What is Critical Thinking - Definition, Skills & Examples

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Apr 26, 2022 10:05 AM IST

What is Critical Thinking: The ability to objectively assess information and develop a reasoned decision is referred to as critical thinking. It requires evaluating data from various sources such as figures, facts, observed events, and research outcomes. Critical thinkers are able to solve problems or make judgments by drawing logical conclusions from a set of data and distinguishing between important and less important elements. This is a skill that is highly valued in society which is why critical thinking is important.

Another reason why critical thinking is important is that it allows you to make better judgments in your daily life. Critical thinking skills are especially crucial in secondary and higher education settings; critical reading and thinking skills enable students to engage in learning and take important academic decisions which helps them form a structure for their careers. Even in professional life, critical thinking is a vital talent. Employers prize employees that approach challenges logically and consider multiple angles in order to find the best solutions.

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While knowing what is critical thinking and why critical thinking is important, it is equally important to understand that critical thinking is a skill that is required in almost every profession. Here are some critical thinking examples related to different professions:

A doctor examines the situation at hand and determines which patients should be attended to in what sequence.
A handyman determines which tools and equipment are suitable for a certain job.
A lawyer studies the evidence and devises a strategy for court or choosing whether to drop the charges.
A manager examines customer feedback forms and develops an employees training session for staff based on the findings.

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Critical Thinking Examples

Critical thinking is a comprehensive term that includes a variety of skills. Continue reading to know four critical thinking examples.

What Is Critical Thinking: Analytical Thinking

The most crucial part of critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyse information. This includes not just gathering and comprehending information, but also assessing it with scepticism. Analytical thinking is one of the critical thinking examples that assists you in finding the information relevant to the context when investigating a work topic.

Also Read: What Are Analytical Skills

What Is Critical Thinking: Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is one of the critical thinking examples which enables you to see certain patterns in data and establish abstract connections among seemingly unrelated items. You might come up with unique solutions to improve a study or work routine faster and more efficiently by examining it. Creativity is a skill that can be developed through time and is useful in every position, regardless of one’s field, experience level or sector.

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What Is Critical Thinking: Open-Mindedness

Critical thinkers must strive for impartial thought processes and to be open to a variety of viewpoints. Critical thinking requires the intention to accept contradicting facts. For example, if you plan to organise a meeting one way and your partner proposes a different approach, you may listen to them and alter your approach based on their suggestions.

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What Is Critical Thinking: Problem Solving

Problem-solving skills are one of the most important critical thinking skills examples as they can assist you in coping with potentially dangerous situations. Employers frequently criticise new hires for their inability to solve problems. One of the most effective ways to strengthen these skills is to challenge yourself to think outside of your usual routines and to mentally construct and solve last-minute difficulties that would interrupt normal work conversations.

Also Read: Problem Solving Techniques

How To Improve Critical thinking skills

Critical thinking enables us to identify and eliminate weaknesses in our decision-making process, allowing us to achieve a better outcome. If you want to know what you can do to enhance your critical thinking, here's a list of things to follow:

Develop Scepticism

Considering multiple points of view is the first step in experiencing what is critical thinking. Even academics have their own beliefs, aims, and preconceptions, so it's important to explore beyond what you hear or read. While learning, you should inquire about the source's proof to back up their claims. Consider whether there are any other solutions or strategies that could be used. To make an intelligent conclusion, consider all sides of the story or situation, as well as the strengths and shortcomings of each argument.

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Ask Questions

Asking questions is an excellent method to learn not only more about a subject but also generate different perspectives about it. Questions can spark thoughtful discussions with professors and classmates, allowing participants to share their perspectives and discover more than what is written in their textbooks. You will be able to better experience what is creative thinking if you develop the skill of asking the right questions.

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Evaluate Your Work

Critical thinking entails examining your efforts and the validity of your claims to determine if there is potential for improvement. It is insufficient to simply repeat what is taught in your textbooks. To develop good arguments supported by evidence, you must think critically about the information and think for yourself. A wonderful method to build critical thinking abilities is to engage in discussions with other students. Not only do you learn about others’ ideas, you also learn to be confident in your own ideas and in conveying them to others.

Also Read: Decision Making Skills For Students

Many facets of life need critical thinking, and it is a vital skill for students in a variety of disciplines. Whatever you're studying, critical thinking will almost certainly be required to evaluate and analyse data. Because you'll be required to engage with content rather than just memorise your textbooks, having strong critical thinking abilities might help you create superior arguments in your examinations. We hope that this article helps you hone your critical thinking abilities in your academic life and career.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is critical thinking?

The ability to objectively assess information and develop a reasoned decision is referred to as critical thinking.

2. Why is critical thinking important?

Critical reading and thinking skills enable students to engage in learning and take important academic decisions which helps them form a structure for their careers.

3. What is creative thinking?

Creative thinking is one of the critical thinking examples which enables you to see certain patterns in data and establish abstract connections among seemingly unrelated items.

4. How is critical thinking important in professional life?

Employers prize employees that approach challenges logically and consider multiple angles in order to find the best solutions, answering why critical thinking is important.

5. How can I improve my problem-solving skills?

One of the most effective ways to strengthen these skills is to challenge yourself to think outside of your usual routines and to mentally construct and solve last-minute difficulties that would interrupt normal work conversations.