objectively, using logical reasoning and evidence to form well-reasoned judgments and make informed decisions.

Why is critical thinking important in everyday life?

Critical thinking helps us navigate through the complexities of everyday life by enabling us to make more informed decisions, solve problems effectively, and avoid cognitive biases.

How can I develop my critical thinking skills?

You can develop your critical thinking skills by practicing analytical thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving, and fostering creativity and innovation.

How does critical thinking apply to making informed decisions?

Critical thinking allows us to evaluate information objectively, consider multiple perspectives, and weigh the pros and cons before making informed decisions.

What are some common cognitive biases to avoid?

Some common cognitive biases to avoid include confirmation bias, availability bias, and anchoring bias, which can cloud our judgment and lead to irrational decisions.

How does critical thinking contribute to effective communication?

Critical thinking helps us analyze and evaluate information before communicating, ensuring that our messages are clear, logical, and based on evidence.

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Examples of Critical Thinking in Everyday Life

When students learn critical thinking skills in school, they can put those skills to use in aspects of everyday life..

Here’s some good news:

Americans now spend eleven hours every day with our closest friends.

The friends I’m referring to are our digital devices.

A 2018 post by Nielsen explains that 87% of American households currently own at least one smartphone, and those users spend an average of almost half a day with those devices.

So much exposure to information comes with both gifts and curses. Of course, we can connect with people from around the world, learn languages, skills, and fun facts, and have conversations with our own robotic personal assistants (my two-year-old son says, “Alexa, play Bruno Mars”).

But the downside is that the once-mundane decisions now require sifting through loads of information to ensure we’re making the best decisions, or coming to the right conclusions.

The only way to successfully navigate this flood of information is with a sharp set of critical thinking skills. This term, once regulated to the classroom, is now part of conversations in media, politics, and consumer culture, and for good reason. Here are some examples where the ability to decipher information, gather perspectives, and make an informed decision – in other words, to think critically – find us in everyday life.

Evaluating Online Information

Fake news, Twitter bots, altered images – how can we filter the noise and find truth? With increased access to information comes an increased need for critical thinking skills. As citizens, consumers, and workers, students need to answer questions like:

• Who published this?
• Why did they make it?
• What are their sources?
• What are their intentions?
• Are they representing themselves or another interest?

Even when we do find sources that we consider credible and reliable, the increasing popularity of “native advertising” or “sponsored content” can leave trusting readers tricked into reading a brand’s pitch as objective editorial content. (ThinkCERCA offers a useful checklist for distinguishing real news from sponsored articles.)

Making Purchase Decisions

Fifteen years ago, buying boots was easy. I went to the mall, looked at the mannequins, found a pair I liked, tried them on, and made the purchase. The boots lasted for a few years.

Last year, it was a bit different. I saw a Facebook post from a friend wearing nice boots, and messaged him to ask for the brand. Then, I searched Google for reviews, searched Amazon for more reviews, and decided to buy. These boots are made so well, they may last me for life.

This scenario captures the critical thinking now required for savvy consumers. Built into each purchase are questions like:

• Which review sites, forums, and blogs offer insight into the brands that provide the best value?
• Is it worth buying expensive products that are made of better material? How about budgeting money to justify a hefty purchase?
• And with all those reviews available, how do we sift through the positives and negatives to come to the best decision?

With so much information available online, it takes critical thinking to sort through it all.

Caring for Your Health

Have you ever searched for "Is ______ healthy?" The many available studies, often contradictory, are baffling. Online reading can leave us less certain about what to do than before we tried to inform ourselves.

As adults, every year it seems like a different diet becomes popular. Whether it's Whole 30, Keto, Gluten Free, or something else, choosing the diet that's best for your lifestyle requires critical thinking: weighing the benefits, cost, convenience, and drawbacks.

And exercise is certainly not easier. To begin, we need to ask ourselves about our goals. Which routine will help us achieve our goals? And then, after trying a system for few weeks, what are the results? We combine the information we knew going into the program with our current progress to make a decision about if and how to move forward with the plan. This looks a lot like critical thinking to me.

Choosing a Career Path

College or no college? Online courses from home? Part-time work? Startup, non-profit, or corporation? There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these options.

Choosing a career takes time. In a way, we must formulate an argument for each potential option. We must consider the context of financial, social, and professional life. We must ask ourselves: Why is  this the right option for me?

After settling on a choice, we must project the impact of that decision one, five, and ten years into the future.  And that's before we inevitably encounter a point where we may decide to adjust career paths. It all takes some critical thinking to make the right career choice.

