Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking can be defined in different aspects . It is a rather broad concept , with every intellectual explaining it in ways according to their own perceptions . Even so , there are three common elements in the definition of critical thinking . And those would be investigation interpretation , and judgment (Ruggiero , 2004 . This then , attempts to define critical thinking in line with those concepts , basing from the individual interpretations of different scholars

The simplest definition of critical thinking must be the process of being critical in one 's thinking process (Cheung et

al , 2002 . In the journal Assessing University Students ' General and Specific Critical Thinking , it states there that critical thinking entails the use of one 's skills , dispositions , behaviors , and beliefs . Investigation is the process of examining ideas and arguments and then analyzing them further . To interpret the data obtained in the process of critical thinking , however , it has to be categorized , decoded , and clarified Judgment , on the other hand , is exhibited through properly assessing the arguments and claims , checking of evidence , finding alternatives , and finally , drawing conclusions (Cheung et al , 2002

However , Critical Thinking and Logical Argument ' defines critical thinking differently . In that , critical thinking is synonymous to the formation of logical argument . Given the right set of information , a student can properly formulate logical explanations following the application of critical thinking . The authore James A . Duplass defined critical thinking as the manner of distinguishing between value statements and verifiable facts (2002 . In a study he conducted , he used social studies students to further analyze what critical thinking is and how it actually works . He asked students to gather information about their popular culture with magazines , newss , documentaries , and newscasts as sources . In this particular scenario , investigation is the process of separating the relevant data from irrelevant information . It also involves checking whether or not the information gathered are accurate , and it done by determining the credibility of the sources from which the facts are taken (Duplass , 2002 . Interpretation here becomes the process of formulation of statements and assumptions using the data at hand . It is also in this stage that bias and logical fallacies are filtered out . Judgment , on the other hand , is the process of ironing out all logical inconsistencies that falls out of the line of proper reasoning . It is also at this point that a conclusion is created while its overall potency is determined (Duplass , 2002

Critical thinking can also be associated to a person 's creativity . In Awakening Creativity ' by Kate Gibey , creativity is defined as an idea , act , or product that possesses the ability to alter or convert an existing field , concept , or application (1998 . Furthermore , a person who is said to be creative is somebody who can regularly and easily solves any problem . A creative person devises something new and helpful for the benefit of the field that he belongs to . The role of creativity in critical thinking process is crucial , for it defines a person 's ability to open...