Thinking tools · Level 5
Critical thinking
6 cards · 3 quiz · 0 exam
Creative Thinking · Level 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about critical thinking, specifically to:
know
- bias and check sources
be able to
- question assumptions and dig for root causes
Success criteria WILF
- I can question assumptions and dig for root causes
- I can spot bias and check sources
What critical thinking is
Critical thinking is questioning information and ideas instead of accepting them, including your own. It runs through every element of the course.
- Question: why is this a problem? Why does it happen? (Ask "why?" five times to reach the root cause.)
- Check evidence: is it reliable? Is there enough of it?
- Spot assumptions: what am I taking for granted?
- Consider other views: how would different users see it?
- Reason clearly: "Because…, therefore…"
Bias and reliable sources
- Bias: information that leans one way, e.g. a company praising its own product.
- Confirmation bias: noticing only the evidence that agrees with what you already think.
- Check: who wrote it, when, why, and do other sources agree?
Key terms
| Critical thinking | Questioning information and ideas, including your own |
|---|---|
| Five whys | Ask "why?" repeatedly to find the root cause of a problem |
| Assumption | Something taken for granted without checking |
| Bias | Information that leans one way |
| Confirmation bias | Only noticing evidence that agrees with what you already think |
| Checking a source | Who wrote it, when, why, and do other sources agree? |
Quick check
1. A brand's own website says its trainers are the best. This information may be…
- Primary research
- A prototype
- A persona
- Biased
Show answer
D: Biased. The company has a reason to praise itself.
2. What is the purpose of the five whys?
- To find the root cause of a problem
- To fill time at the start of a project
- To choose a colour scheme for an idea
- To write the questions for a survey
Show answer
A: To find the root cause of a problem. Each "why" digs deeper.
3. Only reading reviews that agree with your idea is…
- Lateral thinking
- Confirmation bias
- Fail & Fix
- Empathy
Show answer
B: Confirmation bias. Look for evidence that challenges you too.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.