When it comes to critical thinking, the applications of the skill extend far beyond use in the classroom. If we can help our students hone their critical thinking skills in school, we can empower them to make qualified decisions in the years to come.

Continue your learning with the webinar, "Deconstructing Critical Thinking," a panel discussion with the experts:

Gerard Dawson is a full-time high school English and Journalism teacher. He is the author of Hacking Literacy and publishes articles on literacy, technology, and life as an educator at his site www.GerardDawson.org. Gerard lives in New Jersey with his wife and two sons.

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• > Critical Thinking in Psychology
• > An Introduction to Critical Thinking: Maybe It Will Change Your Life

Book contents

• Critical Thinking in Psychology
• Copyright page
• Contributors
• Chapter 1 An Introduction to Critical Thinking: Maybe It Will Change Your Life
• Chapter 2 Nobelists Gone Wild
• Chapter 3 Why Science Succeeds, and Sometimes Doesn’t
• Chapter 4 Critical Thinking and the Rejection of Unsubstantiated Claims
• Chapter 5 Promoting Critical Thinking by Teaching, or Taking, Psychology Courses
• Chapter 6 Avoiding and Overcoming Misinformation on the Internet
• Chapter 7 Critical Thinking Impacts Our Everyday Lives
• Chapter 8 Research Suffers When We All Agree
• Chapter 9 When All Is Just a Click Away
• Chapter 10 Critical Thinking
• Chapter 11 Evaluating Experimental Research
• Chapter 12 Critical Thinking as Scientific Reasoning
• Chapter 13 Critical Thinking in STEM Disciplines
• Chapter 14 Why Would Anyone Do or Believe Such a Thing?
• Chapter 15 Conclusion: How to Think Critically about Politics … and Anything Else!

Chapter 1 - An Introduction to Critical Thinking: Maybe It Will Change Your Life

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 December 2019

We define critical thinking in several different ways that converge on the same basic idea. It is a combination of skills, attitude, and knowledge. To think critically about any topic, one needs a deep knowledge of the topic and the propensity to apply the appropriate thinking skills. These skills can be taught (and learned) in ways that transfer to different topics, but it is not easy or automatic. Instructors need to teach for transfer deliberately. Personality traits such as a concern for truth, being analytic, and being open to new ideas are some of the traits of critical thinkers. Creativity has been defined as creating something that is unusual and useful. It is a special case of critical thinking. The rules for scientific reasoning, avoiding bias, resisting persuasion, and so on are universal, thus we conclude that although culture is always important, the skills for critical thinking are the same everywhere.

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• An Introduction to Critical Thinking: Maybe It Will Change Your Life
• By Diane F. Halpern , Robert J. Sternberg
• Edited by Robert J. Sternberg , Cornell University, New York , Diane F. Halpern , Claremont McKenna College, California
• Book: Critical Thinking in Psychology
• Online publication: 19 December 2019
• Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108684354.002

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

Last updated September 11, 2024. 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 you may find more relatable.

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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• Helps increase resilience to stress to avoid mental burnout
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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 as 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. 

You’ve already seen 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 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 understand you better, resulting in less frustration all around.

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.
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• Increase your capacity to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.

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Critical Thinking: Where to Begin

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If you are new to critical thinking or wish to deepen your conception of it, we recommend you review the content below and bookmark this page for future reference.

Our Conception of Critical Thinking...

"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. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness..."

"Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fairminded way. People who think critically attempt, with consistent and conscious effort, to live rationally, reasonably, and empathically. They are keenly aware of the inherently flawed nature of human thinking when left unchecked. They strive to diminish the power of their egocentric and sociocentric tendencies. They use the intellectual tools that critical thinking offers – concepts and principles that enable them to analyze, assess, and improve thinking. They work diligently to develop the intellectual virtues of intellectual integrity, intellectual humility, intellectual civility, intellectual empathy, intellectual sense of justice and confidence in reason. They realize that no matter how skilled they are as thinkers, they can always improve their reasoning abilities and they will at times fall prey to mistakes in reasoning, human irrationality, prejudices, biases, distortions, uncritically accepted social rules and taboos, self-interest, and vested interest.

They strive to improve the world in whatever ways they can and contribute to a more rational, civilized society. At the same time, they recognize the complexities often inherent in doing so. They strive never to think simplistically about complicated issues and always to consider the rights and needs of relevant others. They recognize the complexities in developing as thinkers, and commit themselves to life-long practice toward self-improvement. They embody the Socratic principle: The unexamined life is not worth living , because they realize that many unexamined lives together result in an uncritical, unjust, dangerous world."

