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OTS > Day 3 Part 3 Critical Thinking 2 > Flashcards

Day 3 Part 3 Critical Thinking 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the first step in applying elements of reasoning to a problem?

A

Clearly and precisely state your purpose in the situation. Consider if it is fair and logical.

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2
Q

After stating your purpose, what should you identify next?

A

The question that emerges from the problem—clearly and precisely. Consider whether you’re addressing one or multiple questions and whether you’re oversimplifying the issue.

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3
Q

What should you evaluate regarding points of view?

A

Identify all relevant points of view, ensure breadth, and represent each one accurately, even if you disagree with it.

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4
Q

What should you consider about the information you’re using?

A

Determine whether it’s based on facts, experience, or both, and assess if it is accurate, relevant, and significant.

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5
Q

How do concepts play a role in reasoning through a problem?

A

Use clear and precise concepts that align with your purpose and question. For example, “quality learning” could be a guiding concept in school success.

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6
Q

What is important to examine about your assumptions?

A

Identify any assumptions you’re making, assess if you’re taking anything for granted, and judge whether your assumptions are fair.

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7
Q

How do you form conclusions during this process?

A

Use the gathered facts and considered assumptions to draw logical inferences.

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8
Q

What should you state about the outcomes of your conclusions?

A

Identify the possible consequences. Use “If I do ____, then ____ is likely to follow” to explore implications of each decision.

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9
Q

What distinguishes everyday decisions from those that define leadership?

A

Leadership decisions require time, thought, and impact more than oneself; they are part of the art of leadership.

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10
Q

What kind of decisions are often the most challenging for leaders?

A

Decisions involving “right versus right” rather than clear moral wrongs; they may vary by context or timing.

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11
Q

Why is objectivity crucial in effective decision making?

A

Because the more objective you are, the more effective you are—objectivity leads to better, broader-informed decisions.

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12
Q

What metaphor illustrates the need for a broader perspective in decision making?

A

Avoid looking through the lens of a small straw; instead, open your aperture for a wider view.

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13
Q

What perspective does the author recommend leaders adopt to gain objectivity?

A

View decisions from the perspective of your boss’s boss to broaden understanding and reduce bias.

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14
Q

What is essential to achieving situational awareness in decision making?

A

Gathering a complete picture—including all variables, competing interests, and potential second- and third-order consequences.

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15
Q

How should consequences be weighed in the decision-making process?

A

Consider how they affect unit missions, organizational goals, and progress in the near, mid, and long term.

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16
Q

How does decision making help leaders define reality?

A

By making decisions with context and awareness, leaders shape the future environment for subordinates and the organization.

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17
Q

What ensures that decisions lead to the desired effect and direction?

A

Maintaining objectivity throughout the decision-making process.

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18
Q

What environment is described as VUCA?

A

The strategic environment—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

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19
Q

How does critical thinking help strategic leaders?

A

It helps bring stability to volatility, certainty to uncertainty, simplicity to complexity, and clarity to ambiguity.

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20
Q

What percentage of U.S. organizational population is considered highly competent in strategic thinking (per the Kellogg Foundation study)?

A

Only 4%.

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21
Q

What are three myths about thinking?

A

Thinking is natural and doesn’t need improvement.

Thinking skills and intelligence are the same.

Bright people naturally think well together.

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22
Q

What did Clausewitz refer to as military “Genius”?

A

A harmonious combination of intellectual and temperamental elements with no internal conflict.

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23
Q

What are the Greek origins of the term “critical thinking”?

A

Kriticos (discerning judgment) and kriterion (standard).

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24
Q

How did Clausewitz describe critical thinking during stress?

A

As “strength of mind” and the ability to stay composed under exceptional stress and emotion.

