CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Adapted from Daniel Chiras, Human Biology, 2^nd Ed.

The following guidelines will help you impartially and unemotionally analyze a fact or issue.

1. Understand your own biases and values.

2. Gather as much information as possible.

Don’t expect all of the answers or complete information.

3. Understand and define all terms.

4. Question the methods by which data and information were obtained.

a. Were facts derived from experiment?

b. Were experiments well executed?

i. Did the experiment include a control group/experimental group?

ii. Did the experiment include a sufficient number of subjects?

iii. Has the experiment been repeated?

5. Question the conclusions.

a. Are they appropriate?

b. Are there alternative or multiple conclusions?

c. Was there enough information to form valid conclusions?

6. Uncover assumptions and biases.

a. Was the experimental design biased?

b. Are there underlying assumptions that affect the conclusions?

7. Question the source of information

Is the source reliable?

Is the source an expert or supposed expert?

8. Watch for “thought stoppers” designed to create an emotional response.