Critical Thinking and its Applications to Graduate and Managerial Communication

Essay by Hokie95University, Master'sA+, March 2006

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Abstract

A team of graduate students combined efforts to examine the various definitions of critical thinking and its many applications. Critical thinking may be loosely described as a self-imposed process to identifying the characteristics of a problem, distinguishing between different sources of data, considering multiple solutions, and effectively communicating conclusions. The methods of research utilized to validate our findings included open discussions amongst our peers, the use of the Internet, as well as reference books. This paper serves to present our findings on the definition of critical thinking, and it will explore some of the applications of critical thinking at both the graduate level and in managerial communications.

Critical Thinking and its Applications to Graduate and Managerial Communication

To be successful, one must be able to apply learned knowledge to any given task at hand. To excel in this capitalistic society, one must be able to distinguish themselves from their peers by questioning general assumptions, evaluating given perceptions, deriving logical conclusions from well-thought premises, and communicating alternate solutions.

This method outlines the process of critical thinking, and use of its components is vital to perform at both the graduate level and in managerial communications.

Critical thinking is the ability to apply a set of analytical and cognitive skills to a problem or issue in order to arrive at a solution to the problem. The first of these skills is the ability to recognize or identify a problem or issue. One must then begin to analyze and evaluate information and facts relating to the problem. At the same time, one should logically determine and sort pertinent data. The next step in applying critical thinking to a problem is to identify and examine other possible perspectives or viewpoints. The final step in critical thinking is to formulate a conclusion, or to make...