Thinking tools · Level 6
Critical thinking
6 cards · 3 quiz · 0 exam
Creative Thinking · Level 6 · 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
- scrutinise our own reasoning and consider counter-arguments
Success criteria WILF
- I can question assumptions and dig for root causes
- I can spot bias and check sources
- I can scrutinise my own reasoning and consider counter-arguments
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?
Level 6: deeper analysis L6
At Level 6, show that you scrutinise your own reasoning: identify weaknesses in your evidence, consider counter-arguments, and explain how they changed your thinking.
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.