Maxim Kiselev - Mental habits of a critically thinking person.

maxim-kiselev-mental-habits-of-a-critically-thinking-person

Introduction

The amount of information is increasing every day. The ability to correctly select the necessary information becomes critically important.

We make the mistake of thinking that by collecting as much information as possible, we will be able to make sense of the world. However, an excess of information can lead to a lack of attention and a deterioration in the quality of the decisions made.

Chapter one. Information overload

In the stock exchange, critical thinking is manifested in protection from information and in reading the sentiments of other investors.

Information always makes sense, while data, in contrast, can be meaningless. Data is always more than information.

Trying to confirm an existing hypothesis does not advance our understanding, while trying to disprove it can create new meaning.

Chapter two. Mental habits of a critical thinker

A critically thinking person has a number of characteristic habits:

  1. The habit of doubting information

    • When receiving important information, ask clarifying questions.

  2. Search for several alternatives

    • Explore several alternatives before making a decision.

  3. The ability to see opportunities

    • Consider mistakes as development opportunities.

  4. Openness to different points of view

    • Be open to and grateful for other points of view.

  5. The ability to go beyond the scope of the situation

    • Consider situations in a wider context.

  6. Awareness when making decisions

    • Carefully analyze your own decisions and their consequences.

  7. Reflection

    • Conduct an internal dialogue to better understand your own motivations and goals.

  8. The ability to justify one's point of view

    • Be able to argue your views and be ready for dialogue with opponents.

Chapter three. Critical thinking in action

Most intuitive decisions are correct most of the time. However, we activate system "two" only when we understand the importance of a decision or cognitive dissonance occurs.

It is easier for us to make decisions in a group because we bear less responsibility for the result.

Possession effect - we overestimate the value of an object we own after trying it.

This effect also works with our ideas, sometimes we continue to put effort into fruitless projects just because of the resources already invested.

Areola effect - success in one area of life is transferred to others.

The illusion of optimism - be careful when you get into the white streak of success.

Binding effect - we often remain supporters of the first available information when we lack the necessary data.

Confirmation bias - are we willing to accept new information that contradicts our preconceived notions?

Deviation from the "status quo" - we tend to avoid change and prefer the known.

Survivor's mistake - we only observe successful examples, not taking into account the whole picture.

Reactive resistance - we try to achieve the forbidden.

Illusion of control - we strive to control uncertainty, although this is not always possible. What are the real opportunities to change the situation?

Chapter four. Statistical manipulation and protection against them

A priori probability is a probability known before experience.

Probability of rare events - when the probability of an event is too low, we may disregard any information that supports it.

Bayesian probability - how new facts affect our understanding of an event.

Rare events remain rare, so don't waste your time predicting them.

Chapter five. Correct wording

Concise and clear wording allows you to find solutions.

Errors in problem formulation:

  • Use of general and abstract words
  • Evaluative judgments
  • Personal criticism
  • Presence of hypotheses and assumptions
  • A list of several problems in the formulation

Rules for formulating problems:

  • Facts, not subjective judgments
  • The presence of an interested party
  • The possibility of solving the problem

Chapter six. Reframing and manipulation protection

Information always comes in a certain context. Reframing helps shape arguments.

There are different types of reframing:

  • Contextual reframing
  • Presentation from the other side
  • Use of connotations and idioms
  • Motivational reframing

Chapter seven. Critical thinking in crisis conditions

A one-sided view prevents us from understanding the picture of the world. A high level of critical thinking allows you to better understand other points of view.

Clark's three laws:

  1. An old scientist who says something is possible probably has a walkie-talkie. Anyone who says something is impossible is probably wrong.
  2. To find out where the limit of the possible is, one must take a step into the impossible.
  3. For us, as fairly advanced beings, technology is no different from magic.

Any crisis is not only a problem, but also an opportunity.

  • Failure is experience and the price for new experience.
  • Failures indicate areas of development.
  • Failure is part of progress.
  • Positive mood.
  • Understanding that not everything brings results.
  • Perseverance.

Risks, opportunities, strengths:

  1. Write 10 risks.
  2. Determine the positive aspects that will arise as a result of these events.
  3. Develop actions to turn opportunities into strengths.