critical thinking and problem solving

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Critical Thinking and Problem solving

Student 's name

Institution 's name

Instructor 's name

Class

Abstract

Numerous decisions are taken every day . People choose when to get up on a certain morning , what clothing to wear , and whether to read a particular book . Most of the decisions made throughout the day are relatively trivial or inconsequential . It probably does not matter too much if it is decided to sleep an extra 15 minutes on a certain morning or if a blue shirt is

selected rather than a green one . However , some of the decisions can carry substantial consequences . Choosing to get an undergraduate or graduate degree , deciding on a new job or career , or selecting one vendor out of many candidates to be the long-term supplier of a company of a necessary resource are important decisions that are likely to have a significant and meaningful impact . Learning understanding , and applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills can improve the quality of the decisions that mean the most to us . The research also explores some fields where critical thinking proves a pathfinder in finding the correct solution to a problem

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Introduction

Critical thinking and problem solving have been identified as essential skills for college students . Problem solving is defined as a step-by step process of defining the problem , searching for information . The goal of problem solving is to find and implement a solution , usually to a well defined and well- structured problem . Critical thinking is a broader term describing reasoning in an open-ended manner , with an unlimited number of solutions . The critical thinking process involves constructing the situation and supporting the reasoning behind a solution . Traditionally , critical thinking and problem solving have been associated with different fields : critical thinking is rooted in the behavioral science , whereas problem solving is associated with the math and science disciplines . Although a distinction is made between the two concepts , in real life situations the terms critical thinking and problem solving are often used interchangeably . In addition , assessment tests frequently overlap or measure both skills . Problem solving is defined as understanding the problem , being able to obtain background knowledge , generating possible solutions , identifying and evaluating the process , and exhibiting problem-solving dispositions

It is easy to fall into routine ways of thinking instead of being creative . The accompanying display lists some common barriers to creative thinking

A major block to creativity is groupthink (going along with the majority opinion while personally having another viewpoint . Nurses or the employees of the company , who engage in groupthink generally , wish to avoid interpersonal conflict . It takes intellectual courage to think something new and different from one 's peers , and then act on those thoughts . Independent thinking is a hallmark of persons who think critically and creatively

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Critical thinking includes problem solving and decision making processes . People use problem solving in their daily lives . With the problem-solving method , problems are identified , information is gathered , a specific...