Critical Thinking: Systematic approach of effective thinking in 2024

Welcome readers in the blog post of ‘Critical Thinking: Systematic approach of effective thinking in 2024’. This blog post will explore critical thinking, its methodical approach or process, and the soft skills that we need to develop to strengthen it.

Thinking is a natural process. It just happens; you don’t have to make it so. But it can happen in various ways, depending on whether you think positively or negatively. You can think from heart and you can think with judgment. Someone think strategically, analytically, mathematically and scientifically is the process of thoughts. We constantly work to improve the most fundamental effective thinking skill that we use on a daily basis.

Critical thinking and Logical reasoning are next step of logical thinking. For a well-cultivated critical thinker or successful investigators, logical reasoning and critical thinking are of utmost importance. Though they are not always the same, logical reasoning and critical thinking are two sides of the same coin.

What is critical thinking?

Logical thinking is thinking process based on logics. Critical thinking is next stage of logical thinking. This is a higher-order thinking ability to collect and analyze pieces of information, data and understanding the logical connection between them. It is simply the ability of reasoning, problem-solving and evaluating information by questioning to data, beliefs, and information to make a reasoned conclusion or decision. Logical thinking improves our capacity for thought and gives us a sense of situational control. Critical thinking and situational awareness creates the base for strategic thinkers. It is methodology to solve complex issues by making trustworthy decisions based on trustworthy data.

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Systematic process of critical thinking

Once you understand the theory of critical thinking process you can improve your critical thinking skills. It is a process of effective thinking through situations, there should one step at a time. 

• First of all identify the problem.
• Determine data relevance and gathered-research all of the information,
• Interpretation – Clarify your understanding of the issue or circumstance and the context in which you are thinking.
• Break down a problem in part for a piece of information
• Questioning to the answers and information like what, why, how, who, whose, when, where, which – asking the right questions to come to the best conclusion possible.
• Identify and Examine arguments: The process of identifying an argument involves three steps:

Recognize the situation: Is someone attempting to convince you of something?

Identify the conclusion: What are they trying to convince you of? and why?

Identify the reasons: why do they enforce, you should believe them?

• Analyze your decision– Consider your choice carefully and keep control on the situation by analyzing the evidence and arguments. Examine the inferential relationships—both intended and actual.

• Inference – recognize and secure the facts required to arrive at logical conclusions.
• Evaluation – Examine any new information and concepts that may have emerged since the previous session. Examine the viability of potential solutions with fresh eyes, and look for logical and thinking flaws. Consider other people’s arguments while developing or combining your own.
• Self-regulation – Consciously examine your assumptions and potential biases.
• Identify the perfect solution and introduce it.
• Test your solution before putting it into action, and be willing to change your mind.

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Soft Skills strengthen critical thinking

Critical thinking is not something you can learn in a class, like most soft skills. Instead, a variety of analytical and interpersonal skills make up this skill. Learning is more important for critical thinking development. Lacks of following soft skills are become obstacles to thinking critically.

Following soft skills are necessary to improve your critical thinking:-

• Curiosity and interest– It increase curiosity and interest. People who are reflective and curious enjoy investigating novel subjects and seeking knowledge.
• Interviewing
• Focus
• Questioning skills
• Analytical thinking: People who use analytical thinking are able to reject bias and work to gather and consume the most information possible in order to reach the best decision.
• Open-mindedness: This critical thinking ability supports you in the analysis and processing of information so that an objective judgment can be reached.
• Problem-solving: When this ability applied correctly, critical thinking helps in the resolution of any issue, maybe it’s a challenge at work or a challenge in daily life.
• Self-regulation: You become more self-reliant and question everything you read, hear, or are told. Think about various perspectives.  
• Observation: The ability to observe things beyond their obvious meaning improves.
• Interpretation: You become better at determining which information is crucial and pertinent to your situation. In this manner, you can get the most useful information out of your data.
• Analysis: When you attempting to tackle to a challenging question, you develop the ability to set your biases aside and confidently make decisions based on the data you have available. 
• Communication: after making a decision, you inform and present evidence and defending your conclusion are essential components of effective workplace communication, especially when there are numerous potential solutions.

Simply put, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking are all components of critical thinking. Positive mental habits can be developed through critical and creative thinking.

Conclusion

Finally, no matter where you are in the process of becoming a critical thinker, there is always room for improvement. By doing this, you will be able to think critically, write clearly, and absorb important information more quickly. You will also be able to develop arguments that are more balanced. Your ability to engage and expand your thinking will serve you well in any career or situation, whether it is in business, science, or the arts. Teach your mind to think in a disciplined, organized, and effective manner. Go on reading! I’m grateful.