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Why Is Critical Thinking Important and How to Improve It

Updated: July 8, 2024

Published: April 2, 2020

Why is critical thinking important? The decisions that you make affect your quality of life. And if you want to ensure that you live your best, most successful and happy life, you’re going to want to make conscious choices. That can be done with a simple thing known as critical thinking. Here’s how to improve your critical thinking skills and make decisions that you won’t regret.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing facts to form a judgment. Essentially, it involves thinking about thinking. Historically, it dates back to the teachings of Socrates , as documented by Plato.

Today, it is seen as a complex concept understood best by philosophers and psychologists. Modern definitions include “reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do” and “deciding what’s true and what you should do.”

The Importance Of Critical Thinking

Why is critical thinking important? Good question! Here are a few undeniable reasons why it’s crucial to have these skills.

1. Critical Thinking Is Universal

Critical thinking is a domain-general thinking skill. What does this mean? It means that no matter what path or profession you pursue, these skills will always be relevant and will always be beneficial to your success. They are not specific to any field.

2. Crucial For The Economy

Our future depends on technology, information, and innovation. Critical thinking is needed for our fast-growing economies, to solve problems as quickly and as effectively as possible.

3. Improves Language & Presentation Skills

In order to best express ourselves, we need to know how to think clearly and systematically — meaning practice critical thinking! Critical thinking also means knowing how to break down texts, and in turn, improve our ability to comprehend.

4. Promotes Creativity

By practicing critical thinking, we are allowing ourselves not only to solve problems but also to come up with new and creative ideas to do so. Critical thinking allows us to analyze these ideas and adjust them accordingly.

5. Important For Self-Reflection

Without critical thinking, how can we really live a meaningful life? We need this skill to self-reflect and justify our ways of life and opinions. Critical thinking provides us with the tools to evaluate ourselves in the way that we need to.

Photo by Marcelo Chagas from Pexels

6. the basis of science & democracy.

In order to have a democracy and to prove scientific facts, we need critical thinking in the world. Theories must be backed up with knowledge. In order for a society to effectively function, its citizens need to establish opinions about what’s right and wrong (by using critical thinking!).

Benefits Of Critical Thinking

We know that critical thinking is good for society as a whole, but what are some benefits of critical thinking on an individual level? Why is critical thinking important for us?

1. Key For Career Success

Critical thinking is crucial for many career paths. Not just for scientists, but lawyers , doctors, reporters, engineers , accountants, and analysts (among many others) all have to use critical thinking in their positions. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking is one of the most desirable skills to have in the workforce, as it helps analyze information, think outside the box, solve problems with innovative solutions, and plan systematically.

2. Better Decision Making

There’s no doubt about it — critical thinkers make the best choices. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems as they come our way, and very often this thought process is even done subconsciously. It helps us think independently and trust our gut feeling.

3. Can Make You Happier!

While this often goes unnoticed, being in touch with yourself and having a deep understanding of why you think the way you think can really make you happier. Critical thinking can help you better understand yourself, and in turn, help you avoid any kind of negative or limiting beliefs, and focus more on your strengths. Being able to share your thoughts can increase your quality of life.

4. Form Well-Informed Opinions

There is no shortage of information coming at us from all angles. And that’s exactly why we need to use our critical thinking skills and decide for ourselves what to believe. Critical thinking allows us to ensure that our opinions are based on the facts, and help us sort through all that extra noise.

5. Better Citizens

One of the most inspiring critical thinking quotes is by former US president Thomas Jefferson: “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” What Jefferson is stressing to us here is that critical thinkers make better citizens, as they are able to see the entire picture without getting sucked into biases and propaganda.

6. Improves Relationships

While you may be convinced that being a critical thinker is bound to cause you problems in relationships, this really couldn’t be less true! Being a critical thinker can allow you to better understand the perspective of others, and can help you become more open-minded towards different views.

7. Promotes Curiosity

Critical thinkers are constantly curious about all kinds of things in life, and tend to have a wide range of interests. Critical thinking means constantly asking questions and wanting to know more, about why, what, who, where, when, and everything else that can help them make sense of a situation or concept, never taking anything at face value.

8. Allows For Creativity

Critical thinkers are also highly creative thinkers, and see themselves as limitless when it comes to possibilities. They are constantly looking to take things further, which is crucial in the workforce.