Why Critical Thinking?

The Problem:

Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed, or down-right prejudiced. Yet the quality of our lives and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated.

A Brief Definition:

Critical thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it. The Result: 

  A well-cultivated critical thinker:

• raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely;
• gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively;
• comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards;
• thinks openmindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
• communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.

Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It requires rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to overcoming our native egocentrism and sociocentrism. Read more about our concept of critical thinking .

The Essential Dimensions of Critical Thinking

Our conception of critical thinking is based on the substantive approach developed by Dr. Richard Paul and his colleagues at the Center and Foundation for Critical Thinking over multiple decades. It is relevant to every subject, discipline, and profession, and to reasoning through the problems of everyday life. It entails five essential dimensions of critical thinking:

At the left is an overview of the first three dimensions. In sum, the elements or structures of thought enable us to "take our thinking apart" and analyze it. The intellectual standards are used to assess and evaluate the elements. The intellectual traits are dispositions of mind embodied by the fairminded critical thinker. To cultivate the mind, we need command of these essential dimensions, and we need to consistently apply them as we think through the many problems and issues in our lives.

The Elements of Reasoning and Intellectual Standards

To learn more about the elements of thought and how to apply the intellectual standards, check out our interactive model. Simply click on the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page, and explore the model with your mouse.

Why the Analysis of Thinking Is Important If you want to think well, you must understand at least the rudiments of thought, the most basic structures out of which all thinking is made. You must learn how to take thinking apart. Analyzing the Logic of a Subject When we understand the elements of reasoning, we realize that all subjects, all disciplines, have a fundamental logic defined by the structures of thought embedded within them. Therefore, to lay bare a subject’s most fundamental logic, we should begin with these questions:

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Watch our Event Calendar , which provides an overview of all upcoming conferences and academies hosted by the Foundation for Critical Thinking. Clicking an entry on the Event Calendar will bring up that event's details, and the option to register. For those interested in online learning, the Foundation offers accredited online courses in critical thinking for both educators and the general public, as well as an online test for evaluating basic comprehension of critical thinking concepts . We are in the process of developing more online learning tools and tests to offer the community.  

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This website contains large amounts research and an online library of articles , both of which are freely available to the public. We also invite you to become a member of the Critical Thinking Community , where you will gain access to more tools and materials.  If you cannot locate a resource on a specific topic or concept, try searching for it using our Search Tool . The Search Tool is at the upper-right of every page on the website.

Intriguing Examples of Critical Thinking in Everyday Life

• Self-improvement

When it comes to confronting life’s everyday problems – a challenging project at work, a relationship issue, the inevitable decay of our bodies – most of us follow a standard operating procedure. We stare at the issue for a couple of minutes. Then, once we’re confident that we know what the problem is all about – and a lot of times even before that – we take action.

We’d like to think that we are virtuous decision-makers. That when an issue occurs, we examine it carefully like doctors using sophisticated testing methods.

In reality, we are heavily influenced by our biases and we rely on our gut feeling. Both of these, however, inflict heavy damage on our current reality and future state.

Plainly, if we don’t take some time to consider the consequences of our instinctive behavior, we often make stupid decisions that we regret and have a negative influence on our lives.

And while we can do better. It’s not an error-free process.

When the first part of the problem-solving phase goes too far, yes it can lead to good thinking , but it can also lead to overthinking.

To get better. To improve the first part and decrease the second, we need this: critical thinking strategies .

Critical thinking is like taking a piece of information, putting it inside a tube, and heading toward a laboratory. There, you look at it using a microscope. You test it against different substances. You write a detailed report about all reactions. Then, finally, after discussing the case with the council members of the lab, you decide how to proceed.

It’s an elaborate process that takes time, but it tends to require less when we gain experience.

When I first read about critical thinking. 1 I thought that, by using what I’ve learned, I’ll now “win” 100% of all problems I encounter.

Sadly, this wasn’t the case.

It’s tempting to think that battling everyday challenges is based on a straight-line process. That is, when you have a problem, you turn off your biases, you apply logic, you fact-check, you ask experts in the field, and then – only then – you move forward.

A lot of times, even if we consider ourselves owners of a competent brain – we know what are the main critical thinking barriers and what are the 7 critical thinking skills . We still do things even a child won’t do.

Handling daily obstacles is more like finding your way in a maze. There are a lot of uncertainties around what path to take and what the exit should look like.

Besides engaging in provoking critical thinking questions . I find it equally valuable – if not even more – to learn about real-life examples of critical thinking in everyday life.

Here’s why:

How Is Critical thinking Used In Everyday Life?

