Critical Thinking in Analytics

Question 1

What is critical thinking?

Answer 1

The ability to look at a situation and clearly understand it from multiple perspectives while separating facts from opinions and assumptions (recognize assumptions)

Question 2

What three things does critical thinking involve?

Answer 2

1) Thinking logically with clarity and precision so that an individual can recognize assumptions2) Using an approach that is objective and accurate to evaluate arguments3) Focusing on information that is relevant to draw conclusions

Question 3

What are the seven steps to the process flow?

Answer 3

1) Observations: What we see2) Facts: The data in front of us3) Inferences: Understanding observations and facts and beginning to make assumptions4) Assumptions: reading between the lines5) Opinions: what you think6) Arguments: combination of assumptions and opinions. Based on everything that happened before7) Employ critical analysis: Where we challenge the observations, facts, inferences, and arguments that we are analyzing.

Question 4

Why critical thinking (6 reasons)?

Answer 4

1) Clarifies goals2) Examines assumptions3) Looks for hidden values4) Evaluates evidence5) Accomplishes actions6) Evaluates results

Question 5

What do clear goals mean in critical thinking?

Answer 5

It means that this is the research that I’m working on, but sometimes it needs to be clarified more with hard metrics such as ROI

Question 6

Why critical thinking in analytics (4 reasons)?

Answer 6

1) Understand the data you have and the data you don’t have2) Make data analytics accessible and easy to use3) Provide training and direction4) Encourage critical thinking among business users of the data

Question 7

Why do you want to understand the data you have a don’t have in analytics?

Answer 7

There is an abundance of unstructured information - documents, videos, machine-generated data - that has not been captured by existing systems and tools and lays dormant across enterprises that may yield further insights to help decisions. Decision-makers need to understand what pieces may be missing.

Question 8

Why does data analytics need to be accessible and easy to use?

Answer 8

Most insights are still bottled up in the top-tier executive suite or within analysts’ workstations. Just as in a democracy the best decisions come from a well-informed populace, the best corporate decisions come about when the workforce has an understanding and buys into the current state of business. Greater access can be accomplished through mobile apps, as well as data visualization tools that enable decision-makers to pull up data that is immediately discernible. The more this is delivered on a self-service basis, the better.

Question 9

Why is it important to provide training and direction?

Answer 9

Some data may prohibit a certain directionNeed to understand data and dashboards to improve decision making on your ownHelp employees at all levels understand how to work with data, and how it can improve their jobs and decision-making.

Question 10

Why is important to encourage critical thinking among business users of the data?

Answer 10

Encouraged because understanding the data given allows you to understand where it comes from (the data source) and allows you to know what questions to ask and what trends to look forAlong with analytics training, thinking that incorporates human psychology, history, and design thinking needs to be part of the equation. What is the source of the information? Are there other potential sources that will help build a conclusion?And, very importantly: What is the context of this data?Business users need to understand that insights will never come from hitting a command on a computer - they need to come from the humans running the business, augmented with the tools generating data that backs up those decisions.

Question 11

Most critical thinking occurs in what kind of setting?

Answer 11

An unstructured settingEX: Pictures

Question 12

The core of MSA is to what?

Answer 12

Make data easy to user and understand with the ability to be hands on with the data and understand it

Question 13

What are the 6 characteristics of critical thinking?

Answer 13

1) Rationality2) Self-awareness3) Honesty4) Open-mildness5) Discipline6) Judgement

Question 14

What is rationality?

Answer 14

Following evidenceUsing business reasonRelaying on reason instead of emotionRequire and follow the evidenceLooking for the best explanation (not necessarily trying to prove that you are right)

Question 15

What is self-awareness/honesty?

Answer 15

Understanding yourselfTaking bias out if it has a big impact on the situationBeing able to identify your assumptions, biases, prejudices, and POVDeciding if your bias has an effect on how you view the situation or project

Question 16

What is open-mindedness?

Answer 16

Being able to see multiple viewpointsOpen to other interpretations and able to consider other views and perspectiveRealizing that it is not all about you

Question 17

What is discipline?

Answer 17

1) Avoiding snap judgement2) Thinking clearly about the issue3) Resist manipulation4) Be precise and comprehensive

Question 18

What is judgement?

Answer 18

1) Evaluate assumptions2) Weigh the Evidence3) Look for possible outcomes: Even if that outcome is not the best at that moment4) Present the best evidence driven outcomes

Question 19

What is the key thing that you can do with critical thinking?

Answer 19

Make better decisions

Question 20

What does it mean to make better decisions?

Answer 20

Your organization’s future relies on your employees being able to understand a situation from multiple perspectives so the best decisions can be made.

