Dilemma
At the entry of the model an individual must plausibly and accurately identify the dilemma in need of critical thinking judgement.
Curiosity is important as it motivates the individual to go beyond information that is readily available to discover and use other pertinent information which will lead to more sustainable and justifiable conclusions.
An individual must keep an open mind, i.e., if the evidence or reasons discovered during the information gathering are more supported than the position currently held, the individual is open to changing the position held to one that is the most supported by the information.
Initiative is necessary to keep the curiosity motivated even when challenges arise.
Judgements must be purposefully determined, thus planning is necessary to ensure the process remains true to the purpose.
Active thinking must take place during the entire process. A critical thinker reflects on the information discovered and assesses the quality of the information and the thinking throughout the process.
Information does not only impact our logic, it may also impact our emotional reactions, triggering biases. For this reason critical thinkers must be very self aware. It is the best way to ensure that the thought process and the judgements which result from the process are fair and respectful.
The text across the middle of the model represents the concrete activities and sources that are central to obtaining the inputs required for the critical thinking process. Observation of the available information, the evidence presented and discovered, the results of conducted questioning, the discussion process, and all the information that results from these activities will provide much to consider. The efficient selection and use of what is relevant and sufficient for the progress toward a sustainable judgement for the dilemma at hand will stem from the accurate interpretation of that information.
When considering the consequences, the critical thinker realistically weighs the pros and cons of implications of each option for the relevant involved parties. As the transition to a decision occurs, the individual must continue to assess the situation and respect the individuals involved.
When considering the consequences, the critical thinker realistically weighs the pros and cons of implications of each option for the relevant involved parties. As the transition to a decision occurs, the individual must continue to assess the situation and respect the individuals involved.
When considering the consequences, the critical thinker realistically weighs the pros and cons of implications of each option for the relevant involved parties. As the transition to a decision occurs, the individual must continue to assess the situation and respect the individuals involved.
In order to reach a decision or take a position on an issue, the individual must have confidence in their abilities and the process used to reach their decision or position.
In order to reach a decision or take a position on an issue, the individual must have confidence in their abilities and the process used to reach their decision or position.
The success of the critical thinking process is determined by the decision or position and the justification provided. Without a decision, the process is an exercise only and holds no merit in the world. The justification is needed to clearly show why the option chosen is the best for the dilemma and thus should be more acceptable and supported than other options.
The articulation part of the process stems from the individual's attention to the details of the incident and the inputs gathered combined with the justification. These are then prepared in the appropriate level of detail. This will vary depending upon the situation. It can be an entry in a notebook, a detailed police report, a verbal report to a supervisor, testimony before a court or panel of inquiry, etc.