To: Sir.Shoaib By: M.Rehman Shabbir M.Salaman Shahid M.

Umer Awan Faizan Anjum Farhan Abbas Dated: Thursday, May 02, 2013

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

CONTENTS

What is Critical Thinking? The Three Functions of the Mind Decision Making A Model for Problem Solving

Problem Solving Process

Problem Solving for Workplace

Conclusion

WHAT IS CRITICAL THINKING?

Critical thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it. Problem solving requires critical thinking In everyday language
Thinking outside the box Thinking about thinking

The Three Functions of the Mind

Thinking
Makes sense of the world
Judging
Perceiving Analyzing

Feeling
Tells us how we are doing
Happy Sad Depressed

Wanting
Drives us to act as we do
Goals Desires Purposes agendas Values motives

Clarifying
Determining Comparing Synthesizing

Anxious Stressed Calm Worried excited

USE MIND FOR CRITICAL THINKING

The Parts of Thinking

We draw conclusions on the basis of reasons (decisions, interpretations, inferences). Whenever we THINK, we think for a PURPOSE, within a point of view, based on ASSUMPTIONS, leading to implications and consequences.

Decision Making

Decision making is a process of thinking critically about choices. A decision means you will take a specific course of action
Action oriented Points to an outcome

Types of Decisions
Routine

Decision
Reasoned Impulsive

Types of Decisions
Routine
Safe, habitual choices Make life run smoothly Eliminate the need to make choices constantly. You always order a pizza with cheese, and mushrooms

Impulsive
Instant choices that are not well thought out or planned

Reasoned
Alternatives are identified and weighed in light of predicted outcomes.

At the last minute, you decide to cut class and take a ride to the lake with your friends.

You decided to take child psychology next semester because it is required in your major and you have taken the prerequisites.

A Model for Problem Solving

Solution Paths

Present state

Goal state

What decision/alternative should take to reach goal state..?

Problem Solving Processes

1

Specify the Problem Analyze the Problem Formulate Possible Solution Paths Evaluate Possible Solution Paths Choose a Solution

2
3 4

5
6

Evaluate Your Solution

Step 1: Specify the Problem

State the problem Specify the problem in a way that allows you to solve it. Express the problem verbally or in writing. Focus on specifics.

Step 2: Analyze the Problem

Seek other perspectives. Be flexible in your analysis. Consider various strands of impact. Brainstorm all possibilities. Research for more information.

Step 3: Formulate Possible Solution Paths

Brainstorm for possible solutions. Be creative. Consider similar problems and their solutions.

Step 4: Evaluate Solution Paths

Weigh the advantages/disadvantages of each solution. Consider immediate results of each solution. Consider long-term results of each solution. Map out details for each possible solution.

Step 5: Choose a Solution

Which is
compatible with your goals. compatible with our priorities. the least risky. the most practical.

Step 6: Evaluate Your Solution

Look for evidence that your solution is working. If it is not working, reconsider the problem. Choose an alternative solution.

Conclusion
As critical thinkers, we must be careful NOT to assume that things are actually the way they are represented to be in human life. To understand a field of knowledge we must understand it realistically. A good teacher makes you thinkeven when you dont want to.
Robert Fisher, 1998

PROBLEM SOLVING FOR WORKPLACE

Thanks

Questions....???

2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.