Lesson 7: Critical Thinking 1

SOBs --> 1) Summarize the definition of critical thinking, 2) Discuss methods for evaluating information, 3) Explain the nine intellectual standards used in assessing one’s thinking, 4) Explain cognitive domain operations and their relationship to disinformation

Summarize the definition of critical thinking (SOB 1)

A process in which you carefully think about a situation or subject before

making a decision while applying logic instead of feelings to make a decision.

Statement vs argument method (SOB 2)

i. Statement is a claim assertion or conclusion

ii. Argument is to propose a reason for a given conclusion

Fact vs Opinion method (SOB 2)

i. Fact is something true and can be proven. Its objective and verifiable

ii. Opinion is a belief that a person has formed on a topic or issue that is

subjective and cannot be verified

Objective claim vs Subjective claim (SOB 2)

i. Objective claim is factually true or false, independently of what

people think to be true

ii. Subjective claim is factually true or false, depending on what people

think to be true

Explain the nine intellectual standards used in assessing one’s thinking (RBFLSDCAP) (SOB 3)

1. Relevance: Evaluates what’s most related to the issue

2. Breadth: Addresses various interpretations of an issue

3. Fairness: a “gut check” to avoid personal interests, ego and unjustified assumptions

4. Logic: Thoughts are mutually supporting and makes sense

5. Significance: The most important pieces of an argument or issue

6. Depth: Addresses the complexities of an issue

7. Clarity: a gateway standard and relevant to all others

8. Accuracy: addresses the validity of the information at hand

9. Precision: helps refine information

Explain cognitive domain operations and their relationship to disinformation (SOB 4)

I. The cognitive domain involves intellectual skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and building a knowledge base.

II. Cognitive domain operations target will, beliefs, thinking, and psychology to influence decisions and actions by shaping an opponent’s cognition.
  • These operations present information in ways that make opinions appear as facts.