Critical Thinking: Avoiding Common Thinking Errors

The video discusses common thinking errors, such as either/or thinking and confirmation bias, using examples like negotiations and medical diagnoses. It emphasizes the importance of using facts and logic over emotions in decision-making. Strategies to overcome these errors include taking breaks to calm emotions and collaborating to find creative solutions. Key critical thinking skills include recognizing emotions, analyzing data, and using logic.

What is a common mistake people make during negotiations that can lead to a win-lose situation?

• Assuming there are multiple solutions

• Believing there is only one correct way

• Ignoring the other person's emotions

• Focusing on creative solutions

What is a recommended strategy to overcome 'either/or' thinking in a conflict?

• Continue arguing until one side wins

• Take a break and then explore new possibilities together

• Focus solely on your own perspective

• Ignore the problem and hope it resolves itself

What is confirmation bias?

• The practice of questioning all information

• The tendency to seek out diverse viewpoints

• The ability to change one's mind easily

• The habit of only acknowledging information that supports existing beliefs

How can confirmation bias affect a doctor's diagnosis?

• By encouraging the doctor to consider all possible diagnoses

• By ensuring the doctor orders a wide range of tests

• By leading the doctor to only seek information that confirms their initial diagnosis

• By making the doctor more empathetic towards the patient

Which of the following is NOT one of the essential skills of critical thinking?

• Relying on intuition over facts

• Analyzing information and data properly

• Recognizing and managing emotions

• Using logic to make decisions