by Denisa Howe

Created on: April 11, 2010   Last Updated: April 12, 2010

Critical thinking is most often associated with those in school or seeking a higher education. The truth is; when faced with any problem; critical thinking is beneficial to all situations. Most of us when faced with a difficult situation, matter or person spend a lot of time worrying about it; before we take action. Critical thinking allows us to work through the problem effectively. This means using less emotion and more reasonable, sensible and rational thinking skills. A person also needs to be able to approach the problem in an ethical, legal and reasonable way.

A five step approach to critical thinking is:

1)      Identify and clarify the problem. Know the exact nature of the problem. Exact is the strong word here. An example is you are always late for work, just a few minutes but late. One might think the problem is being late for work, but is it? That is what you wish to change but after more thought is the problem that you have a late school hour or your alarm clock works sometimes and sometimes not? Do you have a child that wakes up several times during the night? Do you stay up too long at night watching programs? Knowing the exact problem and what needs to be changed is critical to being able to change the problem. The case may also be several problems instead of just one.

2)      Gather information. Like identifying the problem, one needs to be able to find all that relates to the problem. Take time to sit down and actually write down all underlying information and who if anyone is contributing to the matter at hand. The best way to accomplish this is by asking yourself questions.

3)      Evaluate the evidence. In other words look at the answers to your questions. Are they true clear answers and then evaluate all possible solutions to fix the problem. You may find you need to change several things to obtain the result you are seeking.

4)      Consider alternatives and implications. Again, you would ask yourself questions. Is the evidence fitting to the fact that a problem exists and then began to devise an alternative.  One needs to consider the objections if it involves others, the cost if any and the changes to all concerned.

5)      Lastly, choose and carry out or fulfill the best choice. Put it into action and reap the results. At times you may need to reevaluate that your choice worked as you desired.

Critical thinking may not be easy, mainly because it involves stopping to think before acting. It does become easier and can become almost second nature with practice. Applying it to life in general can be very beneficial.

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