9. Enhances Problem Solving Skills

Those with critical thinking skills tend to solve problems as part of their natural instinct. Critical thinkers are patient and committed to solving the problem, similar to Albert Einstein, one of the best critical thinking examples, who said “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Critical thinkers’ enhanced problem-solving skills makes them better at their jobs and better at solving the world’s biggest problems. Like Einstein, they have the potential to literally change the world.

10. An Activity For The Mind

Just like our muscles, in order for them to be strong, our mind also needs to be exercised and challenged. It’s safe to say that critical thinking is almost like an activity for the mind — and it needs to be practiced. Critical thinking encourages the development of many crucial skills such as logical thinking, decision making, and open-mindness.

11. Creates Independence

When we think critically, we think on our own as we trust ourselves more. Critical thinking is key to creating independence, and encouraging students to make their own decisions and form their own opinions.

12. Crucial Life Skill

Critical thinking is crucial not just for learning, but for life overall! Education isn’t just a way to prepare ourselves for life, but it’s pretty much life itself. Learning is a lifelong process that we go through each and every day.

How To Improve Your Critical Thinking

Now that you know the benefits of thinking critically, how do you actually do it?

• Define Your Question: When it comes to critical thinking, it’s important to always keep your goal in mind. Know what you’re trying to achieve, and then figure out how to best get there.
• Gather Reliable Information: Make sure that you’re using sources you can trust — biases aside. That’s how a real critical thinker operates!
• Ask The Right Questions: We all know the importance of questions, but be sure that you’re asking the right questions that are going to get you to your answer.
• Look Short & Long Term: When coming up with solutions, think about both the short- and long-term consequences. Both of them are significant in the equation.
• Explore All Sides: There is never just one simple answer, and nothing is black or white. Explore all options and think outside of the box before you come to any conclusions.

How Is Critical Thinking Developed At School?

Critical thinking is developed in nearly everything we do, but much of this essential skill is encouraged and practiced in school. Fostering a culture of inquiry is crucial, encouraging students to ask questions, analyze information, and evaluate evidence.

Teaching strategies like Socratic questioning, problem-based learning, and collaborative discussions help students think for themselves. When teachers ask questions, students can respond critically and reflect on their learning. Group discussions also expand their thinking, making them independent thinkers and effective problem solvers.

How Does Critical Thinking Apply To Your Career?

Critical thinking is a valuable asset in any career. Employers value employees who can think critically, ask insightful questions, and offer creative solutions. Demonstrating critical thinking skills can set you apart in the workplace, showing your ability to tackle complex problems and make informed decisions.

In many careers, from law and medicine to business and engineering, critical thinking is essential. Lawyers analyze cases, doctors diagnose patients, business analysts evaluate market trends, and engineers solve technical issues—all requiring strong critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking also enhances your ability to communicate effectively, making you a better team member and leader. By analyzing and evaluating information, you can present clear, logical arguments and make persuasive presentations.

Incorporating critical thinking into your career helps you stay adaptable and innovative. It encourages continuous learning and improvement, which are crucial for professional growth and success in a rapidly changing job market.

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile from Pexels

Critical thinking is a vital skill with far-reaching benefits for personal and professional success. It involves systematic skills such as analysis, evaluation, inference, interpretation, and explanation to assess information and arguments.

By gathering relevant data, considering alternative perspectives, and using logical reasoning, critical thinking enables informed decision-making. Reflecting on and refining these processes further enhances their effectiveness.

The future of critical thinking holds significant importance as it remains essential for adapting to evolving challenges and making sound decisions in various aspects of life.

What are the benefits of developing critical thinking skills?

Critical thinking enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to evaluate information critically. It helps in making informed decisions, understanding others’ perspectives, and improving overall cognitive abilities.

How does critical thinking contribute to problem-solving abilities?

Critical thinking enables you to analyze problems thoroughly, consider multiple solutions, and choose the most effective approach. It fosters creativity and innovative thinking in finding solutions.

What role does critical thinking play in academic success?

Critical thinking is crucial in academics as it allows you to analyze texts, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and understand complex concepts, leading to better academic performance.

How does critical thinking promote effective communication skills?

