The Barriers of Critical Thinking - Essay Example

Barriers to critical thinking There are various barriers to critical thinking identified and put forward by a diverse body of researchers, theorists and scholars. This includes lack of relevant background information, poor reading skills, bias, prejudice, superstitions, ego-centricism (self-centered thinking), socio-centricism (group centered thinking), peer pressure, conformism, provincialism, narrow-mindedness, close-mindedness, distrust in reason, relativistic thinking, stereotyping, unwarranted assumptions, scape-goating, rationalization, wishful thinking, selective perception, overpowering emotions, self-deception, fear of change etc (Bassham et al.

, 2005: 11; Cornell et al., 2011). Some of these barriers are discussed briefly as follows:Self-serving bias:Self-serving bias refers to the tendency of individuals to elevate the perception of self in a manner that helps them in protecting their self-esteem. This concept entails that people do not always think about and perceive things as they since it results in self-criticism and viewing themselves in an unpleasant light (Kirby, Goodpaster, and Levine 1999). While self-confidence is a critical element for success, however over-confidence in one’s own abilities acts as a barrier to success since it prevents us from analyzing our weaknesses and overseeing our flaws, leading to disastrous results in the long run.

Example: A strong sense of belief in one’s abilities and the perception that you are more intelligent and capable than others; tendency to shift the blame regarding any negative experiences or outcomes in your life on others and refusing to accept responsibility for own decisions or actions; a strong sense of belief in becoming a famous actor despite having absolutely no talent and being told so by those around you are some of the examples of self-serving bias.Hegemonic assumptions:According to Glabraith (2004) hegemonic assumptions refer to the assumptions individuals embrace willingly in a bid to protect their best interests (p. 342) and safeguard them from any impending hurt or any other similar negative feelings such as guilt, anxiety, or fear.

Such hegemonic assumptions prevent us from critically analyzing things as they are and blinds us from pursuing our best interests.Example: A strong belief in one’s friends or relatives and blindly following their advice without thinking or analyzing the intended purpose and expected outcome is one example of hegemonic assumptions. Stereotyping: It refers to the tendency among individuals to perceive reality with a highly biased attitudes based on stereotypes and unwarranted assumptions about others.

It has a profound influence on our thoughts and actions and adversely affects our relationships in the society (De Klerk, 2011: 53). It restricts individual’s ability to think freely and prevents individuals from developing and exploring new ideas (Daniels, 2004). Stereotypes can be positive as well as negative; however both affect our rational judgment and prevents critical thinking.Example: All women are bad drivers, African Americans are good athletes or good at sports; women are bad at sports; people who are good at studies are geeks and boring; all Asians are good at studies / well educated; All Muslims are terrorists; All Arabs are rich; All Irish people are drunk, All white Americans are dumb, lazy and obese (The T.v. Series The Simpsons highlights the typical stereotypical beliefs prevalent in the American society).

References:Bassham, G., Irwin, W., Nardone, H., Wallace, J. M., (2005). Critical thinking: A students introduction. Mcgraw Hill Publication, p. 11-12Cornell, P., Riordan, M., Townsend-Gervis, M., Mobley, R., (2011). Barriers to critical thinking: Workflow interruptions and task switching among nurses. Journal of Nursing Administration, Vol. 41 (10): p. 407-414Daniels, R., (2004). Nursing fundamentals: Caring and clinical decision making. NY : Cengage Learning Publication, p. 182-183De Klerk, M., (2011). Define the problem: Thinking about your thinking.

Pittsburg, PA : Dorrance Publishing, p.54-55Galbraith, M. W., (2004). Adult learning methods: A guid for effective instruction. Malabar, FL: Kreiger Publishing, p. 342Kirby, G. R., Goodpaster, J. R., Levine, M., (1999). Critical thinking. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing, p. 24