When Looking For Information About A Particular Issue 051189

When Looking For Information About A Particular Issue How Often Do Yo

When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view? This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking. The assignment is divided into two parts. For Part I, you read a book excerpt about critical thinking processes, review the Procon.org Website to gather information, and engage in prewriting to examine your thoughts. In Part II, you will write a paper to synthesize your ideas.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will articulate my position regarding the tendency to resist biases when seeking information about specific issues. Critical thinking requires actively questioning and challenging my own perspectives to arrive at a more balanced and nuanced understanding. I believe that resisting my biases is essential for sound decision-making, especially when engaging with complex or contentious issues.

From the Procon.org website, I identified three key premises that support my position. First, the website emphasizes the importance of engaging with opposing viewpoints to challenge my preconceived notions. This premise resonates with my belief that exposure to diverse perspectives broadens understanding and reduces the risk of confirmation bias. Second, the website highlights the role of evidence-based reasoning over emotional or impulsive judgments, reinforcing the need to scrutinize my biases and base opinions on factual information. Third, the site advocates for critical self-reflection and acknowledgment of personal biases, which directly supports my view that resisting biases requires conscious effort and awareness.

I selected these reasons because they collectively underscore the value of bias resistance in fostering objective, critical thinking. They emphasize the importance of actively seeking out contrary evidence, relying on solid reasoning, and reflecting on personal predispositions—all practices that help mitigate the influence of biases in evaluating information.

Considering the "believing" questions from the Procon.org site about these premises, I explored opposing viewpoints. For example, one "believing" question asks whether it is realistic to expect individuals to completely set aside biases. My response is that while total objectivity may be unattainable, making consistent efforts to recognize and challenge biases significantly improves the quality of critical thinking. Another question probes whether focusing too much on opposing viewpoints can lead to confusion or indecision; I believe that balanced exposure to multiple perspectives ultimately leads to better-informed decisions, although it requires careful evaluation to avoid cognitive overload.

In evaluating my biases, I recognize that confirmation bias—the tendency to favor information that confirms my existing beliefs—has been a significant influence during my assessment process. Additionally, groupthink, or the desire for harmony within social groups, has occasionally constrained my openness to alternative viewpoints. My enculturation, including cultural norms and societal beliefs, has also shaped my perspectives, possibly making me more receptive to certain types of arguments over others.

Reflecting on whether my thinking has changed after engaging with the "Believing Game," I find that my approach to evaluating issues has become more balanced. The exercise fostered greater awareness of my tendency to favor familiar viewpoints and reinforced the importance of actively considering opposing arguments. Although my core position on the issue remains unchanged, I now approach information with increased caution regarding my biases, leading to more nuanced and evidence-informed conclusions.

In conclusion, resisting biases when seeking information is a critical component of effective critical thinking. Through analyzing premises from reputable sources like Procon.org and reflecting on my own biases and cultural influences, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities involved in objective reasoning. Continued effort in recognizing and challenging biases not only enhances my decision-making process but also contributes to personal growth as a critical thinker.

References

• Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175–220.
• Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). Critical thinking: Tools for taking charge of your learning and your life. Pearson/Prentice Hall.
• ProCon.org. (n.d.). [Various issues and perspectives]. Retrieved from https://www.procon.org
• Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). Judgment under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases. Science, 185(4157), 1124–1131.
• Stanovich, K. E., & West, R. F. (2000). Individual differences in reasoning: Implications for the rationality debate? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 23(5), 645–665.
• Mercier, H., & Sperber, D. (2011). Why do humans reason? Arguments for an argumentative theory. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 34(2), 57–74.
• Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Insight Assessment.
• Blair, J. A. (2010). The nature of critical thinking: An outline of critical thinking dispositions and skills. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 1(2), 25–46.
• Halpern, D. F. (2014). Thought and knowledge: An introduction to critical thinking. Psychology Press.