A Framework for Critical Thinking?

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Part 2 of the series.

There are many critical thinking models out there — the legacy of thousands of years of discussion and debate. To get us on the journey to critical thinking, we propose a model that mirrors the scientific method. Before anyone goes thinking, “But I’m not a scientist, I can’t do it,” rest assured that being a scientist is not a requirement. If you took grade 4, 5, or 6 science, that’s the level of complexity.

Following this simplified sequence of activities will assist with Critical Thinking: 

  1. Ask a question
  • Ask questions about things you observe. Be curious about everything.
  1. Look for an answer(s)
  • Do some background research on the subject. Don’t rely solely on your own feelings, but cautiously listen to the statements of others, especially if they are contrary to yours. Find out what the evidence may say. And more importantly, what the evidence doesn’t say.
  • If there happens to be a singular, reliable answer to your question already, great! Stop here. If not, read on…
  1. Create a hypothesis 
  • What do you think is the truth about the topic? Why do you think this? What are your assumptions? 
  1. Test the hypothesis 
  • In science, an experiment is used to test the hypothesis. For critical thinking purposes, testing may simply involve engaging many people in conversation to obtain a wide variety of perspectives, conducting an internet search on the topic, or a combination of information sourcing (see our “Who to Trust” coming up next). Be sure you are not just looking for support for your hypothesis; actively seek out contrary opinions and use genuine curiosity to get a wide variety of input.
  1. Draw conclusions
  • Interpret the information. What is the background of your sources? How might the information be biased? 
  1. Bonus step: Repeat

This framework can be used when contemplating something new, or when evaluating ideas we have held for some time. As you’ll learn throughout this week, being prepared to change your mind is all part of the process and plan. 

Discussion:

Was there a time when your critical thinking process was faulty? What was the missing step? What was the outcome?

Image by Tumisu via Pixabay, used under the Pixabay License.

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Comments (2) on “A Framework for Critical Thinking?”

  1. Another critical thinking requirement should be to ask, “What are we NOT being told?” All too often, critical aspects of an analysis or an argument are missing entirely, due to proponent ignorance or deliberate strategic avoidance of exculpatory consequences. Mainstream news sources often omit delving into points of view not in line with their editorial ideologies, or aspects of news stories that don’t qualify as infotainment. Always always always think for yourself!!

  2. This may not apply to critical thinking per se, but the actual last step of the scientific method is one that a lot of people forget about: Tell People.
    If you’ve learned something about the world through the scientific process, it’s important to share it, for two reasons:
    1) It gives others the opportunity to test and replicate the findings, to help ensure they’re valid
    2) It gives others the opportunity to build on the knowledge and either explore a next step in the same domain, or use the information in exploration of other fields (usually related, but sometimes surprisingly not!)

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