A Beginner's Guide to Critical Thinking

Critical thinking starts with carefully identifying claims, evidence, assumptions, and alternative explanations.

Separate claim and evidence

Ask which statements are conclusions and which are support.

Check assumptions

Consider what must be true for the argument to work.

Look for alternatives

Think about other explanations before settling on one.

Use proportionate conclusions

Match the strength of a conclusion to the quality and amount of evidence.

Practical takeaway

Choose one idea from this article and apply it during your next learning session. Small, repeatable improvements are easier to maintain than complicated routines.