Critical thinking in everyday life happens by building a case library. You continuously observe what happens to you. You store the info. And then, when needed, you pull fragments out to aid you when you are facing a similar situation in the future.

Before we get to the case library term. Let’s discuss something else first…

In the book Accelerated Expertise , the authors talk about an interesting concept. It’s called ill-structured problems. I know, wicked!

The premise of the theory is that “ill-structured problems are characterized by their lack of a clear path to a solution.” 2

The elements of the problems are highly variable. Making it really hard to navigate around the foggy terrain towards an appropriate solution.

Just to give you an example to “see” what I’m talking about…

A well-structured activity is steering a car. The objectives are pretty straightforward in terms of how to successfully drive around town. You need to do a handful of things inside the car to do well – steer the car, shift gears, use the break – and only one thing outside the car – monitor carefully what’s happening around you.

Conversely, an ill-structured problem in relation to cars is designing a car. There is no manual on how to design not only a nice-looking car. But also one that is safe, comfortable – and in order to sell well – appreciated by the masses.

What does this remind you of?

That’s right: life.

There is a reason people become emotionally unstable, divorce, use illegal substances, go bankrupt – i.e., do stupid stuff.

The issues we need to handle daily are ill.

We commonly don’t have enough information when deciding on something, experience to deal with unknowns, or simply feel crushed by social pressure. Plus, of course, the ultimate reasons: we follow our emotions, we are guided by our ego, and we let our biases steer us. 3

Fortunately, we can enable critical thinking. The thinking type that can grant us the ability to reuse knowledge from one field and adapt it to a totally different concept.

And while that sounds good in theory. It’s incredibly hard in real life.

The Challenge of Using Critical Thinking in Real Life

We all know what are the main thinking strategies that can drastically improve our decision-making process. I mean, we all have internet access and we can all browse through various educational sites that promise to reform the way we think for the better.

But the interesting question here is – are you certain you are practicing the practical information you so enthusiastically consume?

Simple as it sounds, it’s a constructively difficult question to answer.

You could have read Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows but this doesn’t mean that you are actually using systems thinking in your daily life .

You could have read Atomic Habits by James Clear but this doesn’t mean that you are able to change your bad habits with good ones .

The main blockers that prevent us from using the information we consume are commonly two: lack of time and lack of understanding of the material.

But there is one more.

Continuously staying in your comfort zone and never trying something new.

In other words, we learn best not by reading the best books. But by taking action; trying new and different things; and engaging in challenges.

Challenges help us test the knowledge we gathered along the way and allow us to create a case library of tough cases.

For instance, if you work as an events coordinator, a project manager, or you are a team lead. Eventually, you become good at organizing stuff. This will most probably mean that you can organize weddings – say, your wedding. The skills you’ve gathered during your day job can definitely be applied to organizing a personal event.

However, you can’t completely copy-paste what you do on your job because your spouse is not as patient with you as your co-workers.

But what you can do, is take part of the skills you’ve amassed during your job and mix them with the knowledge you have about your spouse. This cocktail of insights will help you plan the event without ruining the event.

For instance, instead of giving orders to your wife/husband while you are planning – as you normally give orders at work. You consider his/hers feelings, and common ways he/she responds to certain situations. All of this is done to ensure that there will be an actual wedding to plan.

And how do you know what your spouse likes/dislikes and wants/doesn’t want?

That’s right, you’ve built up a library of cases in your head about his/her likes or dislikes.

If you haven’t, chances are that you’ll soon have to search for another partner.

After all, who will stay with a person if he/she doesn’t know what his/her partner’s favorite flower, meal, movie, book, interest, etcetera is?

That’s why cases are more important than concepts.

And how do you create a case library?

By experience. The more you go outside of your comfort zon e. The more elaborate your worldview becomes.

Basically, it’s one thing to watch videos about, say, creating a wooden chair. It’s quite another thing to make one yourself.

When you live with someone long enough, you eventually figure out what are his/hers likes and dislikes.

This same process happens when you start a new job in a new field. You become good at doing the job after years not only because time passes. But also because the more time you work a specific job, the more problems you encounter. Thus, you learn how to solve these different problems and how to react in an unexpected situation.

To draw a conclusion.

Time is not the key thing for mastering a field. Sure it does help to become proficient. But it’s not a prerequisite for success.

What you really need is to consistently position yourself against tough problems.

The faster you encounter difficult cases. The faster you’ll improve.

But there is another issue in relation to this. Problems and hard-to-handle situations are not that frequent. They are not evenly distributed.

