Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
University of Phoenix
MGT 350
August 11, 2008
Critical thinking is a thought process that involves a process of analysis, evaluation, gathering and structuring data, reasoning and reflection. The process is used to make a decision or solve a problem while using rational judgment to determine the desired outcome and what steps to follow to arrive at that outcome. Critical thinking is a way of looking at the whole picture and considering potential road bumps along the way. This process is reminiscent of an organizational planning process without the structured steps being defined.
Some may feel that critical thinking involves common sense judgment but in actuality it is more a purposeful and deliberate judgment. The person or persons applying a critical thinking process will reflect on the task at hand to arrive at a precise conclusion. Critical thinking is a scientific type of mindset that applies theoretical envisioning and understanding by acquiring all necessary data or information then analyzing and evaluating it to arrive at a sound conclusion. These characteristics are all methods that must be taught and reinforced and for some may become second nature. These are not necessarily skills that are inherent to human nature.
The Critical Thinking Consortium is an association aimed at educating students from elementary level through post secondary level how to apply critical thinking skills and to foster the development of sound thinking process (Unknown, 1993). The belief is that critical thinking “needs to be modeled and continuously lived” and “to nurture a classroom community of thinkers where the norms and practices of thoughtful reflection are reinforced” (Unknown, 1993).
In the medical field physicians must observe critical thinking processes on a daily basis and apply this skill to each individual patient or case. Two patients may present in the office with identical...
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