Critical Thinking and the Skills Needed to Work Through the Process
Find three credible sources that discuss critical thinking. One source should be from the assigned and/or optional readings, (Topic 1 study materials), and the other two should be found through your own research from within the library. Read the three sources and consider how they define critical thinking.
In 300-500 words, define critical thinking and expand on what skills are needed to work through the critical thinking process and/or how critical thinking is enhanced. Keep the following guidelines in mind:
The sources you found in your research may influence your definition, but your own ideas should be evident. In other words, your process should be: a) Read some definitions and descriptions of critical thinking; b) Comprehend or digest the information; and c) create a synthesized definition of critical thinking.
Paraphrasing is preferred. Include an in-text citation whenever paraphrasing or using a direct quote. Keep direct quotes between 0-3 per essay.
A reference page that documents the three sources you found (and any other resources you used) is required. Remember, all sources must be cited both in-text and on your reference page.
(Note: Do not simply reword the definitions you read. Consider how you will explain what critical thinking is.)
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
Critical Thinking
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Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to exercise logical reasoning skills to analyze information effectively and make informed decisions. People who think critically engage in reflective and independent reasoning. They are aware of their biases and assumptions when assessing sources. These individuals can understand the logical connections between ideas, determine the relevance of ideas and arguments, identify errors in reasoning, and justify their actions and beliefs (Lai, 2011). They can also draw reasonable conclusions from relevant information and solve problems systematically. Their ability to analyze information effectively and separate valid details from less useful ones enables them to solve problems and make judgments.
Critical Thinking Skills
Analytical skill is one of the skills needed to work through the critical thinking process. It involves evaluating information appropriately and understanding its meaning before making a judgment. With analytical skills, a critical thinker can apply logical reasoning to sieve fallacies from facts. Another skill is communication skill. Communication is an ingredient of critical thinking. It allows an individual to gather information, analyze the collected information, and share thoughts and reactions regarding the said information (Heard et al., 2020). Before thinking critically, it is imperative to understand facts about a phenomenon. This can be done by interacting with people, interviewing them and establishing a positive relationship, which requires strong communication skills. Active listening, speaking, writing, presentation, collaboration, understanding, assessing, and explaining are communica...