Decision making model analysis
The relationship between critical thinking and decision-making is much more different than what most people think. Critical thinking is the process by which one evaluates information on a given problem. The process of reaching logical conclusions, solving problems, analyzing factual information, and taking appropriate actions based on the conclusions is called decision making.
What is critical thinking? Critical thinking is examining assumptions - not simply accepting arguments and conclusions at face value. Critical thinking is looking for hidden values, evaluating evidence and assessing multiple conclusions.
Decision-making is an action. It is the destination of logical and analytical problem solving which is based in fact. Once the destination is reached, action is taken according to the resolution reached. The authors of Whatever It Takes suggest that decision-making material and literature tend to emphasize the product of decision-making but do not emphasize the actual process of decision-making. Critical thinking is the mechanical process by which problems are perceived, alternative solutions weighed, and rational decisions are made (McCall, Kaplan, xv).
Decision-making is the product of critical thinking.
My occupation as a Customer Service Representative affords me the opportunity to think critically each day. Critical thinking allows me make decisions based on fact rooted in logic. If a customer grieves about the quality of their product, I have to decide where the flaw occurred, the reason the problem happened, and how I can satisfy my customer while not jeopardizing profit for the company. The speed by which I do this is critical. Using critical thinking, I perform root cause analysis to identify these problem areas and develop acceptable solutions for the customer and the company.
While critical thinking and decision-making are interrelated and rely on one another, they are also independent. Critical thinking does not guarantee that a decision will...