Critical thinking helps you articulate thoughts clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful discussions. It improves your ability to argue logically and understand different viewpoints.

How can critical thinking skills be applied in everyday situations?

You can use critical thinking to make better personal and professional decisions, solve everyday problems efficiently, and understand the world around you more deeply.

What role does skepticism play in critical thinking?

Skepticism encourages questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and distinguishing between facts and opinions. It helps in developing a more rigorous and open-minded approach to thinking.

What strategies can enhance critical thinking?

Strategies include asking probing questions, engaging in reflective thinking, practicing problem-solving, seeking diverse perspectives, and analyzing information critically and logically.

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University Library Services

Study skills- being critical.

• Critical Thinking
• Fundamentals of Critical Thinking

Why Critical Thinking is Important

• How to Think More Critically
• Critical Reading
• Critical Writing

Critical thinking is a fundamental aspect of your studies. It allows you to consider new information or an issue, break it down, understand what is going on, evaluate the strengths and limitations of it and ultimately form a judgement about whether you think it is useful. Being able to think critically helps us to learn and assimilate new information and also to identify the less than valid or credible sources too.

As such, it is a big part of your assessments. We just need to take a look at the generic assessment criteria and we can see how many times and ways critical thinking is required to achieve good grades.

If you aren’t familiar with the Generic Assessment Criteria, explore it in the link below.

• Generic Assessment Criteria Generic assessment criteria all levels

Beyond analysing and evaluating information, being able to think critically enables us to solve problems and think creatively. This is important in everyday life and at university. 

Imagine for a moment, if we just accepted everything that we heard as fact. What might happen? We might accept misinformation as truth. We would be susceptible to manipulation. We would probably make a lot of poor decisions and we would likely never come up with new or novel ways of doing things. 

Thus, critical thinking helps us to make decisions, form our own judgement about things we see, hear and also to be innovative. 

By being critical you can demonstrate that you understand a particular topic in great detail. 

See the document below to support you further with your critical skills. 

• Critical evaluation A document to support you with critical evaluation at university

Common critical thinking errors include letting your own biases influence judgement. It is important to put these aside while reading and ensuring that evidence is gathered and conclusions are justified. It is also important to be aware that you may be being persuaded by the author to read the text or to agree with them. Ensure that you ask questions and compare evidence to clarify information. 

It is important to not be overconfident when discussing ideas. Even if you have evidence it should be presented in a clear, unbiased way. This may include using tentative language such as 'evidence may suggest' rather than 'this is definitely the case' as you need to be realistic about what you have read and the limitations of your reading and research.

It is important to think about what you have read, ask questions about sources and make comparisons. You may have been set the same assignment question as others but may read different sources and as a result come to a different conclusion.

Test your knowledge about the importance of critical thinking by completing the quiz below. 

Critical Thinking Skills and Employability

Critical thinking skills not only help you to make decisions about your career choices, but they are sought after by employers too. 

Choosing a career involves:

• reflecting on yourself, your motivation, skills and experience.
• researching and identifying potential career options.
• evaluating information and weighing up different options in order to draw conclusions about the best route for you.

Finding suitable job opportunities also involves:

• Identifying vacancies.
• analysing requirements.
• applying your skills and experience to the role and its requirements.
• gathering evidence of your suitability in order to present a clear, reasoned argument in your application.

Your critical thinking skills will help you with all of these tasks. Equally, employers often seek graduates with excellent critical thinking skills as they will help you to succeed in your graduate career. However, be mindful that sometimes employers use a variety of terms to express these requirements, such as 'strategic thinking', 'analysis and decision making', 'collecting, collating and analysing information', etc. 

• critical thinking and employability A document to support you with applying critical thinking to a job search.
• Last Updated: Sep 4, 2024 3:10 PM
• URL: https://libraryguides.sunderland.ac.uk/being-critical

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• Critical thinking: why is it important?
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During your studies you’ll be accessing huge amounts of information and need to consider using many potential sources. An important skill to develop is being able to discern credible sources from those lacking in authority and reliability - this critical evaluation skill is both essential for academic success and for navigating information in the rapidly changing digital age.

Why is critical evaluation so important?

