The document defines critical thinking as the use of cognitive skills and strategies that enhance decision-making and outcomes. It distinguishes critical thinking from being a critic, emphasizing that it involves an active, flexible, and skeptical mindset rather than rigidity or cynicism. Additionally, it outlines the essential components of critical thinking, including various cognitive skills and the importance of one's attitude in the thinking process.

1. Critical Thinking Press the arrows below to proceed through the show.

2. Critical Thinking What critical thinking is NOT ! Being a Critic

3. What critical thinking is NOT ! Being a Critic (This is not the same thing. Unfortunately they sound the same, but a critic typically means someone who is negative and who cuts people down. This is not critical thinking.) Boring (Critical thinking takes effort and can stimulate heated debates and discussion.)

4. Critical Thinking Defined: The use of cognitive skills and strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome

5. Critical Thinking Who doesn’t want better outcomes?!? Psychologists study how we make decisions. Critical thinking, in this course, involves learning the skills and strategies that TEND TO WORK! I hope you agree, this is probably a good thing.

6. Components of Critical Thinking Cognitive Component – knowledge of the skills Yes, this part can be boring… Good news: you can learn the skills. Better news: your text covers these skills in a way supported by research. If you try to learn these skills, you will probably learn to be a more critical thinker. Affective (emotional) – attitude or disposition Covered after the next slide

7. Cognitive Skills of Critical Thinking Verbal Reasoning Scientific Method Argument/Persuasion Probability Decision-Making / Problem-Solving We will cover all of these this semester

8. Attitude / Affective Component Most important part: You must be willing to think!

9. Attitude / Affective Component Critical thinking is: Active not passive – it takes effort! If it leads to better decisions, the effort is probably worth it. Flexible not rigid Critical thinkers typically doubt simple answers to questions. Rigid thinking tends to be un-critical, explores fewer alternatives, and settles on solutions. Skeptical not Cynical Skeptical – doubting certainty, questioning things – this is a critical thinker’s motto! Cynical – assuming negative explanations – this hurts critical thinking!

10. Review Questions (vocabulary in bold) Define “ Critical Thinking ” What are the two components to Critical Thinking? Describe what it means to be active verses passive when thinking about a topic. How is being rigid in your thinking the opposite of critical thinking? Can a cynic be a critical thinker? Why or why not? Which term refers to having a “questioning” approach to the world? Skeptical or cynical .