PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER | mediapsychology

ABSTRACT

Whether an academic, a consumer of media, or simply an everyday citizen, critical thinking is a skill that is essential to master. Largely identified as “self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking” (criticalthinking.org), critical thinking is an individual’s ability to take information and look at it with scrutiny prior to forming their own opinions.

Although a necessity, critical thinking is a skill that takes practice, intent and awareness in order to be mastered. Within the world of doctoral study, critical thinking is a scholars ability to analyze the information that they are receiving, seek out alternative points of view, and explore all sides of a situation prior to formulating their own consensus.

CRITICAL THINKING IN MEDIA

One of the most important uses of critical thinking is with regards to the world of media. When surfing the Internet, watching television, reading a magazine or listening to the radio, individuals are bombarded with information. One of the most commonly identified obstacles to informed media consumption is web bias. Several techniques exist for analyzing and mitigating the propensity of media bias.

Michael Shermer, creator of the “Baloney Detection Kit”, identifies 10 key questions that can be utilized when encountering a claim that one is seeking a deeper understanding of. The questions investigate the reliability of the source making the claim, whether or not the claim can be verified, and asks the reader or consumer to explore whether or not personal beliefs drive the claim (Shermer, 2009). Shermer and his colleagues explore the veracity of claims that are made in an effort to strengthen the ability to be an informed consumer. This information can be applied to any form of media when seeking a deeper critical understanding of the information being presented.

CRITICAL THINKING IN PRACTICE

Within the world of psychotherapy and counseling, there exists a common notion of acceptance and commitment. Despite this, part of the therapeutic relationship can often involve the therapist challenging or gently reframing certain statements that a client may make. Critical thinking, when taught to clients and applied from a psychotherapy standpoint, can assist individuals in analyzing their own thoughts and determining whether or not they are accurate or rooted from a maladaptive emotion.

In his book Critical Thinking in Counseling and Psychotherapy¸ author Colin Feltham explores the role that critical thinking has within the counseling setting. He posits that critical thinking plays a vital role in a clients ability to be successful, as well as in a counselors ability to provide direction and guidance within the therapy setting. By applying critical thinking from a professional standpoint as well as a personal one, psychologists are able to more competently and ethically do their jobs.

CRITICAL THINKING IN DOCTORAL STUDIES

As doctoral students, critical thinking is a skill that is honed and developed throughout an academic career. When applied, it is the skill that will allow students to become experts in their field. One of the most important aspects of doctoral study is the ability to formulate independent thoughts on a variety of subjects, backed up by evidence and due diligence with regards to research. This skill can be strengthened by thoroughly analyzing all information that has been presented, and actively seeking out information that has not been.

“Critical thinking can be seen as having two components: 1) a set of information and belief generating and processing skills, and 2) the habit, based on intellectual commitment, of using those skills to guide behavior.” (Weisberg, 2013). By utilizing the key components of intent and commitment, scholars can increase the likelihood that the information they present is verifiable, valid and done with integrity.

REFERENCES:

Elder, L. (n.d.). Our Concept and Definition of Critical Thinking. . Retrieved May 10, 2014, from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/our-concept-of-critical-thinking/411

Feltham, C. (2010). Critical Thinking in Counseling and Psythotherapy. Portland: Sage Publications.

Isbouts, J.P & Ohler, J. “Scholarly Writing.” Fielding Graduate University New Student Orientation. Hyatt Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA. 4 May 2014. Lecture.

Kirk, E. E. (2009). Evaluating Information Found on the Internet. Retrieved April 21, 2014 from http://web.archive.org/web/20040825040101/http://www.library.jhu.edu/researchhelp/general/evaluating/

Shermer, M. (2009, June). Michael Shermer- The Baloney Detection Kit (on RDF TV). Retrieved April 22, 2014, from http://www.michaelshermer.com/2009/06/baloney-detection-kit/

Weissberg, R. Critically Thinking about Critical Thinking. Academic Questions, 26, 317-328