Critical Thinking

What is Thinking?

The purposeful, organized process that we use to make sense of the world

Left Brain

Critical Thinking

Logical, Sequential, Rational, Analytical, Objective, Looks at Parts

Right Brain

Creative Thinking

Random, Intuitive, Holistic, Synthesizing, Subjective, Looks at Wholes

What Side of the Brain Deals with Critical Thinking?

Left Side

What is Critical Thinking?

The gathering & assessment of information in a balanced and reflective way justified by a reasoned argument based on available evidence

What are Factors of Practical Application?

Client Variables, Accommodations, Adverse Effect

Factors of Client Variables

Stage of Condition, Communicability, Medications & Side Effects, Client Resilience

Factors of Accommodations

Assistive Devices, Technique, Environment, Equipment, Service

Factor of Adverse Effects

Harmful or Undesired Outcome

Requirments of Critical Thinking

Clarity, Accuracy, Precision, Relevance, Depth, Breadth, Logic, Fairness

Benefits of CT: At Work

Employers look for those who can

• Learn quickly and solve problems

• Show creativity

• Gathers and analyzes the issue meaningfully

Benefits of CT: Daily Life

• Help avoid poor decisions

• Increases capability of making good decisions on important issues

• Develo[s good thinking skills capable of examining our assumptions and dogmas

Barriers to Critical Thinking

Self-Centred Thinking, Group-Centred Thinking, A Belief That Something is True Without Evidence, Belief That Something is True Out of Own Desire, Thinking Truth is Opinion

Self-Centered Thinking is an Example of

Egocentrism

Group-Centered Thinking is an Example of

Sociocentrism

A Belief that Something is True Without Proper Evidence is an Example of

Unwarranted Assumptions

Belief that Something is True Out of Own Desire is an Example of

Wishful Thinking

Thinking that Truth is Stricly Opinion is an Example of

Relativism

Characteristics of Critical Thinkers

• Honest with Self

• Regard Issues or Controversial Issues as Exciting Challenges

• Strive for Understanding Whilst Remaining Patient

• Base Judgements on Evidence, not Experience

• Interested in Ideas Other Than Their Own

• Practice Fair Mindfulness

• Practice Restraint

Critical Thinking Steps

• Recognize and analyze the question at hand

• Challenge your pre-existing assumptions

• Identify relevant variables that must inform your decisions

• Consider possible solutions to challenges

• Imagine and explore alternatives to your initial responses

• Plan a course of action that incorporates relevant variables

• Reflect on how things went after you made a decision

First Step of CT

Recognize and analyze the question at hand

Second Step of CT

Challenge your pre-existing assumptions

Third Step of Ct

Identify relevant variables that must inform your decisions

Fourth Step of CT

Consider possible solutions to challenges

Fifth Step of CT

Imagine and explore alternatives to your initial responses

Sixth Step of CT

Imagine and explore alternatives to your initial responses

Seventh Step of CT

Reflect on how things went after you made a decision