1.2: Problem Solving with Critical Thinking

Problems (Barriers) of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving with Critical Thinking

Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills that are closely intertwined. While critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information, problem-solving specifically focuses on identifying, selecting, and defending solutions to issues. However, there are challenges and problems associated with critical thinking that can impact our ability to solve problems effectively. We will go over this in more detail in the next section, but it will be helpful to have an overview while looking at problem solving with critical thinking.

"Barrier" by Hans-Jörg Aleff is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Problems (Barriers) of Critical Thinking

1. Cognitive Biases
   • Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect our decisions and judgments. Common biases include confirmation bias (favoring information that confirms our preconceptions), anchoring bias (relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered), and availability heuristic (overestimating the importance of information that is readily available).
   • These biases can lead to flawed reasoning and poor decision-making, hindering our ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.
2. Emotional Influences
   • Emotions can significantly impact our thinking processes. When we are stressed, anxious, or angry, our ability to think clearly and critically is compromised.
   • Emotional responses can cloud our judgment, leading us to make decisions based on feelings rather than rational analysis.
3. Lack of Information
   • Incomplete or inaccurate information can impede critical thinking. Without access to all relevant data, it is challenging to evaluate a situation accurately and make informed decisions.
   • Ensuring the credibility and reliability of sources is crucial for effective critical thinking.
4. Overconfidence
   • Overconfidence in our knowledge and abilities can lead to complacency and a failure to critically evaluate information.
   • It can prevent us from seeking additional perspectives or questioning our assumptions, resulting in suboptimal problem-solving outcomes.

Problem-Solving with Critical Thinking

Critical thinking plays a vital role in problem-solving by enabling us to approach issues systematically and thoughtfully. Here are some examples of how critical thinking can be applied to problem-solving:

1. Interpersonal Conflicts
   • When a roommate says unkind words, critical thinking helps us look beyond the immediate anger and consider the underlying causes. By analyzing the situation, we can identify ways to support our roommate and restore the relationship.
2. Organizational Challenges
   • A campus club suffering from low participation can benefit from critical thinking by identifying effective marketing strategies. A marketing major president might analyze past events, member feedback, and promotional techniques to devise a plan to revitalize the club.
3. Academic Projects
   • In an art class, a final project may challenge students to think creatively and critically about form. By experimenting with different techniques and reflecting on their effectiveness, students can articulate their process and justify their artistic choices.
4. Teaching and Learning
   • A math teacher who notices students struggling with a concept can use critical thinking to develop questions that guide students toward understanding. This method reduces anxiety and fosters a deeper comprehension of the material.
5. Job Interviews
   • When preparing for a job interview, critical thinking allows us to analyze our skills and experiences to present ourselves as the best candidate. We can anticipate questions, reflect on our strengths, and develop convincing arguments for why we are suitable for the position.
6. Financial Planning
   • Managing college and living expenses requires critical thinking to analyze income, savings, and budgets. By evaluating financial data, we can identify gaps and create a plan to ensure we can afford our education and lifestyle.

Problem-Solving Action Checklist

To efficiently and effectively solve problems, it is essential to be organized and mindful of critical steps and strategies. Here is a problem-solving action checklist that incorporates critical thinking principles:

1. Define the Problem
   • Clearly identify the issue and its scope.
   • Gather relevant information and understand the context.
2. Generate Possible Solutions
   • Brainstorm a range of potential solutions.
   • Consider different perspectives and alternatives.
3. Evaluate Solutions
   • Assess the feasibility and potential impact of each solution.
   • Use logical reasoning to weigh the pros and cons.
4. Choose the Best Solution
   • Select the most effective and practical solution based on the evaluation.
   • Ensure the decision aligns with ethical standards and values.
5. Implement the Solution
   • Develop a plan of action to put the solution into practice.
   • Allocate resources and set a timeline for implementation.
6. Review and Reflect
   • Monitor the outcomes of the solution.
   • Reflect on the process and identify lessons learned for future problem-solving.

By assuming the attributes of a critical thinker—curiosity, reflection, knowledge-seeking, openness to change, probing, organization, and ethics—you can effectively tackle challenges and devise intelligent solutions. Critical thinking and problem-solving, when combined, create a powerful toolset for navigating the complexities of everyday life and achieving success.

