Fake news. Misinformation. Disinformation. Conflicting stories. Manipulated comments, videos or audios. Who to believe? What to believe? As our access to media and the amount of media available to us continue to expand, the more important it is for each of us to think critically about that information. When I say critically, I do not mean to judge, but to analyze the information for accuracy. To search for bias or inaccuracies in the information or its presentation.
How important is it to be able to evaluate information correctly, to be able to conclude that information is true, false, or somewhere between? Well, it matters in an election, in a pandemic, in the context of civil unrest, and how we behave during and after each of these major historical events. So, this week we are going to talk about a very important topic, and that is how to think critically at a time when it couldn't be more critical, to our lives, our livelihoods, our safety, national security (both in and outside of the US), and so much more. Here we go!
Today, I will introduce you to the psychological definition of, and the research on, critical thinking. I will share with you some research on how and why we should think critically, and the rest of this week we will get into some interesting details about the 'how' of thinking critically and using persuasion.
I will share with you some strategies: how others use some sneaky tactics to persuade you and me. Many of these tactics will sound familiar, because you see them everyday in sales and marketing (think commercials, ads, billboards, or members of an in-person sales team).
You will also likely recognize them in one of the arguably largest sales and marketing pitches ever made, and seen frequently in the US in feverish pitches every 2/4 years: politics.
To be clear, I am not going to talk politics this week.
I am going to talk about critical thinking.
After this week, you will not be able to 'unsee' these tactics in advertising or politics, or other areas of your life where people are trying to persuade you to believe or do something!
First, critical thinking is defined in psychological research as, simply, drawing a conclusion by considering our current attitude on the topic, then accessing our current knowledge on the topic, then adding in some crucial thinking skills, including but not limited to gathering more information from a variety of credible sources with a variety of perspectives on the topic at hand. This last step is probably the most difficult, and the one most often skipped. That is how we open ourselves up to narrow minded thinking, drawing incorrect conclusions, or just 'good enough' conclusions, instead of the 'best' conclusions possible.
Critical thinking:
It is not pessimistic or negative, but careful.
It is not judgemental, but it is evaluative and thoughtful.
It is not quick or effortless, but cautious, goal directed, purposeful, effortful thinking.
It is not intuition driven decision making, but careful consideration of information after data gathering.
It is suspending your attitudes/beliefs long enough to see beyond your own assumptions or biases.
It is being open to changing your mind, to learning that your belief/attitude would be best suited if it were altered.
It is growth.
It is opening, not narrowing (your mind, and your options).
There are times when making quick, even intuitive decisions are great. When the stakes are low, or when you are an expert in a particular area, relying on intuition can be a simple, effective, and optimal route to decision making. Not all situations require effortful, time consuming processes to draw conclusions. Not sure what to wear today? Rely on your intuition. Thinking about your grocery list? No problem. Make intuitive decisions about your weekly food needs. Not a big deal if it goes wrong, really. But... for larger decisions, with more impact on your life or livelihood, take some time. Put in the effort. It will be worth it. Buying a car, considering a job opportunity, making decisions about your holiday plans/lack of plans, deciding how to vote in an election? Those are big decisions that are worth the effort for critical thinking before making a decision. These are decisions with impact on your life, so slow down. Take some time. Gather information. A lot of information but not too much, but make sure you gather information outside your echo chamber, from alternate perspectives.
I am reminded of a time a few years ago when I was spending a lot of money on car repairs. I was thinking about replacing my car, but first I needed to consider how much money I had already spent on my current car, how much money would be required for repairs, and how much it would cost to get a new car. That was step one. Which was better, financially: fixing the old car or buying a new one?
After a lot of thought and investigating, I decided it was best to replace the car. Then, I was tasked with deciding on the best car. Not easy. There are so many options. Too many options. Buying a car is one of those contexts where taking your time, and getting information from a variety of credible sources (mechanics and driver reviews, not just sales people) is important. If you have your emotions tied to a particular type or model of car (true for so many people), it is even more important to get advice from people who may think that particular car is NOT the best choice. Cars are expensive, and the wrong car choice can be even more so, so look at information from a variety of credible sources and include information that is counter to your preferred decision, just to be sure you have a good understanding of all the consequences of your final decision.
FYI- I enjoyed the heck out of my choice, a 6-speed soft top Mazda Miata, for a short 3 years. Then I ended up getting rid of it for a reason I should have given more weight when I bought it. It was fun to drive down the PCH and in the mountains in SoCal, but was not very functional when I needed more room than the shoebox-sized trunk!
Enough for today. You know have some more information about the why and what of critical thinking. Tomorrow we begin to look at the 'how' of critical thinking. This week we will look at the dangers of truth distortion, non credible or biased sources, and fallacies, to name a few. Stay tuned!
Be well, stay safe, and take care.
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