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25
Is being a critic or cynic the same as being a critical thinker?
No—critical thinking is not about negativity or hypercriticism.
26
What is “activated ignorance” according to Dr. Richard Paul?
Actively using false information, mistakenly believed to be true.
27
What is metacognition?
Thinking about one’s own thinking—monitoring thoughts for biases.
28
What are some attributes of critical thinkers?
Self-awareness of thought patterns Inquisitive attitude Acceptance of contradictory information Comfort with different ideas High standards of objectivity
29
What is one of the most effective ways to develop strategic leadership skills?
By studying the parts of critical thinking—specifically certain elements and standards.
30
Who developed a comprehensive model for learning critical thinking?
Dr. Richard Paul.
31
Why is the Paul model considered effective?
It is easier to study, easier to practice, and easier to teach.
32
According to the text, what provides a comprehensive guide to action?
General principles and attitudes that result from clear and deep understanding.
33
What are the two complementary parts of the Paul model?
Elements of reasoning and intellectual standards.
34
What are the eight elements of reasoning?
○ Purpose: What is the objective of my thinking? ○ Question at Issue: Is this the right question? ○ Points of View: What’s my viewpoint? Would it look differently from another perspective? ○ Data, Information, Evidence: Is it accurate, fair, clear? Are there alternate sources? Do we need more? ○ Concepts and Ideas: What concepts (theories, axioms, principles) am I relying on? Do others accept them as well? ○ Assumptions: What beliefs and values influence my thinking? Are they balanced and fair? (Made Unconsciously) ○ Implications and Consequences: What might be the outcome? On what? For whom? ○ Inferences: What am I inferring here that is unstated? Is it valid? (Made Consciously)
35
Common thinking errors that can lead to faulty thinking
○ System 1: Fast, Instinctive, Emotional, Unconscious; Utilizes patterns of recognition ○ System 2: Slow, Deliberate, Logical, Conscious; discerns new patterns ○ Stereotypes ○ Cognitive Bias - Halo Effect: Interpreting a single trait or event to define an entire person or situation ○ Cognitive Bias - Belief Perseverance: Beliefs shape our interactions - we each have our own biases. Have the human tendency to favor our own perspective (leading to confirmation bias) ○ Answering the Wrong Question - Deflection: Steers the conversation away from initial intent. Lack of focus for discussion makes critical thinking difficult
36
How are the elements of reasoning arranged in the Paul model and why?
In a circular pattern to emphasize their non-linear, complementary nature.
37
What is a common mistake non-critical thinkers make regarding purpose?
They deceive themselves about the true purpose of a thought or action.
38
How can false purposes be used in war?
As part of deception in information operations campaigns.
39
What did General Tommy Franks say about deception in Operation Iraqi Freedom?
One front of the war was devoted entirely to deception.
40
What is key to understanding purpose as a critical thinker?
Being aware of self-deception and planned deception operations.
41
What are the three ways to approach critical questioning?
1) Continual use of critical questions, 2) Interrelationships among questions, 3) Asking and answering at the right time.
42
What is the most important element of critical thinking?
Questioning
43
What does defining the problem involve in critical thinking?
Identifying the primary issue, problem, or question at stake.
44
What are the three ways the mind takes in information?
Inert information, activated ignorance, and activated knowledge.
45
What is activated ignorance?
Using false information as if it were true.
46
What did John Boyd emphasize in strategic thinking?
Rapidity—making decisions quickly with the information available.
47
What is the danger of seeking too much information, according to Gary Klein?
It can lead to "paralysis by analysis" and missed opportunities.
48
What is a conceptual trap?
Being stuck in one way of thinking due to rigid or outdated concepts.
49
How did 9/11 demonstrate a conceptual trap?
The U.S. didn’t imagine hijacked planes as weapons, failing to change conceptual thinking.
50
What is inference in critical thinking?
Drawing conclusions based on the interpretation of assumptions.
51
What are the two types of assumptions?
Value-based and descriptive.
52
What’s the difference between value-based and descriptive assumptions?
Value-based = how the world ought to be; Descriptive = how it is.
53
Are the elements of reasoning in Paul’s model linear or interconnected?
Interconnected—each element links simultaneously with the others in a dynamic system.
54
What happens when assumptions are changed in the reasoning model?
Inferences and conclusions will also change.
55
What are the two elements one must always return to in reasoning?
Purpose and implications.
56
What does “robust thinking” involve?
Scanning for new info, checking biases, maintaining conceptual flexibility, and open-mindedness.
57
What do intellectual standards do in critical thinking?
They help measure the quality of thought by applying principles to the elements of reasoning.
58
What does the precision standard help with?
Refining information by asking if it's exact enough for decision-making.
59
What is the relationship between breadth and depth in reasoning?
Breadth involves multiple viewpoints; depth involves detail—together they provide robust understanding.
60
What is the purpose of using critical thinking in the inner dimension?
To evaluate and improve the quality of one’s own thinking.
61
What is the goal of using critical thinking in the outer dimension?
To assess and enhance the quality of others’ thinking.
62
Name three questions you might ask yourself to improve your inner thinking.
1. What is the purpose of my thinking? 2. What assumptions underlie my conclusions? 3. Have I checked my reasoning against an intellectual standard?
63
What is the first step in becoming a better critical thinker?
Study—beginning with learning about the elements and standards of critical thinking.
64
Why is practice important in developing critical thinking?
It helps make critical thinking your default pattern and improves your ability to challenge poor reasoning.
65
What types of actions can emerge from non-critical thinking societies?
Suicide bombings, child soldiers, barbarism, and rejection of other viewpoints.
66
What are the two main challenges in reasoning with non-critical thinking societies?
Understanding what they respect and being patient in the reasoning process.
67
What do non-critical thinking societies often respect more than culture or reason?
Power and violence.

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