Critical thinking is the process of analysing ideas and information in an objective way in order to make a judgement. It is not about thinking more or thinking harder, rather it’s about thinking better. The climb to this intellect is an uphill task requiring tremendous discipline, steady growth and self analysis. Enlisted below are a few steps to elevate the level of critical thinking:
Interpretation: It is the ability to understand the information presented, comprehend it and communicate it to others in a simplified version. This decoding of information enhances the grasping ability and potential to understand better. One way of practising this is trying to relate emotions with their facial expressions.
Analysis: It is the detailed study of something: to read between the lines, and determine the intended meaning. This can be practised by attempting to decipher the meaning of proverbs and idioms.
Inference: It is the ability to understand the required elements to derive an accurate conclusion or hypothesis from the information at disposal. Unravelling case studies or watching crime shows and solving riddles are some means to hone this.
Evaluation: It is the act of forming an opinion about the amount, value or quality of something after careful thinking. The act will require self questioning of self-made assumptions followed by cross questioning to ensure non-biased opinion.
Explanation: It relates to providing a valid reason for the aforesaid thought explicitly to share reasonably with others in a convincing manner. This can be practised by rehearsing the explanatory points either to oneself or to a family member, who needs explicitness.
Self regulation: It is the act of being aware and being able to monitor your thoughts by streamlining them in a positive direction. This can be improved by rephrasing the generated thoughts and revaluing them from various perspectives. An unbiased study from all angles is required.
Conquering problem: Start the day by assigning yourself a task to think and solve a particular problem. Identify the problem, turn it into a question, and resolve it.
Higher awareness: Elevate your thoughts on the intellectual standards of clarity, accuracy, relevance, depth, breadth, logic and fairness.
Maintaining a journal: A written record of events categorised under (a) situation (b) response (c) analysis and (d) assessment can considerably elevate thinking standards. Note down a situation, your response, then analyse whether your course of action was correct or not. By reviewing it at intervals, you can record your progress.
Work out egocentrism: The belief that the whole world sees and believes your perspective is egocentrism. Pull yourself out of it, and accept the variety in thoughts. Focus on the diversity and always look out for what else can be thought of.
Spend time with yourself: Ensure to spend some quality time in solitude. Read to increase knowledge, meditate and think to analyse your own ideas and actions, but within the frame of positivity.