The critical thinking test is an important part in many aptitude tests, recruitment tests and online assessments. In the following we explain what we mean by critical thinking and how we can learn to think more critically. This ability to think is counted among the methodological skills that are indispensable in your studies and in professional life.
What is critical thinking?
A definition
Critical thinking the ability to critically question one’s own decisions as well as the views and decisions of others. Critical thinking is important to initiate eventual course changes.
Critical thinking manifests itself when…
- Questions are asked clearly and put up for discussion.
- Solutions are very well thought out, taking all criteria into account deviating ways of thinking are accepted with an open mind and set up objectively.
- Open communication develops and all proposed solutions are considered.
- Decisions are viewed with a healthy position of skepticism.
Practise for your critical thinking test
The methods of critical thinking can be applied across disciplines and industries not only during studies, but also in leisure time and later in professional life. Good managers have i.a. about a healthy dose of skepticism in relation to upcoming and already made decisions. People with high levels of critical thinking competency will dig deep into something, look at it from all angles, be logical, and be fair.
To learn critical thinking, you need to be methodical. First you use a checklist for argumentation and solution finding for some decisions. Only over time a certain amount of practice does set in when applying these methods, so that a change in one’s own train of thought becomes noticeable.
Critical thinking checklist
- Is the problem clearly formulated?
- Does the formulation have the necessary level of detail? (go deep)
- Are all thoughts on a problem collected? Is the intention behind each new thought clear?
- How does a new argument differ from the existing ones?
- Which thoughts are really important and reflect reality best? (Weighting)
- Is there only one solution or do several perspectives have to be considered in order to arrive at an overall solution for individuals and the community?
- Is there a solution at all, or only a partial solution?
- Are the arguments supported by data or observations?
- Have decisions been made based on clear evidence?
- What are the consequences of a decision made?
- What negative consequences are associated with the decision made?
- Have all points of view been treated fairly?
- Were all involved parties involved in the decision made?
- Is the solution taken better than the ideas and suggestions of an individual?
