Critical thinking (studies and results) - Research Paper Example

Critical thinking (studies and results) Critical thinking, one of the most effective ways of taking charge of one’s professional and personal life, has been studied, discussed, reviewed, etc. for several years. Although it is typically discussed in Psychology studies and classes, critical thinking has a major role in one’s life and decisions in education, career selection, personal happiness, etc. and it makes one a better thinker in every aspect of life: in career, and as a consumer, citizen, friend, parent, and lover.

“Critical thinking is the disciplined art of ensuring that you use the best thinking you are capable of in any set of circumstances.” (Paul and Elder, 7) Therefore, the role of critical thinking in personal life is indubitable and “good critical skills can also help one make wise decisions.” (Hitchcock, 4) It is fundamental to recognize that critical thinking can contribute considerably to one’s overall success in personal life as well as professional life. As Jennifer A. Moon maintains, the development of critical thinking “could be said to epitomize the aims for the individual of higher education and the professions…” (Moon, 5) To define critical thinking, it is important to look at the common conceptions of the term as used by the scholars, learners, and others.

Any attempt to define the term ‘critical thinking’ will definitely emphasize ‘skills’ and ‘dispositions’ that are essential to critical thinking. The most essential skills associated with critical thinking include interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. In an environment for the understanding and practice of critical thinking, it is essential to define it as “the type of thinking that reviews, evaluates, and revises thought in order to improve it.

” (Stratton, 1) Most essentially, an analysis of the primary elements of critical thinking incorporates proper definition, summarizing, paraphrasing, reconstruction, analysis of arguments, evaluation of reasoning and evidence, brainstorming, imagination, and problem solving. Therefore, critical thinking is mainly about thoughtful thinking and it is essential component in a successful personal life as well as professional life. Works Cited Hitchcock, David. Critical Thinking: A Guide to Evaluating Information.

New York: Taylor & Francis. 1983. P 4. Moon, Jennifer A. Critical Thinking: An Exploration of Theory and Practice. New York: Taylor & Francis. 2007. P 5. Paul, Richard and Linda Elder. Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Professional and Personal Life. New Jersey: Financial Times Press. 2002. P 7. Stratton, Jon. Critical Thinking for College Students. New York: Rowman & Littlefield. 1999. P 1.