Relating Critical Thinking to Decision Making

Relating Critical Thinking to Decision Making

Jenna Criss

Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision-Making

Dr. T.W. Devin, Instructor

September 18, 2007

Critical Thinking 2

Abstract

This paper will discuss the relationship between critical thinking and decision making with a look at the definition of both from the authors of the course materials in the course, MGT350, Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making, as well as what the author of this paper believes they mean. Further discussion will concentrate on how critical thinking and decision making are related, the benefits of being a critical thinker, and how this author sees these processes present or absent within GE Card Services, the company in which this author works.

Critical Thinking 3

Literary Review

Critical thinking has been defined as:

a)an attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful, perceptive manner the problems and subjects that come within the range of one's experiences (Glaser, 1985).

b) the knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning (Glaser, 1985).

c) the skill in applying the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning (Glaser, 1985).

d) the correct assessing of statements as well as reflective and reasonable thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do (Ennis, 1962, 1985).

e) learning how to ask and answer questions of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (Paul, 1985b).

f) using basic thinking processes to analyze arguments and generate insights into particular meanings and interpretations (Presseisen, 1985).

g) developing cohesive, logical reasoning patterns and understanding assumptions and biases underlying particular positions (Presseisen, 1985).

h) attaining a credible, concise and convincing style of presentation (Presseisen, 1985).

i) that aspect of thinking which can be discursively formulated, can be subjected to evaluation criteria, and can be taught (Lipman, 1985).

j) the ability to reach sound conclusions based on observations and information (Paul, 1988).

k) rationally deciding what to do or believe (Norris, 1985).

l) the process of determining the authenticity, accuracy and worth of information or knowledge claims (Beyer, 1985).

m) careful, precise, persistent and objective analysis of any knowledge claim or belief to judge its validity and/or worth (Beyer, 1985).

n) the process of examining materials in the light of related objective evidence, comparing the object or statement with some norm or standard, and concluding or acting upon the judgment then made (Beyer, 1985).

o) the judging of statements based on acceptable standards (Beyer, 1985).

p) many kinds of thinking at once (Harnadek, 1976).

q) a way of taking up the problems of life (Paul, 1985).

r) a willingness to question one's deepest beliefs and prejudices (Siegel, 1984).

In the text, Critical Thinking: Asking the Right Questions, critical thinking is defined as " 1) awareness of a set of interrelated critical questions, 2) ability to ask and answer critical questions at appropriate times, and 3) desire to actively use the critical questions. (Browne & Keeley, 2000, p. 2)

Critical thinking involves several thought processes in a logical almost sequential order. This would include self-regulatory judgments, interpretations, analysis, evaluation and inferences. The critical