Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Critical Thinking Definition & Characteristics (Dr. Richard Paul) Definition & Characteristics (Dr. Richard Paul) “A systematic way to form and shape one’s thinking” “A systematic way to form and shape one’s thinking” Functions purposefully & exactingly Functions purposefully & exactingly Disciplined Disciplined Comprehensive Comprehensive Based on intellectual standards Based on intellectual standards Well-reasoned Well-reasoned

Features of Critical Thinking in Features of Critical Thinking in Health Care Health Care Purposeful & results-oriented Purposeful & results-oriented Based on principles of: Based on principles of: Health care practice Health care practice Scientific method Scientific method Evidence-based Evidence-based Guided by professional standards & ethics codes Guided by professional standards & ethics codes Self-correcting through constant reevaluation Self-correcting through constant reevaluation

Analyzing and Evaluating Information Analyzing and Evaluating Information What is the main purpose? What is the main purpose? What is the most important information? What is the most important information? What data support the main purpose? What data support the main purpose? What are the key concepts or most important ideas? How do they relate to the main purpose? What are the key concepts or most important ideas? How do they relate to the main purpose? What message is the author trying to convey? What message is the author trying to convey?

Characteristics of a Critical Thinker Fair-mindedness vs. Unfair-mindedness Fair-mindedness vs. Unfair-mindedness Autonomy vs. Conformity Autonomy vs. Conformity Perserverence vs. Laziness Perserverence vs. Laziness Integrity vs. Deceit Integrity vs. Deceit Creativity vs. Lack of Creativity Creativity vs. Lack of Creativity Humility vs. Arrogance Humility vs. Arrogance Confidence vs. Distrust Confidence vs. Distrust

Improving Your Critical-Thinking Skills Improving Your Critical-Thinking Skills Clarify your thinking – don’t agree or disagree until you’re sure you understand Clarify your thinking – don’t agree or disagree until you’re sure you understand Discipline your thinking – focus on what is relevant Discipline your thinking – focus on what is relevant Ask meaningful questions – don’t simply accept how others portray situations or problems Ask meaningful questions – don’t simply accept how others portray situations or problems Be willing to change your mind Be willing to change your mind

How we form judgments and opinions Logical Fallacies Straw Man Arguments Getting Personal Gambler’s Fallacy Precaution

Problem Solving Basic Problem-Solving Approach in Action Basic Problem-Solving Approach in Action Identify the problem Identify the problem Gather information & identify possible solutions Gather information & identify possible solutions Select the best option Select the best option Implement the solution Implement the solution Evaluate the results Evaluate the results

Basic problem-solving approach Basic problem-solving approach

Trial-and-Error Problem Solving Trial-and-Error Problem Solving Testing solutions until one is found that works Testing solutions until one is found that works Not effective in health care Not effective in health care Can be dangerous Can be dangerous

Scientific Problem Solving Scientific Problem Solving Problem identification Problem identification Data collection Data collection Hypothesis formulation Hypothesis formulation Plan of action Plan of action Hypothesis testing Hypothesis testing Interpretation of results Interpretation of results Evaluation Evaluation

Intuitive Problem Solving Intuitive Problem Solving Based on inner prompting or instinct Based on inner prompting or instinct No logical thinking No logical thinking Identifying a solution to a problem based on its similarity or dissimilarity to other problems Identifying a solution to a problem based on its similarity or dissimilarity to other problems

Critical Thinking Process by which we detect and analyze assumptions underlying our Process by which we detect and analyze assumptions underlying our Actions Actions Decisions Decisions Judgments Judgments in our personal and professional roles

Too Much Information Confusion Confusion Procrastination Procrastination Information overload Information overload

Common Sense Stop and think before acting Stop and think before acting Reaffirm your values and priorities Reaffirm your values and priorities Become more sensitive to emotional needs of others Become more sensitive to emotional needs of others Practice being “in the moment” Practice being “in the moment”

H.A.L.T. H : Hunger H : Hunger Ask Yourself: Am I Too Hungry? Did I Eat Today? Did I Eat Today?

A = ANGER Am I angry? Am I upset about something?

L = Loneliness Who among us has not experienced that feeling at one time or another? Who among us has not experienced that feeling at one time or another? Choices to combat loneliness are vast if one chooses to see them. Choices to combat loneliness are vast if one chooses to see them.

T = TIRED Am I too tired? Am I too tired? How much sleep am I really getting? How much sleep am I really getting? Why don’t I get to bed a little earlier tonight no matter what? Why don’t I get to bed a little earlier tonight no matter what?

The next time you don’t feel your best, tell yourself to HALT

Our perception & interpretation of info will impact our decision making Our perception & interpretation of info will impact our decision making There can be several interpretations of the same info (visual, audio, etc) There can be several interpretations of the same info (visual, audio, etc)

Can you see the 3 faces?

What do you see?

Errors of Perception 1. “Mine is better” thinking: the notion that your ideas, values, attitudes are better than others merely because they are yours

2. Selective Perception Noticing facts that support your perceived notions but ignoring those that challenge them Noticing facts that support your perceived notions but ignoring those that challenge them

3. Pretending to Know Deceiving others first, and eventually your self about what you know Deceiving others first, and eventually your self about what you know

4. Resistance to Change: Opposing new ideas because they are unfamiliar and you prefer the security of old familiar ideas Opposing new ideas because they are unfamiliar and you prefer the security of old familiar ideas

5. Either/Or Thinking Takes only extreme positions, totally for or totally against Takes only extreme positions, totally for or totally against

Critical Thinking Differentiates between facts and opinions Differentiates between facts and opinions Facts are realities Facts are realities Opinions are beliefs and judgments Opinions are beliefs and judgments

Guidelines in Separating Fact from Opinion 1. If you state a fact that is NOT common knowledge or can’t be easily verified: briefly state where you got your information

2. If you state an opinion – a view others might disagree with - include answers to questions others might ask

3. If you are unsure of whether a statement is fact or an opinion, threat it as an opinion