Examples of the above theory in real world situations:

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Example of Critical Thinking Challenges for Students in Central Valley, CA

Cognitive Biases

Example 1: Imagine you are working on a group project about water conservation practices in rural Central Valley. You believe that traditional irrigation methods are the best because that’s what your family has always used. This is confirmation bias. You seek out information that supports traditional methods and ignore newer, potentially more efficient techniques like drip irrigation. Additionally, you may rely heavily on the first article you read about traditional methods (anchoring bias), or overestimate the importance of a recent drought news story without considering long-term data (availability heuristic). These biases can lead to flawed conclusions and hinder the adoption of better practices.

Example 2: Imagine you are working on a group project about urban water conservation practices in Fresno. You believe that traditional lawn watering schedules are the best because that’s what your neighborhood has always used. This is confirmation bias. You seek out information that supports traditional schedules and ignore newer, potentially more efficient techniques like xeriscaping or smart irrigation systems. Additionally, you may rely heavily on the first article you read about traditional methods (anchoring bias) or overestimate the importance of a recent heatwave news story without considering long-term climate data (availability heuristic). These biases can lead to flawed conclusions and hinder the adoption of better practices.

Emotional Influences

Example 1: You are a student advocating for better working conditions for undocumented immigrant workers in the agricultural sector. During a class debate, you become very passionate and emotional because this issue affects many people you know personally. Your emotions could cloud your judgment, leading you to dismiss valid points from the opposing side without rational consideration. This emotional influence can prevent you from engaging in a balanced and critical analysis of the situation.

Example 2: You are a student advocating for better housing conditions for low-income families in Fresno. During a class debate, you become very passionate and emotional because this issue affects many people you know personally. Your emotions could cloud your judgment, leading you to dismiss valid points from the opposing side without rational consideration. This emotional influence can prevent you from engaging in a balanced and critical analysis of the situation.

Lack of Information

Example 1: You are assigned to write a research paper on the economic impacts of crop rotation in Central Valley agriculture. If you rely solely on a few articles from non-credible sources and do not access comprehensive agricultural studies, your paper may lack depth and accuracy. Without complete and accurate information, it is challenging to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of crop rotation, potentially leading to misguided conclusions and recommendations.

Example 2: You are assigned to write a research paper on the economic impacts of gentrification in Fresno. If you rely solely on a few articles from non-credible sources and do not access comprehensive urban development studies, your paper may lack depth and accuracy. Without complete and accurate information, it is challenging to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of gentrification, potentially leading to misguided conclusions and recommendations.

Overconfidence

Example 1: You have grown up working on your family’s farm and believe you know everything there is to know about agriculture in the Central Valley. When tasked with creating a business plan for sustainable farming, you might overlook innovative practices and new research. Your overconfidence could prevent you from seeking input from experts or considering alternative methods, resulting in a plan that is less effective and sustainable than it could be.

Example 2: You have grown up in Fresno and believe you know everything there is to know about the city’s urban development. When tasked with creating a business plan for sustainable city planning, you might overlook innovative practices and new research. Your overconfidence could prevent you from seeking input from experts or considering alternative methods, resulting in a plan that is less effective and sustainable than it could be.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing these problems of critical thinking is crucial for students, especially those growing up in the agricultural context of rural Central Valley, CA. By recognizing cognitive biases, managing emotional influences, seeking complete information, and maintaining a humble attitude towards their knowledge and abilities, students can enhance their critical thinking skills and make better-informed decisions in both their academic and personal lives.

Example: Problem Solving with Critical Thinking \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Problem-Solving with Critical Thinking for Community College Students

Critical thinking plays a vital role in problem-solving by enabling us to approach issues systematically and thoughtfully. Here are some examples of how critical thinking can be applied to problem-solving in various life scenarios community college students might encounter:

Interpersonal Conflicts

Example 1: When you have a disagreement with a classmate over a group project, critical thinking helps you move past the initial frustration. By analyzing the situation, you can identify the root cause of the disagreement, consider each person’s perspective, and work towards a compromise that benefits the entire group. This approach helps maintain a positive working relationship and ensures the project progresses smoothly.

Example 2:When you have a disagreement with a classmate over a group project in your sociology class at Fresno City College, critical thinking helps you move past the initial frustration. By analyzing the situation, you can identify the root cause of the disagreement, consider each person’s perspective, and work towards a compromise that benefits the entire group. This approach helps maintain a positive working relationship and ensures the project progresses smoothly.

Organizational Challenges

Example 1: As a member of the student government, you notice declining attendance at campus events. By applying critical thinking, you can evaluate past event attendance, gather student feedback, and analyze promotional strategies. This thorough analysis enables you to develop targeted marketing campaigns and event ideas that better engage the student body, leading to increased participation and a more vibrant campus community.

