PRACTICAL SKILLS / PRACTICAL GUIDE
Critical Thinking: A Practical Five-Step Method
Use a repeatable method to define a question, inspect evidence and reach a proportionate conclusion.
The short answer: Critical thinking is the disciplined process of clarifying a question, examining evidence, testing assumptions and reaching a conclusion that matches what the evidence supports.
Define the decision
State the question and what a useful answer would change. A vague topic invites endless information gathering.
Separate claims from reasons
Write the conclusion, then list the evidence offered for it. Notice when repetition, popularity or confidence is doing the work of evidence.
Seek disconfirming information
Ask what observation would weaken your view. Look for credible alternatives and explain why they do or do not fit.
Calibrate the conclusion
Use language such as supported, plausible, uncertain or contradicted. Strong conclusions require strong, relevant evidence.
Make the reasoning visible
Write the claim, evidence, assumptions and remaining uncertainty in separate lines. This makes weak links easier to notice and lets another person challenge the reasoning rather than guess what you meant.
Put it into practice
Try this: Choose one belief you hold confidently. Write the evidence for it, the strongest alternative explanation and what would make you revise your view.
Sources and further reading
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Educational purpose: This guide provides general education. It does not provide personalised financial, investment, legal or tax advice.