Thinking and Critical Thinking

Question 1

Describe different ways of thinking

Answer 1

Mnemonic, whole brain modle, mind mapping, De Bono’s thinking hats

Question 2

Define thinking and critical thinking

Answer 2

Thinking
-Personal, automatic activity of the mind
Involves creation of images
Complex, multifaceted, dynamic

Critical thinking
-Controlled and purposeful
Goal directed
-Self reflective inquiry
Systematic, organized process
Challenging assumptions
Exploring alternatives
Reason and logic
Informed decisions

Question 3

Describe factors influencing critical thinking ability

Answer 3

Anxiety, stress, fatique

Awareness of risks

Knowledge of related factors

Awareness of resources

Positive reinforcement

Evaluative or judgmental styles

Motivating factors

Time limitations

Environmental distractions

Question 4

recognize how critical thinking is used in the nursing process

Answer 4

Nursing process uses CT as an approach to clinical decision making
Allows nurses to take action based on reason (clinical judgment)

Assessment:
Uses CT skills to determine what to assess
Relevant questions to ask
Analysis of relevant data
Judging value and significance

Diagnosis:
Requires reasoning skills

Goals:
Requires ability to prioritize

Implementation:
Systematic research based approach

Evaluation:
Judgments re outcomes of interventions
modify

Question 5

Whole brain model

Answer 5

Left brain: analytical, rational, sequential

This is where decisions are made
Focus on facts and details
Language, planning, organizing

Right brain: intuitive and conceptual

Decisions are made based on what feels right
Thoughts are in images and metaphors

Question 6

Mind Mapping

Answer 6

Graphic representation of connections between concepts
Moves away from linear model
Begins with right brain gathering information, producing ideas
Left brain evaluates and analyzes

Question 7

De Bono’s

Answer 7

White - facts, neutral, objective

Red - emotions hunches, intuition, gut feelings

Black - critic, analyst, logical negative

Yellow - sunshine, optimism, logical positive

Green - creative growth, possibilities ideas

Blue - cool agenda, process, organizer, decision

Question 8

Describe the process of critical reflection

Answer 8

Trial ->action -> looking back on the action -> awareness of essential aspects -> creating alternative method of action -> back to trial