The purpose/necessity of
critical thinking is to allow us
as thinkers to analyze certain
issue/problems. We due this
by using the skills necessary to
create new knowledge or
solution on a particular
situation. We can accomplish
this through many facets like
reading, writing, and verbal
communication.
Stages of
Critical thinking
There are many stages of critical
thinking. The first stage, is the
searching for the challenges in the
problem or issue. Sometimes the
situation is very noticeable, but at
times we must really look to find
the problem/issue. The second
stage, is the expressing the
problem/issue phase. Here we
express the situation in the most
coherent way so that all can plainly
see what it is. The third stage, is
where we research the
problem/issue in order to
formulate new knowledge. Lastly,
there is the producing ideas stage.
This is where we put the research
to the test, and try to formulate
certain ideas in order to address the
issue or problem.
Throughout the critical thinking process we are taught to use six main
techniques, that will enable us to be successful when looking at any
situation. The first skill is being observant. This teaches us to truly grasp
what is going on within the problem/solution. The second skill is looking
for imperfections in things. This helps us understand that there is no
perfection and to look for flaws or imperfections that can be improved. The
third teaching is to note the dissatisfaction in yourself and others. The
fourth idea is search for causes; this idea causes us to work to gain
knowledge of how the problem arose. The fifth skill is to be sensitive to
implications. Using this skill we acknowledge the impact that the problem
and solution may have on a situation. Finally, the last of the six techniques
is to recognize the opportunity in controversy.
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When expressing
problems, the most
effective method is the
“How can…” form. This
method asks a number of
questions to open a
variety of avenues of
thinking.

When expressing issues,
it is best to ask “Is, does,
or should…” questions.
These questions do not
require factual answers,
but instead open the door
for opinions to be
discussed and arguments
to be shared.
The first strategy in producing ideas within critical thinking is to
force uncommon responses. This helps us to go beyond our basic
ideas and think outside of the box. The next principal is to use free
association. This strategy allows ideas to flow freely and lead into
new thoughts without guidance. The third strategy is to use
analogies. Using analogies allows the mind to make comparisons
between very different situations or problems. The next strategy is to
look for unusual combinations. When using this strategy, thinkers
must consider combining things that don’t naturally fit together to
find a solution. The fifth strategy is to visualize the solution. This
principal causes thinkers to think through the solution before putting
it into effect. Next thinkers should use the strategy of constructing
pro and con arguments. This strategy allows a person to think of
detailed positives and negatives about a situation. Finally, the
seventh strategy is constructing relevant scenarios. This strategy
encourages thinkers to play out problems through realistic scenarios.
There are three steps to
refining the solution for a
problem. First, you should
work out all of the details. You
must determine all of the steps
and materials for implementing
your solution. Next, you should
find imperfections and
complications. You will use
your initial list of details in order
to determine areas that may not
go as planned. Finally, you
must make improvements. By
honestly looking at the
imperfections you are able to
tweak and change your solution
and improve the plan.
Begin by deciding what action should be taken.
In making this decision you will ask a variety of
questions that will help specifically define materials,
roles, etc. within the resolution. Secondly, you will
recognize and overcome difficulties. There are four
approaches that can be used in recognizing
difficulties within a resolution. Initially, you will
look for problems with a common thread. Then you
will use resources, such as similar plans, and look for
valuable ideas that you may have missed. Next,
create a list of how your plan my change a situation
both positively and negatively. Finally, pay close
attention to the effects that your plan may have on
people, including all areas of their daily lives.
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R – Reflect
E – Evaluate
A – Argue
S – Solve
O – Obtain
N - Network

The R.E.A.S.O.N.
acronym is used in our
daily lives to help us
think critically and
problem solve.
Concept maps help
throughout the process of
critical thinking. They can be
used in many of the problem
solving strategies and
solution refining techniques
that have been discussed.
They serve to visually
organize information and see
how topics may impact one
another. Thinkers are able to
discover imperfections or
missed steps easily when a
plan or solution is laid out in
a concept map format.
The research map, like
the concept map allows
thinkers to logically
organize thoughts and
ideas. The research map is
organized using a series of
questions that guide
research or solutions.
Thinkers are able to see
how the answers of these
questions are related and
make changes to
imperfections in order to
gain new knowledge
through possible solutions.
Ruggiero, V. R. (2012). The Art of
Thinking: A Guide to Critical and Creative
Thought. Upper Saddle River: Pearson.