Critical evaluation goes further than just assessing the quality of a source – you need to consider the context, purpose, and potential biases that may influence the information presented. This allows you to:

• Make informed decisions: determine the trustworthiness and relevance of sources, ensuring you are using quality evidence in your research and assignments.
• Avoid misinformation: critically evaluating sources helps you to identify unsubstantiated claims and misleading information.
• Develop independent thinking: becoming an independent learner means questioning and analysing information, showing you can apply these principles in a measured and consistent way.

How can you enhance your evaluation skills?

The Academic Skills Kit provides a wealth of resources to help you develop your critical evaluation skills.

Evaluating information

Explore strategies you can apply to sources of information to see if they meet your purpose for using them; assessing the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose.

Generative AI as an information type

How to apply criticality to responses generated by AI, including the checks you need to carry out on AI generated content and a checklist of things to consider.

AI and your learning

Guidance to help you responsibly engage with Artificial Intelligence for your educational experience.

Critical Thinking

Over on the Academic Skills Ki t you will find some new materials and resources on critical analysis to support you with upcoming assessments. The Academic Skills Team have added a 3-part video which unpicks the meaning of critical analysis in different contexts and demystifies how to apply it in your work.

There is also an interactive resource of a sample paragraph where you can see how a writer has applied critical analysis throughout. It demonstrates how this can be expanded and developed with some useful strategies.

Critical Thinking Resources

Enhance your higher-level thinking skills and explore the new resources.

How to Evaluate Sources Using Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide to Informed Research

In today’s world, the internet provides us with a wealth of information , but not all of it is trustworthy. Knowing how to evaluate sources is an essential skill, especially when conducting research or seeking reliable information. Critical thinking plays a vital role in this process, as it allows individuals to assess the credibility, relevance, and quality of sources.

Key Takeaways

Identifying reliable sources.

A credible source is typically authored by a person with relevant expertise in the field. Assessing the author’s credentials, such as their degrees, certifications, or professional experience, can provide insight into their authority on the subject. Additionally, considering the author’s affiliations and potential biases can help determine the reliability of the information presented.

When analyzing the content itself, the presence of citations and references adds credibility, as it demonstrates that the author’s claims are based on existing research. Well-reasoned and balanced arguments, supported by evidence, are also indicators of a reputable source.

Assessing Source Credibility

Evaluating sources using critical thinking is essential for determining their credibility. Assessing source credibility involves examining various aspects of the information and the source itself to ensure its accuracy, relevance, and trustworthiness.

Determining the trustworthiness of a source can be achieved by considering the accuracy of the information and data provided. Cross-referencing the mentioned facts with other reputable sources may reveal inconsistencies that suggest unreliable information. Trustworthy sources often cite their sources and provide enough detail to verify their claims.

The Role of Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills play a crucial role in evaluating sources for their credibility, relevance, and accuracy. These skills involve the use of logic, analysis, and reflection to ensure that the information gathered from various sources is trustworthy and reliable. By applying critical thinking, individuals can make informed decisions and develop well-founded arguments, both in academic and professional settings.

Experience also plays a significant role in developing and applying critical thinking skills . As individuals encounter various sources and engage in different research projects, they can become more adept at identifying trustworthy information. Experience helps refine their ability to discern between credible and unreliable sources, ensuring that the evidence used in their work is accurate and well-founded.

Understanding the Purpose and Audience

One of the first steps in evaluating a source is to identify its purpose. The purpose may be to inform, persuade, entertain, or express an opinion. Knowing the purpose behind the content helps readers determine whether the information provided aligns with their own goals and research interests. For example, an academic article seeking to inform would differ in tone and depth from a blog post expressing a personal opinion.

Tone is an important aspect of a source that can reveal the author’s perspective and potential biases. A neutral tone indicates an objective approach, while passionate or persuasive tones could indicate bias or an attempt to sway readers’ opinions. Recognizing the tone helps readers better understand the author’s intent and the reliability of the information provided.

Evaluating the Quality of Information

The first step in evaluating the quality of information is to examine its source. Consider factors such as the author’s qualifications, the publication date, and the publisher’s reputation. Sources should be both recent and reputable to ensure that the data and facts presented are accurate and up-to-date.

