How to Hone Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is a different way of reacting to and evaluating information in reading, writing, and thought processes. When reading, or watching a spy, action, or crime drama, critical thinking allows one to figure out the story plot or who the criminal is before it is revealed. When writing, use of critical thinking in the editing process assists the writer to examine each sentence for vagueness and ambiguity; ensure the ideas put forth are clear and concise; and assist in avoiding stereotypes, passivity and generalizations.

One uses critical thinking skills on a daily basis to process information, most of the time without even realizing it, such as how much of a house payment one can comfortably afford; which bills need to be paid from which paycheck; deciding to change jobs or locations; what one wants to major in; and even where to go on vacation. Critical thinking is used in conversations with others, to evaluate whether information is credible, fictitious, or whether something is believable but should be investigated further before action is taken.

Critical thinking is useful in evaluate articles and advertising by determining how credible the author is; what credentials the author has; and whether the author is biased or prejudiced as well as whether the author has used rhetoric, fallacies, biases, vagueness, or ambiguity; taking notice when these devices are used and focusing on the motivations for their use is classic critical thinking skills.

Advertisements regularly use "experts" or the most recent up-and-coming actor to sell a product; this is referred to as apple polishing, and it is a common form of fallacy used. One specific example is the Hanes commercial: the advertisers appeal to the viewers pride by parading the latest star, such as Jennifer Love-Hewitt, with their slogan "look who we got our Hanes on now" playing in the background. Advertisers frequently use leveling and sharpening to place the spotlight on aspects of the product they believe will make the viewer want to rush out and purchase the latest product; however, a critical thinking viewer can recognize the use of these devices.

The media, however, is a different kind of animal. The media will frequently report stories that are shocking and sensational to boost ratings and profits. Most interviews and media venues should be viewed with skepticism, since an interview only provides one point-of-view. However, in defense of the media, they do try to cover breaking news, like terrorist attacks, with the best of their ability; the ability to think critically enables the viewer to evaluate the information for what it is: information passed from one reporter to another; from police officers, hurried and harassed; and from bystanders, still in shock, and the information presented may not be completely accurate or unbiased.

Critical thinking skills are useful for the writer and the reader, as well as when one dons the consumer persona. Being able to evaluate the information one is bombarded with everyday (regardless of the form the information takes) enables each individual to make informed decisions without falling prey to advertising ploys or deceptive discussions. A critical thinker can more easily distinguish fact from opinion. Critical thinking skills, like any other ability can be honed through practice by weighing the pros and cons of every decision and viewing everything with a healthy dose of skepticism.

References

Moore, B. N., & Parker, R. (2007). Critical thinking (8^th 3d.). New York: McGraw-Hill.