Written by: Shobana G.
“Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought” – John F. Kennedy
As we navigate through a fast-paced world of technological change and innovation, on top of managing uncertainties in so many aspects, we often find it a challenge to achieve consistency in making good decisions. Some days we fair well while the other days we fail to meet the mark. Not just in decision making, there are instances we find it a struggle to get or ideas or opinions to be heard or considered. Why aren’t the proposal papers getting approved? Why are our good ideas getting shot down by the management?
Here in lies the importance of being able to think critically before making decisions or even before blurting out an opinion. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally understand the logical connection between ideas, facts, arguments, etc. Critical Thinking requires us to ask questions about what we see, what we hear, what we read and what we experience.
Are You a Critical Thinker?
Attributes and abilities portrayed by a critical thinker include:
· Includes different perspectives or opposite sides of the argument.
· Always curious, but thoughtful at the same time asks questions and does not automatically accept everything that is read or told - Why is this a good idea? Is there data that shows that the new way could benefit the business? What metrics can be used to measure results?
· Analyzes the source of information
· Develops reasoned and persuasive arguments.
Bloom’s Taxonomy & Critical Thinking Go Hand In Hand
Bloom's Taxonomy is a method created by Benjamin Bloom (1965) to categorize the levels of reasoning skills that students use for effective learning. The framework brings one through a thought process of analysing information or knowledge critically. It begins with a set of lower order thinking skills knowledge and levels up to seek more information based upon a series of levels of questions and keywords that brings out an action on the part of the student.
It is Simply A Structured Way of Thinking
Critical thinking is all about having a structured approach from the very beginning of our thinking process right up to communicating the idea, conclusion or even an opinion.
Firstly, build AWARENESS by STEP I & II:
(I) Understanding the Objective
Our utmost priority here is to gain clarity of what is the objective of the task at hand. “What is expected out of me ?”. Without clarity, we end up doing a lot of our re-work because the initial work was misaligned with the objectives. This happens more often than not - so taking that few minutes to clarify the task at hand might save you a few days of re-work.
(II) Organising information
It is now no longer an issue to get data if you know where to look. Firstly, understand that there are two ways to look for data – by asking another person or doing research. The second part is to select the right data – what stays in your focus. Always look for data that is aligned with your objective and within the context of the topic. Answering the What, Why , Where, When questions will give you a clear overview of the topic or situation.
Once awareness is present, we run an ANALYSIS through STEP III & IV:
(III) Structured Reasoning
Many people provide opinions but often have weak or don’t have supporting reasons. There is also a lot of data being provided, but without context, the data might not be useful or might lead us to the wrong conclusions. At this part, it’s important to question the data or opinions and the person providing the opinion or data must provide supporting reasons or context. *Tip: Use “WHY” & “HOW” questions to get the reasoning!
(IV) Considering Evidence
While people may produce reasons (arguments), we need to see if evidence backs up the reasoning. It usually comes in the form of tangible data, expert opinion, proven research and statistics. The strength of the evidence is tested by the credibility of the source that it comes from. Just any evidence from the internet or a person won’t give you a solid argument.
Now, we take ACTION by performing Steps V & VI:
(V) Evaluating the Reasoning
Once all the reasons (arguments) are populated with evidence, it’s time to evaluate which reasons (arguments) should be considered. Ideally there should at least 2- 3 data points from different sources that supports an argument. This ensure there is no bias or skewed data. The strongest arguments are the ones that you will accept as part of the conclusion and moving towards the next step.
(VI) Deciding on a Conclusion
Based on Step I: “Understanding the Objective” stage, you can decide on the conclusion. Depending on the topic or situation, the conclusion can be different. Decide on the conclusion based on arguments backed by solid evidence. Failure to do this will result in your conclusion being doubted or rejected during cross examination.
Lastly, make an ANNOUNCEMENT by the final Step VII:
(VII) Communicating the Conclusion
A step that is omitted from most critical thinking models is the whole area of communicating your findings. A great critical thinker is able to communicate their thoughts in a concise and systematic manner. If you stakeholders are unaware of what you have done, you do a disservice to the effort and thinking you’ve put in. So communicate it out in whatever format you see fit.