Critical Thinking Skills

Introduction Have you ever wondered how critical thinking can help in terms of conflict resolution? Critical thinking is a powerful tool, but does it play a role when people are butting heads? Whether at home or in the office, critical thinking has an enormous amount of power to reduce conflict, […]

Overthinking isn’t actually thinking: it’s obsessing over a particular moment, idea, outcome, or fear. Unfortunately, this behavior traps you in your thoughts, so you’re unable to make decisions and actually make positive, productive changes. You need to shift from overthinking to critical thinking. In this article, we’ll look at the […]

We often get used to doing things a certain way, because it’s fast or convenient or “it’s always been like this.” Even when we hit a problem, we still apply old assumptions or structures. However, the old way isn’t always the best way—and through divergent thinking, you can generate fresh […]

In the digital age, we are presented with information from all scopes and spectrums. In order to understand the meaning behind texts, critical reading and critical thinking are two techniques important to use. But what are critical reading and critical thinking, and is there a difference? Critical reading is a […]

Game theory is a fascinating topic that can provide insight into all levels of human interaction. To learn more about this topic you can read books or attend lectures, but did you know that there are many great YouTube channels for you to learn more visually? Some of the best […]

Learning to evaluate information, find credible sources, and prepare for counterarguments is an important skill for people to learn, especially in the modern age of information. Here are 10 great critical thinking activities designed to develop your critical thinking skills. Worst Case Scenario Creative Construction Story Telling Pragmatic Problem Solving […]

The brain is a complex organ divided into many, many different regions and subregions. While we are far from understanding the brain’s functions completely, we do know that some regions are responsible, or at least primarily responsible, for certain things. The region responsible for critical thinking is known as the […]

There are a number of ways to evaluate problems we face on a daily basis, but in the medical field no two are more important than clinical reasoning and critical thinking. Here’s everything you need to know about the two, why they are used, and how they are interconnected. Clinical […]

Fake news is not just a modern problem, in fact, it has existed for a long time and has had its adverse effects. However, the magnitude of the issue has drastically increased with the influx of social media coupled with a genuinely globalized world. All of this in turn has […]

English is a complex language, and there are often several meanings for the same word depending on the context. Here’s what the word ‘critical’ means in the phrase ‘critical thinking.’ ‘Critical’ in the phrase ‘critical thinking’ means to objectively analyze and evaluate an issue in order to form a conclusive […]

If you are interested in learning more about critical thinking and goal setting, you aren’t alone. A lot of people want to understand how critical thinking can improve their ability to create and reach goals that matter to them. Critical thinking is intended to help you make decisions and find […]

Convergent and divergent thinking may sound like they have a lot of similarities, but the reality is, that they are opposite sides of the same coin. While they are both methods of thinking, they are not the same in any meaningful way.   Convergent thinking is the act of seeking […]

We are constantly inundated with new information all of the time, even if it’s just sensory input from what we smell, hear, or taste. Most of the time, you don’t have to break down the smell of frying bacon to an algebra equation and critically think your way through it, […]

Although the major focus on critical thinking has only been popular in the last 100 years or so, you can see hints of it throughout history. The roots of critical thinking date back over 2,000 years to the work of Socrates. Critical thinking continues to evolve as the world shifts, […]

Being able to find a job or career that utilizes skills you enjoy using is an ideal situation for anyone. When it comes to jobs that require creative thinking, it may take some creative thinking in and of itself to discover new opportunities that can engage your imagination.  While artistic […]

Critical thinking has been a cornerstone of academia and sound decision-making for decades. What used to be a skill that was widely taught in school and regularly used well into adulthood is starting to see a rapid decline in recent years.  In this article, we are going to explore the […]

Critical thinking sounds pretty important, yet it’s probably one of the most neglected skills in modern times. It’s also a complicated term or, at least it’s complicated to define because it’s a multifaceted definition. Critical thinking is a series of processes that include breaking an argument down into components, identifying […]

Creative thinking is a person’s ability to figure out solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems by conceiving innovative ideas that conventional or logical methods cannot solve. Essentially, it is thinking beyond the box! This allows you to put on your thinking cap and solve fascinating riddles for creative thinking! What is […]