Question 21

Employees who can think critically can do what 4 things

Answer 21

1) Solve problems2) Are more creative3) Are better at planning4) Think strategically

Question 22

What is the RED Model?

Answer 22

Recognize AssumptionsEvaluate ArgumentsDraw Conclusions

Question 23

What is Recognizing Assumptions?

Answer 23

1) Understanding assumptions made2) Listening to what people are saying3) Assessing the situationsIt is deceptively easy to listen to a comment or presentation and assume the information presented is true even though no evidence was given to back it up.Noticing and questioning assumptions helps to reveal information gaps or unfounded logic.We also need to examine assumptions from different viewpoints.

Question 24

How to understand assumptions

Answer 24

When you’re gathering information, listening to what people say, or assessing a situation, think about what assumptions you have going in. Perhaps you assume that a trusted co-worker is providing reliable information - but is there really evidence to back that up? Learn to see gaps in logic, and opinion disguised as fact.

Question 25

What is evaluating arguments?

Answer 25

1) Know who the stakeholders are2) Know common barriers3) Sort though conflicting info4) Know how each stakeholder may act in this situationThe art of evaluating arguments entails analyzing information objectively and accurately, questioning the quality of supporting evidence, and understanding how emotion influences the situation.Common barriers include tending to favor information that is in line with a previously held view, or allowing emotions to get in the way of objective evaluation.

Question 26

How to understand and use evaluating arguments?

Answer 26

We often have problems sorting through conflicting information because unknowingly let our emotions get in the way, or because - like just about everyone - we sometimes only hear what we want to hear.Learn how to push all that aside, and analyze information accurately and objectively.

Question 27

How do you understand how to draw conclusions?

Answer 27

“1) Bring diverse information2) Considering all the stakeholders that were identified earlier: We suggest a logical conclusion to follow…3) Might not be something you agree withBringing diverse information together to arrive at conclusions that logically follow from the available evidence is crucial when making a decision.People who can do this are careful not to inappropriately generalize beyond the evidence and they can change their position when the evidence warrants doing so.They are often characterized as having ““good judgment.”””

Question 28

How do youunderstand how to draw conclusions?

Answer 28

This is the payoff. When you think critically, the true picture become clear, and you can make the tough decision, or solve a difficult problem.

Question 29

Questions to ask to Recognize Assumptions (6 total)

Answer 29

1) What is the key issue/problem that you are trying to resolve?2) What information do you have about this issue?3) What are your ideas and assumptions that support your strategy or plan?4) Is there solid evidence to support those assumptions, and what might be some gaps in your reasoning?5) Who are the key stakeholders and what are their viewpoints?6) What other ideas should be explored, and what else do you need to know

Question 30

Question to ask to Evaluate Arguments (7 total)

Answer 30

1) What are the pros and cons of the solution that you are proposing?2) What are your biases? Is there someone who has a different opinion than yours that you could run your ideas by?3) What impact will your decision have on others? How will you handle this?4) Who would disagree with your proposed solution? 5) What is the rationale that supports their viewpoint?6) What key points, models and/or perspectives do you need to keep in mind as you evaluate the options?7) What will be the impact of your decision?

Question 31

Questions to ask to Draw Conclusions (3 total)

Answer 31

1) After evaluating all of the facts, what is the best possible conclusion?2) What specific evidence is driving your conclusion?3) Is there new evidence that would impact your decision

Question 32

What is the big idea behind critical thinking>

Answer 32

Big Idea: Knowing the process flow, goals, and characteristics with an understanding of the RED Model

Question 33

In the next 5 years, what skill are employers looking for?

Answer 33

Skill: Critical Thinking

Question 34

Good decisions require what critical thinking skills?

Answer 34

Focusing on the relevant informationAsking the right questionsSeparating reliable facts from false assumptions

Question 35

What percentage of people do not have critical thinking skills? High school education? Four-year college degree deficient? Percentage with a four year degree adequate skills? What percentage were rated excellent?

Answer 35

Most lack skills needed in the workforce70% with just high school education are deficient in critical thinkingFour year degreeDeficient: 9%Adequate: 63%Excellent: 28%

Question 36

Next to critical thinking, where else are skills lacking? This is connected to critical thinking.

Answer 36

Creating a vision and understanding the total enterprise and how the parts work together

Question 37

People who are said to have excellent critical thinking skills are also have 7 other skill sets

Answer 37

1) Good analysis and problem solving skills2) Good judgement and decision making3) Good overall job performance4) Ability to evaluate the quality of information5) Creative6) Job knowledge7) Potential to move up within the organization

Question 38

Can critical thinking be taught?

Answer 38

Yes, it can.