Two people starting the same position today can have a totally different year – person A can have a smooth year, while person B can face problem after problem. In this case, at the end of the year, person B is much more qualified than person A.

To bring back the analogy with the partner. In time you’ll learn her/his likes and dislikes. But a better strategy (probably) will be to have an honest conversation so you can speed up the info-gathering phase.

How We Can Apply Critical Thinking In Our Everyday Life?

With the below examples, my aim is to present how a person applying critical thinking can successfully navigate around the daily hurdles we all normally have to handle.

The more cases you explore. The better you’ll be at reasoning and thinking in general.

While some scenes might not seem difficult per se. I’m sure that if you remember them and apply them when similar issues actually occur in the future, you’ll react much better to a problem:

Fifteen Examples of Critical Thinking in Everyday Life:

• A person who consciously throws out all junk food when starting a diet to channel his willpower toward exercising rather than thinking about delicious snacks.
• The same person who’s on a diet does not enter the restaurant when he’s staying at a hotel with an all-inclusive buffet. Instead, he asks his partner/friend to pick a salad for him.
• A person uninstalling the social media app from his phone and unfollowing everyone online to prevent social media from consuming most of his time daily.
• A person placing educational materials in the center of his living room to help his child learn stuff instead of playing all day.
• A person scheduling emails to go to his friends to ensure that he’ll keep in touch with them even when he’s busy at work.
• A person carrying a book with him so he can read when he’s waiting in line – instead of drowning in status updates from people he doesn’t know.
• A person who records his achievements – creates a library of good feedback – which he can browse when failures eventually reach him.
• A person who keeps an idea journal where he’s recording ideas and random thoughts because he knows that a) he will need them at some point; b) we forget things ultra fast .
• A person comparing himself not with the most productive person on the planet or the richest guy in Hollywood but rather with himself yesterday. This person knows that judging your work output and your money management skills against who you were a year ago and/or a day ago feels more uplifting than the alternative.
• A person who is scheduling – and protecting – time daily to learn and study new things because he’s well aware that the world is constantly advancing and you can stay ahead only if you are continuously learning yourself.
• A person who is not focusing on goals – losing 15 pounds. Rather, focusing on systems – being a healthy person.
• A person fully aware that he can’t achieve everything and he can’t please everyone. Therefore, he focuses on being good at one main thing while maintaining a tight circle of friends.
• A person who not only plans for the worse. But also makes room for the terrible because he knows that the future is always entirely uncertain – and unpredictable.
• A person who pauses before responding when verbally attacked. Since he knows that emotions can be a bad advisor, he waits for them to be displaced by logic and reason.
• A person who is doing the work even when he doesn’t feel like working. He knows that’s the main difference between amateurs and professionals – amateurs stop even when there is a tiny obstacle whereas professionals understand that obstacles are part of the process of becoming great.

Some Closing Thoughts

Did you spot the similarities in all of the cases above?

Don’t worry. Take your time. I’ll wait…

So, we can gently summarize what all cases above have in common with one word: patience.

We can practically continue forever by sharing critical thinking examples in real life. But that’s not the point.

The idea is to see the essential ingredient for good thinking.

That is, you don’t respond immediately to a situation. You postpone the instantaneous reaction that comes to your mind, delay the gratification , and wait for logic and reason to arrive at the scene.

You are not annoyed, irritated, or afraid when facing problems.

Like a Buddhist monk who meditated for days on top of a frozen mountain. You wait patiently for the best opportunity and the optimal solution to a situation.

I hope that the examples of critical thinking above not only inspired you to stay still, and arouse your curiosity but also showed you what is possible when we apply thinking before acting.

Add to your critical thinking knowledge by reading the following:

• Thought-Provoking Examples of Critical Thinking In The Workplace
• The Importance of Teaching Critical Thinking
• Why is Critical Thinking Important in Daily Life ?
• Critical Thinking Process (Or Acting Wisely Even If You’re Not Very Bright)

Trouble Saying No to Temptations?

Join Farview: A newsletter fostering long-term thinking in a world driven by impatience. Trusted by over 4,300 thinkers, Farview is a concise, thoughtfully organized newsletter helping you handle the self-sabotaging thoughts trying to corrupt you.

• While I’ve read a lot on the topic, the book that summarizes the main concepts of this thinking type is called Critical Thinking by Tom Chatfield .
• Maker Ed, The Benefits of Ill-Structured Problem Solving Through Making. On the web: https://makered.org/blog/the-benefits-of-ill-structured-problem-solving-through-making/ .
• For all of these, I recommend checking these books: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman and Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday .

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