We each
want to support our previous decisions and views; it’s a natural human
reaction. However, such a reaction often leaves us unaware of new ideas and
perspectives. We cannot expand our mind without new information gathered from
others’ perspectives, beliefs, and experiences.
Critical thinking differs from creative problem solving as it helps us to sort through the new information in a logical manner resulting in a new perspective. The process allows us to gain a deeper knowledge or understanding of an idea, person, or situation. Critical thinking is a beneficial process in examining situations that may not have a specific correct answer, but rather several options.
For instance, we can use critical thinking to determine which type of car or dog we want to buy. In addition, critical thinking skills are useful when sorting through the information of serious issues, such as the stance we take on euthanizing patients. How do we choose? Do we concentrate on palliative care? What about religious and legal concerns? We also have to consider patient rights. Critical thinking is necessary in approaching more controversial topics.
Another
example of critical thinking is researching colleges and degrees. For example,
I’m still researching options for after my bachelor’s degree. I have used
critical thinking to analyze, compare, seek additional information, and
logically sort through the information to reach my best options. Remember to compare your processes, critical thinking versus creative problem solving to understand which option is best for the situation.
The first step is gathering information about various colleges and degrees from the people around me, Internet, and colleges. Next, I analyze the information including stereotypes, prejudgments, assumptions, facts, and opinions. I want to be sure my decision is based on facts but understanding how opinions, assumptions, and stereotypes are formed about the college or degree helps guide where I need to do more research.
Once my
information is gathered I begin to compare which colleges and degrees meet my needs.
A list of pros and cons are helpful in this stage because so many options are
available. The list may also show I need to gather information on a newly
discovered factor. In this case, I wanted to recheck degree specialties between
my two favorite options, University of South Florida and Boston University.
The
last step in the critical thinking process is
logically sorting through the main points, such as location, cost, and support available. I am still in this stage
of the process as the decision is complicated and I have many options in
degree specialties. Do I continue my drive into health
communications, move to public health, or focus on patient education? I may have not found my best option yet, but the
critical thinking process has brought me much closer.
Photos courtesy of:
The Custom Life – Photo of University of South Florida Seal at http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/usf-reports-confirmed-case-of-tuberculosis-in-tampa-campus-student-62666/
Photo of Boston University Medical Campus by Cmcnicoll at http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boston_University_Medical_Campus_01.JPG
Critical thinking differs from creative problem solving as it helps us to sort through the new information in a logical manner resulting in a new perspective. The process allows us to gain a deeper knowledge or understanding of an idea, person, or situation. Critical thinking is a beneficial process in examining situations that may not have a specific correct answer, but rather several options.
For instance, we can use critical thinking to determine which type of car or dog we want to buy. In addition, critical thinking skills are useful when sorting through the information of serious issues, such as the stance we take on euthanizing patients. How do we choose? Do we concentrate on palliative care? What about religious and legal concerns? We also have to consider patient rights. Critical thinking is necessary in approaching more controversial topics.
Another
example of critical thinking is researching colleges and degrees. For example,
I’m still researching options for after my bachelor’s degree. I have used
critical thinking to analyze, compare, seek additional information, and
logically sort through the information to reach my best options. Remember to compare your processes, critical thinking versus creative problem solving to understand which option is best for the situation.The first step is gathering information about various colleges and degrees from the people around me, Internet, and colleges. Next, I analyze the information including stereotypes, prejudgments, assumptions, facts, and opinions. I want to be sure my decision is based on facts but understanding how opinions, assumptions, and stereotypes are formed about the college or degree helps guide where I need to do more research.
Once my
information is gathered I begin to compare which colleges and degrees meet my needs.
A list of pros and cons are helpful in this stage because so many options are
available. The list may also show I need to gather information on a newly
discovered factor. In this case, I wanted to recheck degree specialties between
my two favorite options, University of South Florida and Boston University.Photos courtesy of:
The Custom Life – Photo of University of South Florida Seal at http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/usf-reports-confirmed-case-of-tuberculosis-in-tampa-campus-student-62666/
Photo of Boston University Medical Campus by Cmcnicoll at http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boston_University_Medical_Campus_01.JPG
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