HUM/115 V9 Critical Thinker Worksheet ✓ Solved

HUM/115 v9 Critical Thinker Worksheet HUM/115 v9 Critical Thi

Write a 75- to 125-word response to each of the following prompts: 1. Review the definition of critical thinking in Ch. 1 of THiNK: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life. Respond to the following questions: · What is the role of critical thinking in daily life? · Provide an example of a situation in your own life in which critical thinking could be used and discuss why critical thinking would be helpful in that situation. 2. Review the barriers to critical thinking discussed in Ch. 1 of THiNK: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life. Respond to the following: · Identify and describe in your own words at least 2 common barriers found in the textbook to critical thinking. · Provide an example of situations where you have encountered each barrier. 3. Review the information about the 3 stages of cognitive development in Ch. 1 of THiNK: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life. Respond to the following: · At which of the 3 stages of cognitive development (dualism, relativism, commitment) are you currently? Explain why you placed yourself in this stage of development. · If you are currently at stage 1 or 2, using the suggestions in the textbook how will you move to stage 3? If you are at stage 3, how will you maintain that level of critical thinking?

Paper For Above Instructions

Critical thinking is an essential skill in daily life that involves the ability to analyze information, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively. It allows individuals to evaluate situations and arguments critically, enabling them to distinguish between valid reasoning and logical fallacies. For instance, during a recent job interview, I was faced with a question requiring evaluation of a hypothetical workplace scenario. Employing critical thinking helped me assess the implications of various actions, leading to a well-reasoned response that demonstrated my suitability for the position. By systematically breaking down the situation, I was able to articulate my thoughts clearly and logically, which enhanced my chances of being hired.

Barriers to critical thinking can significantly impede one’s ability to think clearly and make sound judgments. Two common barriers include confirmation bias and emotional reasoning. Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to seek out or favor information that aligns with one’s preexisting beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence. For instance, I once found myself reading articles that only supported my viewpoint on a political issue, disregarding opposing perspectives. This barrier substantially limited my understanding of the broader context. Emotional reasoning, on the other hand, occurs when feelings are used as the primary basis for reasoning. An example of this was when I decided not to participate in a group project because I felt anxious about my ability to contribute. This emotional barrier clouded my judgment, leading me to miss an opportunity to collaborate and learn from my peers.

The three stages of cognitive development—dualism, relativism, and commitment—outline the progression of critical thinking skills. I currently identify with the relativism stage, where I recognize that knowledge is subjective and context-dependent. This understanding is shaped by my experiences and interactions with diverse perspectives, leading me to appreciate different viewpoints and the complexity of issues. While I believe I have progressed beyond dualism, I still grapple with fully embracing commitment, as it requires a deeper understanding and responsibility for my beliefs. To advance to the commitment stage, I plan to engage in continuous learning and practice reflective thinking, using the textbook suggestions to foster my growth. This may involve discussing controversial topics with peers and challenging myself to defend my positions while remaining open to opposing views.

Maintaining a high level of critical thinking in stage 3 requires a commitment to lifelong learning and self-reflection. I will regularly seek feedback on my thought processes from trusted mentors and colleagues, as well as participate in discussions that challenge my assumptions. By adopting a mindset that values inquiry and exploration, I can continue to refine my critical thinking skills and remain adaptable in an ever-changing world.

References

• Brookfield, S. D. (2012). Teaching for Critical Thinking: Tools and Techniques to Help Students Question Their Assumptions. John Wiley & Sons.
• Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Professional and Personal Life. Pearson Higher Ed.
• Ennis, R. H. (2011). The Nature of Critical Thinking: An Outline of Critical Thinking Dispositions and Abilities. In Critical Thinking and Reasoning (pp. 25-32). Routledge.
• Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical Thinking: What It Is and Why It Counts. Measured Reasons LLC.
• Halpern, D. F. (2013). Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. Psychology Press.
• Dewey, J. (1933). How We Think. D.C. Heath and Company.
• King, A., & Kitchener, K. (2004). Developing Reflective Judgment: Understanding and Promoting Critical Thinking in Adolescents and Adults. Jossey-Bass.
• Siegel, H. (1988). Educating Reason: Rationality, Critical Thinking, and Education. Routledge.
• Mezirow, J. (1991). Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning. Jossey-Bass.
• Garrison, D. R., & Archer, W. (2000). Critical Thinking, Distance Education, and Adult Learning: A Conceptual Model. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 1(1).