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Critical Thinking: What Is It

and Why Is It So Important?

Critical Thinking: The Basics

Critical thinking is a decision making process used to solve

problems. There are two aspects that define critical thinking:

Critical thinking is based on evidence and logical reasoning.

Emotions and memorization are not a part of logical thinking.

1.

Critical thinking requires evaluating and improving your own

thought processes. As the Foundation for Critical Thinking

(http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-

thinking/766) explains, critical thinking relies on universal

intellectual values like clarity, relevance and consistency.

2.

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Critical Thinking Skills: HowThey Can Help You

Logical reasoning and critical thinking techniques have many

positive effects, including:

Improved cognitive skill

A foundation of logical decision making on which you can

draw, even in stressful situations; and,

Higher academic and professional achievement.

Sounds pretty good, do

Here are a few specific examples that explain why your

critical thinking skills are worth developing:

Critical Thinking Forces Intellectual Self

Improvement

Focusing on evidence over emotion or ego allows you to think

critically and consider hard facts as you assess your

performance. At its core, critical thinking is inward-focused.

The goal is to maximize your ability to think rationally. This

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sort of critical reflection is key to improving your cognitive

skills. In turn, it leads to increased overall intelligence and

improved test performance.

Critical Thinking Allows You to Become a

Better Team Player

There can be multiple answers to the same problem, and this

realization is important to the critical thinking process. It

allows you to be a better listener and collaborator when

you’re working as part of a group, as well as to become more

flexible in your problem solving. Plus, focusing on logical

reasoning rather than on emotion or interpersonal team

dynamics helps you check your ego at the door. That way,

you more easily can be a valuable part of a team.

Critical Thinking Leads to A More Creative

Mindset

According to Linda Elder (http://www.criticalthinking.org

/pages/dr-linda-elder/819) and Richard Paul

(http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/dr-richard-paul/818) , of

the Foundation for Critical Thinking’s Critical Thinking


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Community (http://www.criticalthinking.org/) , experienced

critical thinkers will naturally make more connections across

subjects. Interdisciplinary logical thinking leads to

professional and academic success

(http://liberalartssuccess.org/outcomes) .

Critical Thinking Helps You Stay Calm and

Rational Under Stress

Even in very stressful situations, critical thinkers can rely on

their logical decision making skills to make sound decisions.

Especially as you prepare for standardized tests, using logic

to help you sort through life’s challenges can be

extraordinarily helpful.

Think about the impact critical thinking skills can have in

context. Whether as part of a group project in school or in the

workplace, being an attentive listener who can identify

connections that might otherwise go unnoticed gives


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