Different styles of critical thinking and decision-making processes

Critical Thinking Process

CRITICAL THINKING

Critical Thinking Processes

The critical thinking process is a form of thinking that is used to make decisions and to understand the world around us in a questioning way. The essence of critical thought is that it does not presume but investigates and questions an issue from a number of different angles. A definition of critical thinking is; "Critical thinking means correct thinking in the pursuit of relevant and reliable knowledge about the world. Another way to describe it is reasonable, reflective, responsible, and skillful thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do" (Schafersman, 1991, para.7).

It is also important to note that critical thinking can be related to different styles or types of thinking. There are many different styles of thinking and each has certain advantages that can be employed in real life situations. I will discuss three broad categories to types of thinking; these are the logical or rational, the intuitive and the abstract thinking styles and the abstract sequential.

2. Concrete sequential thinking

Logical or rational thinking is more formally known as concrete sequential thinking. This form of thinking is characterized by sequential step-by-step linear progression (CS:Concrete SequentialThinking Style, para.2). This type of thinking process is also very logical and methodical and is firmly based in the world of objective facts and verifiable proof. It is also a mode of thought that tends to avoid subjective feelings and emotions that would cloud any objectivity. The emphasis in this type of thinking is on the term 'sequential' in that the thinking process tends to occur in terms of a progression of facts that are ordered according to reason and logic.

The concrete sequential thinker is characterized by one commentator as follows; "…reality consists of what they can detect through their physical sense of sight, touch, sound, taste and smell. They notice and recall details easily and remember facts specific information, formulas and rules with ease" ( Learning Styles.'Gregoric Learning Styles', section 5). These are thinkers who tend to use the rational or left brain functions and who solve problems in terms of logic and by using detail.

It should also be noted that there are many variations to this category, such as concrete random thinking. A concrete random thinking process is one that takes a more experimental and trial-and-error approach.

4. Abstract sequential thought

The third category is commonly referred to as the abstract sequential style of thinking. This is essentially a combination of the two thinking styles discussed above. This type of thinking tends to view the world on terms of larger concepts and situations, and it is prone to theoretical considerations. However, this form of thinking also makes use of logic and reason to organize the concepts, generalizations and abstract thoughts. This style makes it easy for these thinkers to "… zoom in on what's important, such as key points and significant details. Their thinking processes are logical, rational and intellectual" (Four Types Of Thinking Style, para. 8)

5. Workplace examples

The most common workplace example of rational and sequential thinking in an organization or business is inventory or stock taking. The decision to buy more stock is a result of a logical and rational analysis of the amount of stock outstanding and the amount needed to ensure that future orders or customer needs are met. This is a simple process of organizing information using a thought process or style that is objective and rational and which is obviously related to the first category of concrete sequential thinking discussed above.

However, if some of the stock has been stolen then other thinking style may be needed to deal with the problem. The logical and rational sequential mode of thought can also be used to determine facts -- such as who was in the shop at the time of the theft and other logical details that might lead to a solution to the problem.

At the same time more abstract and intuitive methods of thought might also be used. The manager might use random abstract thought to create a larger picture of the situation in order to determine who might be the most likely suspect to steal from the store. This might, for example, involve abstracting certain personal qualities of the staff and relating them to past misdemeanors and offences. In other words, the abstract style of thought might help to motivate an intuitive response to the situation and in isolating the culprit.

Using the third style of thought, abstract sequential thought, and the manager of the store might use both abstract thinking and logic to create a profile of the most likely person to have stolen from the store. Random abstract thinking might be used at an intuitive level to gauge the subjective feelings of other members of the staff as to the possible culprit. However, these emotions and feelings should be weighed up against the rational and logical mode of thought so as to avoid accusing one individual on the basis of feelings or emotions alone.

In conclusion, as has been suggested from the above analysis, very often these three different types of thinking can be used in conjunction to deal with a certain problem or question. In other words, different thinking styles are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can be used interactively. At the same time it is important to realize that different individuals have different thinking predilections and styles that suit their personality and brain structure. Those who are more left-brained will tend to feel more comfortable with logical and rational thinking style, while a right- brained person will usually be more inclined towards holistic and abstract forms of thinking.