Critical thinking

Critical thinking is a process of hunting assumptions—discovering what assumptions we and others hold, and then checking to see how much sense those assumptions make. (Brookfield 2012, “Teaching for critical thinking”)

How?

1. look from multiple viewpoints
2. be sensitive to ideologies (economic, political, racial, gender, etc.)
3. appreciate different types of assumptions
4. be aware of thinking errors
5. look for falsifying evidence

Assumptions

What is an example of an assumption that might trip us up?

Thinking errors

• cognitive biases (e.g., availability bias)
• logical fallacies (e.g., ad hominem)
• misunderstandings (e.g., correlation and causation)

A Quick Puzzle

1. Go to the page returned for “NYT Quick Puzzle.”
2. Enter in numbers until you think you know the rule.
3. DON’T type in a rule yet; when you think you have it, raise your hand.
4. We’ll type in our respective rules at the same time.

Why?

So as to take informed action.

actions that are grounded in evidence, can be explained to others, and stand a good chance of achieving the results we desire. (Brookfield 2012, “Teaching for critical thinking”)

Spurious correlation

Correlation != Causation

Find the errors!

Questions?