You don’t have to be a world-renowned economist to see the financial storm clouds brewing all around us.   Inflation is through the roof. Supply chains are still incredibly disrupted. Wages are stagnating. Businesses are struggling.   It’s getting ugly out there.   But while there may not be anything […]

In a world where we are expected to be on top of things every second of the day, having the best coping skills to think things through is essential. So when it comes to positive thinking vs. critical thinking, what are the differences, and which one is best? Positive thinking […]

RAVEN is a tool for critical thinking in which you evaluate your sources for credibility.  Using RAVEN will result in stronger arguments and well-researched articles. First we will go over exactly what RAVEN is, including questions you can ask for each letter and good and bad examples of RAVEN.  Then […]

When someone is being ‘critical’ of something, it generally means they are looking on it unfavorably, pointing out its flaws and shortcomings. That being the case, one could be forgiven for assuming that critical thinking and negative thinking are the same thing. However, this is not actually the case. The […]

In a world that is becoming increasingly more unpredictable, planning for the future has become even more of a challenge than it used to be. This is where scenario thinking and scenario planning come into play. The two really go hand in hand. Scenario thinking is the process of considering […]

Critical thinking is all about deeply analyzing and considering every aspect of any given information. Applying critical thinking to reading can go a long way in helping you study effectively, as well as allowing you to truly grasp more aspects of what has been read: aspects that may have ordinarily […]

For the entirety of human history, we’ve been thinking― thinking about our future, our morality, and even the meaning of life itself. People have forged many schools of thought in our long history of self-awareness. Thinking, it seems, is not as straightforward as we believe. Self-professed critical thinkers and freethinkers […]

Think about the last time you had to take a stand on an important issue, or make a decision while not knowing all of the facts. How did you arrive at your position or choice? What was your thought process, and why do you believe you were right? We all […]

We live in the Information age—barraged by news and other content, and surrounded by information sources such as online archives, ebooks, webinars, blogs and more. But how much of that information is accurate? And when we solve a problem or face a choice, how do we know what is relevant […]

Thinking deeply about things is a defining feature of what it means to be human, but, surprising as it may seem, there isn’t just one way to ‘think’ about something; instead, humans have been developing organized and varied schools of thought for thousands of years. Discussions about morality, religion, and […]

They say that necessity is the mother of invention but without a dash of creativity and clear thinking, innovation would stall out in its early stages. After all, coming up with actionable solutions to a problem takes a lot of brainpower and not everyone thinks in the same way. For […]

There are many great books on critical thinking, including but not limited to Thinknetic’s “The Habit of Critical Thinking,” Rebecca Stobaugh’s “50 Strategies to Boost Cognitive Engagement,” and Jonathan Haber’s “Critical Thinking: Part of the MIT Press Essential Knowledge.”  With all the books on critical thinking available, how do you […]

They say that necessity is the mother of invention but without a dash of creativity and clear thinking, innovation would stall out in its early stages. After all, coming up with actionable solutions to a problem takes a lot of brainpower and not everyone thinks in the same way. For […]

You may have heard of divergent and convergent thinking. These are two different ways of coming up with solutions to problems. While convergent thinking focuses on the obvious, linear solutions to problems, divergent thinking focuses on creative solutions that may not be immediately obvious or logical. It might be a […]

Critical thinking skills are essential for children to develop and can be used in any area of life. By encouraging children to ask questions, explore different viewpoints, and think critically, parents and educators can help their children become successful, lifelong learners. With a critical eye, students can even go on […]

The history of art, science, politics, warfare and business are full of examples of lateral thinking. Nelson’s famous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar; the German army going around the Maginot line to cut off French defences in WWII; Jeff Bezos circumventing the way we buy and sell online; Uber subversively […]

Critical thinking can help to better navigate the information-dense and complex world we live in. By thinking critically we can better identify priorities, take a sensible approach to problem-solving and reach conclusions logically in line with evidence. Puzzles are an excellent way both to learn and practice critical thinking skills. […]

The emergence of social media and the reliance on various platforms is increasingly impacting the way in which we interact with each other and the world as a whole. We know that our virtual network is oftentimes as important to us as our physical network and that the information we […]

Most people think of high academia when they hear the phrase “critical thinking.” They have a natural tendency to associate it with higher learning. While that may be true, it may surprise people to know that everyone uses critical thinking skills every day. Critical thinking is defined as looking at […]

