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Due May 28 60 points
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You solve problems every day. Some problems are more critical than others. Do you take a job in
another state? What car do you purchase? What’s for dinner tonight? Some small decisions (such as,
burgers or pizza for dinner) might not require much debate, and the outcome is not critical for your
long-term future. However, other decisions, such as moving for a job or which car to purchase, can
have long-term consequences. Having a process to make such big decisions increases the possibility
of a successful outcome.
For this Discussion, you will consider a multi-step process for improving your critical thinking skills
and how it might apply to making life decisions.
USING CRITICAL THINKING TO MAKE
DECISIONS
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the TED Talk on the five steps to improve your critical thinking, taking note of the five
steps mentioned in the video.
Select a major life decision you have made or plan to make shortly. Make sure it is something you
are willing to share with the class.
Think about how you might apply the five-step process to your major life decision.
Think about how each of the five steps applies or applied to your decision.
Click on the link above for Samantha Agoos’s TED Talk, 5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post at least 2 paragraphs in response to the following prompts:
Describe a major life decision you have made or plan to make.
Explain each of the five steps as it applies to your situation. Write a minimum of 3 sentences for
each step. You can use the transcript for the video to reference specifics without rewatching the
whole video.
Read a selection of your classmates’ postings.
5 tips to improve your critical thinking
Agoos, S. (2016, March). 5 tips to improve your critical thinking
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[Video]. TED Conferences.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.
5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking Transcript
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BY DAY 3
BY DAY 5
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May 23 1:09pm
Response 1: Respond to at least one classmate using the following:
Consider the critical thinking step: Explore other points of view.
Describe one other point of view you would want to make your classmate aware of, and explain
why this point of view would be important in the decision-making process.
Response 2: Respond to at least one other classmate using the following:
Consider the critical thinking step: Gather the information. Also consider the information your
classmate has included.
Describe one other type of information you might consider gathering that your classmate did not
include in their post. Explain why this information would be critical to the decision-making
process.
Reply
Raymond Hufnagle
Hello Everyone,
One major life decision I have made is choosing to pursue a graduate degree in psychology.
This decision was not made lightly, as it involves significant time, financial investment, and a
commitment to my future career. The desire to deepen my understanding of human behavior
and to contribute positively to mental health services motivated me to take this step. I believe
that further education will not only enhance my knowledge but also open up new career
opportunities in a field that I am passionate about.
To apply the five steps of decision-making to my situation, I first identified the decision to be
made: whether to enroll in a graduate program.
The second step involved gathering information about various programs, including their
curriculum, faculty, costs, and potential career outcomes. I researched different universities,
spoke with current students and alumni, and consulted academic advisors to understand what
each program offered.
Reply |
The third step was to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a graduate degree. On one hand,
obtaining an advanced degree could lead to better job prospects and higher earning potential; on
the other hand, the financial burden and the time commitment were significant considerations.
The fourth step was to make the decision, which I ultimately did after careful consideration of
my goals and the potential impact on my life.
Finally, the fifth step involved reflecting on the decision after enrollment. I regularly assess my
experiences in the program, ensuring that I am gaining the knowledge and skills I sought, and I
remain open to adjusting my path if necessary. This structured approach has helped me feel
more confident in my decision and prepared for the challenges ahead.
