Critical thinking - discussion question

CRITICAL THINKING- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discussion Question Critical thinking and creative thinking are two expressions that reveal the difference that exists between them particularly when it comes to their inner meanings. Creative thinking is nonjudgmental, unrestrained, unselective and generative in purpose. It goes beyond the limitations as well as being original and fresh in an individual’s ideas (Cottrell, 2011). Critical thinking, on the other hand, is selective, judgmental, and analytical in purpose. It is more evaluative in nature thus helps in analyzing a particular thing more keenly. For instance, creative thinking tries to create a list of something or ideas that are new whereas critical thinking tries to make choices by assessing the validity or worth in something.
In addition, creative thinking is often carried on by violating accepted rules because it requires inventiveness. This, therefore, implies that, in creative thinking, the mind is at liberty to wander about in search of new, varied, and unique ideas. Critical thinking, on the other hand, is often carried on by applying the accepted principles because it involves making choices. It is a mental activity that is associated with using the mind. Creative thinking is a process that assists in or contributes to fostering creativity. It is associated with tools and techniques such as problem-solving, brainstorming and lateral thinking (Lau, 2013). Conversely critical thinking means using mental processes like categorization, attention, selection, and judgment. For instance, creative thinking has helped team members to come up with an out of the box solution regarding a particular issue, however, a critical thinking has helped an employee relations specialist to conduct workplace investigations on whether to terminate or suspend an employee who is alleged to have engaged in sexual harassment.
Therefore, a person who thinks creatively is able to come up with new ideas regarding a particular thing whereas, a person who thinks critically is able to use skepticism as well as doubt usefully in analyzing anything before them thereby making a better and a more informed decision (Lau, 2013).
Discussion Question 2:
It is very crucial to develop critical thinking skills because creative thinking has numerous benefits to an individual. First, critical thinking results in a more focused reading. Myself, critical reading has enabled me to look up for the information I need more carefully (Cottrell, 2011). For instance, I was able to select the most economical washing machine in terms of power consumption from a variety of models for my mum. I keenly read brochures and online materials on washing machines.
The second benefit is improved attention and observation (Cottrell, 2011). Just like in the above example, I was able to read keenly and carefully the information on the internet and news articles. It made me realize the machine that gives better performance for my mum among LG washing machines, Samsung washing machines, and Philips washing machines. I began paying attention to little details about the washing machines, something I used to ignore before.
Thirdly, critical thinking improves a person’s ability to identify key points in messages or texts instead of being distracted less important ones (Cottrell, 2011). Personally, it has helped me critically to analyze minor details of messages particularly the advertisements. This has enabled me to look at both the benefits and health risks. It made me minimize the consumption of junk foods because of their health risks something I used to ignore because of their nutritional value.
Fourthly, critical thinking improves ability to respond to suitable points in a message or a question (Cottrell, 2011). For instance, it has enabled me to give specific answers to my examinations rather than just giving general ones as I used before.
Fifthly, critical thinking helps in the analysis of a variety of situations (Cottrell, 2011). Recently, I was indifferent between going swimming with my friends and staying home to help my siblings with their homework. Critical thinking helped me make an informed choice by analyzing the two situations. I really wanted to go swimming, but on critical analysis, I discovered that staying home was the best option.
Lastly, it helps in getting points across more easily (Cottrell, 2011). Of late, critical thinking has helped me to participate fully in group discussions. During such discussions I often contribute effectively and with lots of ease, something I was not able to do some time back.
References
Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Lau, J. Y. F. (2013). An introduction to critical thinking and creativity: Think more, think better. Hoboken, N. J: Wiley.