There is a time and a place to use different skills in life. When faced with a problem that requires calm, logical reasoning to find a valuable and lasting solution, Critical Thinking can help.  Critical Thinking can apply to numerous situations in someone’s life, but it isn’t always the best […]

Critical thinking is one of the most valuable sets of life skills you can ever have and it’s never too late to learn them. People who can think critically are better at problem solving of all kinds, whether at school or work, in ordinary daily life, and even in crises. […]

If you are seeking to improve your critical thinking abilities, you need to learn how to recognize, reduce, and redirect cognitive biases. Learn more about the most common cognitive biases, strategies for combatting cognitive bias, and the benefits of beating cognitive bias. What is a cognitive bias? A cognitive bias […]

Critical thinking can make life smoother and smarter, solving all kinds of academic, professional and everyday problems. But it’s not something you need to learn from a book. Humor can also be a fun and creative way to explore, practice and demonstrate critical thinking. Read a bit more about critical […]

Critical thinking is a valuable life skill that helps solve problems at school, in the workplace or in everyday living. Riddles can be a fun way to test, practice and develop your critical thinking skills. Our 5 critical thinking riddles will help you develop your brain power and have fun. […]

Thinking and critical thinking do not sound that different in nature. After all, they both include the verb thinking, and therefore, imply that some form of thinking is taking place. If you find yourself wondering, what is the difference between thinking vs critical thinking, you have had an excellent thought. […]

Drone mentality is a pattern of going through the motions, paying little to no attention to what’s going on around you. Think monotonous routine. You can slip into a drone mentality at any time and not be aware of it. Everything goes into autopilot, and critical thinking skills get pushed […]

Technology is always quickly advancing. New apps, new updates, and platforms emerge to help us connect to each other, automate our tasks, or just have fun. But does technology help or hinder critical thinking skills? Your critical thinking skills will be affected by technology depending on factors, including the kind […]

Have you ever wondered how you can improve your investing? You can use critical thinking for investing to get better returns, mitigate risk, and make better decisions all around. This is because critical thinking requires patient reflection, intentionality, an open mind, healthy skepticism, and frequent self-assessment. This article will cover […]

Have you ever wondered if critical thinking can be taught? Critical thinking is certainly teachable, as has been proven by many years of research. Like with other skills—for example, swimming or playing an instrument—some people may have more natural ability when it comes to critical thinking, but that does not […]

Have you heard the phrase “critical thinking” thrown around a lot? You probably have if you think about it for a second. But what does it mean? In short, critical thinking helps us make rational decisions and come to a more objective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. […]

With the modern age and the increasing use of a passive mode of communication more and more people are struggling to get their point of view across clearly and concisely. There is no longer the need for messages and conversations to be short and to the point. Instead, many of […]

Everyone always says that communication is key – especially for couples. And in this modern age of passive communication, this is certainly true now more than ever. However, many people still struggle to find the right words to convey what they want to say. How can you communicate effectively when […]

Learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge or skills. Knowledge and skills are acquired in various ways:  Through practice and experience such as riding a bike  Through study, reading what others have written about the subject Through instruction, being taught by someone with the desired knowledge Teaching techniques have […]

We’ve all had debates with friends or on social media, where we get into it over some heated issue.  Emotions get out of control or people say, “we’re going to agree to disagree,” with neither side leaving more enlightened. Improving our skills for debate and critical thinking can go a […]

To be Stoic. We’ve all see it before, the calm, cool mind working at a level that no one else can even hope to understand. They stand there, silently, even while observing something that could break normal people. They are the rock that stands against the waves, never yielding, never […]

The more critical thinking skills you have, the less religious beliefs you have. It has been found that those who think critically are far less religious than those who think intuitively. While critical thinking skills weaken faith, they are not enough to destroy faith entirely. Therefore, we can encourage critical […]

Two terms we usually confuse with each other are Critical Thinking and Metacognition. Even though they both describe the skill of being aware of thinking processes and their possible outcomes, metacognition is a bit more complicated. To fully understand both terms properly, we need to examine their similarities and differences. […]

From a very young age, learning a language is of utmost importance. Starting from our mother tongue, we then learn another language (usually English, Spanish, German or French). Learning – and teaching- methods though, don’t always work as expected. Conventional teaching and learning techniques are starting to become a feature […]

