Critical Thinking and Professional Reasoning (Prof Dev)

Critical Thinking (Definition)

Purposeful, reflective judgment used to interpret, analyze, infer, evaluate, explain, and self-regulate.

Interpretation (Critical Thinking Skill)

Comprehending and expressing the meaning or significance of data, events, or criteria.

Analysis (Critical Thinking Skill)

Identifying inferential relationships among statements, questions, concepts, descriptions, or opinions.

Evaluation (Critical Thinking Skill)

Assessing the credibility of statements or representations describing experiences or beliefs.

Inference (Critical Thinking Skill)

Identifying elements needed to draw reasonable conclusions and form hypotheses.

Explanation (Critical Thinking Skill)

Presenting reasoning results in a cogent manner and defending how conclusions were reached.

Self-Regulation (Critical Thinking Skill)

Monitoring, reviewing, examining, and correcting one's own cognitive processes.

Characteristics of Critical Thinkers

Clarity, orderliness, diligence, reasonableness, care, persistence, and precision.

Alfaro-LeFevre Critical Thinking Model

Intersection of characteristics, knowledge, interpersonal/self-management skills, and technical skills.

System 1 Decision-Making

Automatic, reactive, quick holistic associational judgments; good for big picture, weak on details.

System 2 Decision-Making

Reflective, deliberative, reasoned, and systematic judgments; strong on specific details.

IDEAS Model: I

Identify the problem and set priorities.

IDEAS Model: D

Deepen understanding and gather relevant information.

IDEAS Model: E

Enumerate options and anticipate consequences.

IDEAS Model: A

Assess the situation and make a preliminary decision.

IDEAS Model: S

Scrutinize the process and correct as needed.

Professional / Clinical Reasoning (Definition)

goal oriented, client-focused purposeful, reflective judgment used to plan, direct, perform, and reflect on care

Reflection in Professional Reasoning

Active process of reviewing experiences against theoretical concepts to inform future actions.

Five Cognitive Processes of Professional Reasoning

• Cue acquisition

• pattern recognition

• problem formulation

• limiting problem space

• problem solution.

Ecological View of Professional Reasoning

Clinical reasoning is shaped by both therapist lens and client lens.

Scientific Reasoning (OT)

Applied to understanding conditions, theories, and evidence; includes diagnostic and procedural reasoning.

Diagnostic Reasoning

Problem sensing and understanding performance deficits or impairments.

Procedural Reasoning

Selecting therapy routines, protocols, or interventions based on science or setting culture.

Narrative Reasoning

Understanding the client's situation based on their story, life context, and personal experience.

Pragmatic Reasoning

Addresses practical realities of service delivery like reimbursement, scheduling, and resources.

Ethical Reasoning

Used to analyze moral dilemmas, risks, benefits, and determine the right course of action.

Interactive Reasoning

Used to build a collaborative relationship, establish trust, and communicate effectively.

Conditional Reasoning

Advanced, holistic blend of all reasoning types to envision a client's potential future.

Benner's Formula for Expertise

Experience + Reflection = Expertise.

Novice Stage (Benner)

No setting experience; relies heavily on rules, theoretical knowledge, and procedural reasoning.

Advanced Beginner Stage (Benner)

<1 year experience; recognizes recurring situational components but struggles to prioritize.

Competent Stage (Benner)

1-3 years experience; demonstrates mastery and organization but lacks big-picture grasp.

Proficient Stage (Benner)

• 3-5 years experience

• views situations holistically, adapts plans seamlessly.

Expert Stage (Benner)

• 5-10+ years experience

• relies on intuitive grasp rather than rigid rules, fluid performance.

System 1 vs. System 2 Critical Thinking

• System 1 is automatic and reactive

• System 2 is deliberative and detailed.

Terms for Care Thought Process

Clinical reasoning, professional reasoning, and therapeutic reasoning are used interchangeably.

Two Subtypes of Scientific Reasoning

Diagnostic reasoning and procedural reasoning.

Clinician Stage: Mastery without 'Big Picture'

Competent stage (1-3 years of experience).