Another useful approach to evaluating information quality is the application of information literacy. This involves understanding the purpose of the information, its intended audience, and any potential consequences of using the information. By keeping these factors in mind, you can better assess the suitability of the information for your specific research needs.

Determining the Relevance and Value of Sources

To determine the relevance of a source, first consider whether its content directly addresses your research question or provides information that is applicable to your topic. Analyze the main arguments and conclusions of the source to see if they align with your research goals. Also, take note of any biases or opinions the author may have that could affect the source’s relevance.

Investigating the Currency and Timing of Sources

Firstly, consider the publication or posting date of the information. Determine if it’s recent and whether the content has been revised or updated since it was initially published. A source that is current and up-to-date indicates that the author is actively maintaining the information, which could lead to more reliable conclusions in the research. Keep in mind that the importance of currency may vary depending on the topic and the discipline. In some fields, like technology and medicine, current sources are crucial, while in others, like history or literature, older sources may still be relevant.

In sum, investigating the currency and timing of sources is an essential step in evaluating their validity for a research project. By examining factors such as publication dates, revisions, references, and expert agreement, researchers can ensure that the sources they use contribute to a well-informed, relevant, and current understanding of their topic.

Recognizing Bias and Objectivity

Objectivity in a source can be identified by the presence of a balanced presentation of information, which acknowledges various perspectives and counterarguments. Objective sources will provide evidence and cite credible sources to support their claims. They maintain a neutral tone and avoid using emotionally charged language.

Identifying Potential Errors and Limitations

When evaluating sources using critical thinking, it is crucial to identify potential errors and limitations present in the information provided. This helps ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. Errors can occur at any point in the research process, while limitations are inherent weaknesses or constraints that affect the findings’ overall validity.

Furthermore, take note of the methodology used in the research. A study with rigorous methodology, which meticulously controls various factors and variables, has a higher degree of reliability. Conversely, poor methodology can introduce errors and weaken the research’s reliability. When examining the methodology, look for a clear statement of the research question, an explanation of the research design and data collection procedures, and a transparent presentation of results.

In summary, when using critical thinking to evaluate sources, it is essential to identify potential errors and limitations. This will enable you to assess the credibility, reliability, and overall quality of the information, ensuring that you base your conclusions on sound evidence.

The CRAAP Test for Source Evaluation

Relevance is the degree to which the information relates to the topic being researched. To assess relevance, consider the scope, depth, and target audience of the source. A relevant source should be in alignment with the research question and offer insight or evidence to support the argument being made.

Purpose is the goal or objective behind the information in the source. Analyzing the purpose helps to identify any potential biases or underlying motives. To evaluate purpose, consider the author’s intent, the target audience, and whether the information is presented objectively or with an ulterior agenda.

Applying Source Evaluation in Different Contexts

In personal life , individuals often encounter various sources of information, such as news articles, social media, and online resources. Evaluating these sources helps in distinguishing reliable information from misinformation or biased perspectives. For instance, when making major life decisions, such as choosing a career or purchasing a house, individuals must critically assess the credibility of financial advice, job market trends, and real estate listings to make informed choices.

Research methods play a crucial role in evaluating sources, especially in academic and professional settings. A systematic approach to source evaluation, such as following established criteria like the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose), ensures that the chosen sources align with research objectives and contribute to robust arguments. Additionally, researchers must evaluate the methodologies used in the sources to determine the quality and reliability of the research findings.

Consequences of Misleading Information

Misleading information can have significant consequences in various aspects of society. When people encounter false information or propaganda, they may unknowingly make decisions based on inaccurate or incomplete data.

In some cases, misleading information can serve as a tool for political manipulation. When political actors use false or distorted information to shape public opinion, they can gain power or maintain control. This can threaten democratic processes, making it more challenging for citizens to hold their representatives accountable.

Various methods can assist in evaluating the credibility of sources, such as the CRAAP test . This acronym represents Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose as discussed here . By considering each of these factors, individuals can effectively distinguish between trustworthy and unreliable sources, thereby improving their overall knowledge and experience when conducting research.

In conclusion, honing one’s critical thinking skills and evaluating sources rigorously enables individuals to achieve a heightened sense of knowledge and understanding. By carefully considering the quality, relevance, and authority of each source encountered, a more reliable foundation of information is established, leading to better decision making and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of work and personal experience.

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