Critical Thinking vs Lateral Thinking Critical thinking, as listed in the Oxford Dictionary as, paraphrased: To achieve a logical conclusion from information gained through observation, or deductive thought processes. To explain, it is the ability to analyze something critically, be it an art piece, a physical situation, or a written […]

Some scientists have concluded that traditional intelligence tests don’t accurately test the critical thinking required in making real-life decisions. Hence, many people often consider intelligence and critical thinking as the same thing. However, they are two different concepts. When it comes to defining critical thinking and intelligence, researchers use several […]

The world has changed quite dramatically over the last year. The global pandemic has changed the way many people think about their careers. Many industries were forced to move online and this increased the demand for remote work. The world was always moving towards remote work, but the pandemic really […]

Both critical thinking and creative thinking are used for solving problems, only in different ways. For critical thinking, the process is structured and methodical. For creative thinking, the process is fluid and somewhat experimental. Both thinking strategies are useful, with neither being innately superior to the other and in some […]

In all areas of work the applicants have their own reasons for applying for a position, and the main aim of the interview is to find out if the applicant is a ‘good fit’ with the position offered and whether they have good critical thinking skills. So where possible use […]

In the process of learning, comprehending, and gaining knowledge, thinking plays a very vital role. The approach we employ to resolve an issue or implementing a strategy or plan starts with our process of thinking. One such kind of process of thinking is non-linear thinking. What is non-linear thinking? Nonlinear […]

We observe many things in our life with intention or without. This is the usual tendency of all human beings from all walks of life. Observing things is what an ordinary man does and logically analyzing the incident or any event is what a reasonable man does. Yes, there is […]

Putting together coherent thoughts is hard. It is even harder to think critically when you are under some sort of pressure. Being under pressure affects your thought process because it lowers your IQ and you are likely to make the wrong decision. When life has thrown too many things for […]

Famous highly-intelligent thinkers in the world such as Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and Marie Curie are known not only because of their names, but because of how they shaped their ideas and contributions that made the world a better place. It is important to note that it is not only […]

In the past, classroom-based learning revolved on retaining and repeating any information given. Today, schools focus on teaching the skills to learn and analyze information. This is known as critical thinking, an essential learning skill for every 21st-century student. What Critical Thinking Means Critical thinking is understanding why something exists […]

Critical thinking is typically needed when graded performances and livelihoods are involved. However, its true value shines outside of academic and professional settings. When we have the power to think critically, we’re not only going to get recognized at school or at work. We also become better at solving personal […]

Critical thinking is an extremely useful skill no matter where you are in life. Whether you are with the top decision-making bodies of a big company or you are forging your own path as a self-employed individual, critical thinking can bring forth opportunities that will allow you to improve your […]

People live their days dealing with all sorts of problems, from the awfully mundane to the considerably urgent. Oftentimes, a sound decision-making process is required to come up with the most satisfying solution. While it makes sense to look back on your previous experiences and similar case studies to help […]

When you think rationally and clearly about what to believe or what to do, you are using your critical thinking skills. Critical thinkers engage in independent and reflective thinking. They use logic and reason to come up with solutions to problems. Critical thinkers are not born, they are developed. If […]

In the world of business, being precise and careful is highly recommended. However, how often do you respond too rashly to a scenario? How often have you made a decision that you had to correct later on because you did not think it all the way through? Poor decision making […]

No one’s too old to learn critical thinking. No one’s too smart to disregard it as well. A school is still the ideal place to master such skill. Now that you’re not under the guidance of a teacher, you have to find ways to hone that skill yourself. Below are […]

Life, as they say, is unpredictable. It is filled with variables, alternatives, and branching paths that require a person to respond in the best possible manner in order to achieve optimum results. An adaptive mindset understands that each problem and situation requires a different set of solutions. Coming to those […]

Shelter, food, clothing, and water – these are usually considered as the most important necessities to live decently and sufficiently. In order to acquire these in a sustainable and efficient manner, a person needs education. Sadly, we are still at the stage wherein our society still understates the importance of […]

Every business leader has learned from past economic crisis. The previous global financial crisis has taught us a powerful lesson about poor business decisions. These decisions were grounded on incomplete, and/or partially false, and of course erroneous information. The companies that folded during that crisis were examples of those that […]