Example 2: As a member of the student government at Los Angeles City College, you notice declining attendance at campus events. By applying critical thinking, you can evaluate past event attendance, gather student feedback, and analyze promotional strategies. This thorough analysis enables you to develop targeted marketing campaigns and event ideas that better engage the student body, leading to increased participation and a more vibrant campus community.

Academic Projects

Example 1: In a sociology class, you are assigned a research project on social issues affecting rural communities. Critical thinking allows you to evaluate various sources of information, identify key themes, and synthesize data to draw meaningful conclusions. By critically assessing the reliability of your sources and the relevance of your findings, you can create a well-supported and insightful research paper.

Example 2: In a sociology class at San Francisco City College, you are assigned a research project on social issues affecting urban communities. Critical thinking allows you to evaluate various sources of information, identify key themes, and synthesize data to draw meaningful conclusions. By critically assessing the reliability of your sources and the relevance of your findings, you can create a well-supported and insightful research paper.

Teaching and Learning

Example 1: As a peer tutor in a biology class, you notice some students are struggling with the concept of cellular respiration. Using critical thinking, you can devise a series of guiding questions and hands-on activities that help students break down the process into manageable parts. This method encourages active learning and helps students build a deeper understanding of the material.

Example 2: As a peer tutor in a biology class at Fresno City College, you notice some students are struggling with the concept of cellular respiration. Using critical thinking, you can devise a series of guiding questions and hands-on activities that help students break down the process into manageable parts. This method encourages active learning and helps students build a deeper understanding of the material.

Job Interviews

Example 1: When preparing for a job interview for a part-time position at a local business, critical thinking helps you reflect on your previous work experiences and skills. By anticipating potential interview questions, you can formulate thoughtful responses that highlight your strengths and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company. This preparation increases your confidence and effectiveness in presenting yourself as the ideal candidate.

Example 2: When preparing for a job interview for a part-time position at a local business in Los Angeles, critical thinking helps you reflect on your previous work experiences and skills. By anticipating potential interview questions, you can formulate thoughtful responses that highlight your strengths and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company. This preparation increases your confidence and effectiveness in presenting yourself as the ideal candidate.

Financial Planning

Example 1: Balancing tuition, textbooks, and living expenses can be challenging. Critical thinking enables you to create a detailed budget that accounts for all sources of income and expenses. By analyzing your spending habits and identifying areas where you can cut costs or increase savings, you can develop a financial plan that ensures you can afford your education and maintain your lifestyle.

Example 2: Balancing tuition, textbooks, and living expenses in San Francisco can be challenging. Critical thinking enables you to create a detailed budget that accounts for all sources of income and expenses. By analyzing your spending habits and identifying areas where you can cut costs or increase savings, you can develop a financial plan that ensures you can afford your education and maintain your lifestyle.

Conclusion

By applying critical thinking to problem-solving in various aspects of life, community college students can navigate challenges more effectively and make informed decisions. Whether dealing with interpersonal conflicts, organizational issues, academic projects, teaching and learning, job interviews, or financial planning, critical thinking provides a structured approach to achieving successful outcomes.

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Attributions

The content above was assisted by ChatGPT in outlining and organizing information. The final material was curated, edited, authored, and arranged through human creativity, originality, and subject expertise of the Coalinga College English Department and the Coalinga College Library Learning Resource Center and is therefore under the CC BY NC SA license when applicable. To see resources on AI and copyright please see the United States Copyright Office 2023 Statement and the following case study on using AI assistance but curating and creating with human originality and creativity.

Images without specific attribution were generated with the assistance of ChatGPT 2024 and are not subject to any copyright restrictions, in accordance with the United States Copyright Office 2023 Statement.

The above section was remixed from the following Open Educational Resources: Introductory Composition, Basic Reading and Writing by Lumen, Module 1: Success Skills, Section 1.3 Critical Thinking by Lumen Learning, under CC BY NC SA.

• Advanced Composition, Critical Thinking by Andrew Gurevich, Section 1.2 Creative and Critical Thinking, under CC BY
  • 1.2: Week 2 - Creative and Critical Thinking is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Andrew Gurevich (MHCC Library Press)
• 1.3: Critical thinking is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Melissa Ashman (KPUOpen) .
• 1.3: Glance at Critical Response- Rhetoric and Critical Thinking is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.
• 2.4: The Art of Rhetoric is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Athena Kashyap & Erika Dyquisto (ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative) .

• 9.5: Writing Process- Thinking Critically about Rhetoric is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.