Critical thinking is the process of reaching a decision or judgment by analyzing, evaluating, and reasoning with facts and data presented. However, nobody is thinking critically 100% of the time. Logical reasoning can be prone to fallacies. A fallacy is an error in reasoning. When there is a fallacy in […]

It’s easy to confuse critical and analytical thinking as one, but they’re not the same. While there are similarities, you will realize upon probing further about critical thinking vs analytical thinking that they have distinct differences. Critical thinking refers to the mental process of cautiously gauging details to find out […]

Most jobs require specific skills to be effective and successful. Critical thinking skills are some of the most important skills you should have. Almost every kind of job needs these skills. People who don’t have critical thinking skills often have a harder time executing tasks at work. They would need […]

Critical thinking refers to the analysis and evaluation of different points to form a decision or judgment. Whether a person’s position in a company is a starting manager or a CEO, critical thinking skills in the workplace will always be an asset. It’s a vital part of the success of […]

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “to read between the lines?” It means digging deeper into the text you’ve just read, or not taking it at face value. Reading between the lines means understanding what you’ve read and making judgments based on what you’ve read. Reading between the lines […]

Most companies will have managers on their team. There are different types of managers, but they follow a general job description. In most cases, they oversee a team or a group of people in a certain department. Managers take care of the overall performance of their assigned department or area. […]

Teaching your children to dig deeper and solve problems with a higher level of thinking can be tough. But as a parent, it’s your responsibility to teach them one of the most crucial skills in life: critical thinking. Don’t worry, though. There are some fun and engaging activities that can […]

Perhaps you have heard of the term critical thinking and you may have probably been evaluated on with that in school or when you were applying for a job. However, the issue is not all people really understand what it is. Critical thinking skills are studied and perfected over time. […]

Critical thinking implies a systematic evaluation of a situation that needs reacting.  It can help you arrive at the best possible solution. In essence, it’s about asking the right questions to avoid taking on problems with a devil-may-care attitude. The premise of critical thinking is to understand the logical connection […]

Critical thinking is the process to rationally analyze and attempt to solve a problem – accurately and efficiently. This method is made without the use of guesses and assumptions. It is a cognitive skill or a mental process. Based on acquired knowledge, you’ll have to analyze, examine, and scrutinize options […]

Do you know why board games are called that way? It’s because you only play them when you’re bored. Lousy puns aside, board games have come a long way from being just lowly time passers. Board games can be as simple as token-and-dice races to as complex as world building, […]

About 65% of people surveyed see themselves as procrastinators. A good third of this number profess to be chronic procrastinators. When you procrastinate, you tend to avoid or put off doing high-priority tasks that seem difficult or unpleasant. You would rather put them off and squander time doing other less […]

Take a look at the different departments of a company and see if you can spot certain characteristics unique to each: The sales staff seem to be especially outgoing and talkative, whereas the accounting guys are introverted and quiet. The marketing people are brimming with creativity, flaunting fashionable trends and […]

Common sense, as defined by several scholars, is inborn rational thinking that happens naturally in rational humans. Common sense incorporates problem-solving, and thinking skills developed from natural logic, intuition and the human capability to observe various events and absorb lessons and information from them. These observations allow people to learn […]

On a regular basis, people are faced with problems and scenarios that must be assessed and solved. Typically, they are tasked to understand various perspectives to think about these scenarios. It is common for most people to build cognitive thinking on the basis of earlier similar experiences or situations. Nonetheless, […]

When you hear the words “critical thinking”, the first thought that probably crossed your mind is that this person is a natural skeptic; that is, he always finds fault in everything he sees. This could not have been any farther from the truth even if it tried. Critical thinking is […]

Critical thinking is the ability to translate complex circumstances into meaningful insights. It has become an essential skill that every individual should develop. So, how do you improve your critical thinking skills in order to become an effective thinker and problem-solver? Core Skills of Critical Thinking Sometimes, it’s really frustrating […]

The definition of critical thinking is that it is the practice of collecting, analyzing, and carefully evaluating information so you can form a more informed decision. Critical thinking means that you are not letting your personal biases and feelings interfere with your decisions; instead, you let the information you gathered […]

Critical Thinking: Its Definition, Applications, Elements and Processes Experts and educators argue on the definition of critical thinking for centuries. No matter what you do for a living, whether you’re a student or a professional, you’ll need critical thinking. What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking is the ability to come […]