6 Critical Thinking Skills to Improve Decision-Making

Critical thinking is an essential skill that enables you to process information, make informed decisions, solve problems, and evaluate various perspectives. In everyday life or professional settings, developing critical thinking skills enhances decision-making and fosters a deeper understanding of complex issues. This article will explore the six main types of critical thinking skills, explain how to improve them and highlight their role in effective reasoning and problem-solving.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to make reasoned decisions and solve complex problems. It requires curiosity, logic, and objectivity. Critical thinkers assess the validity and reliability of information before forming conclusions rather than accepting it at face value.

According to experts, critical thinking involves several key steps: identifying the problem, gathering relevant information, analyzing data, evaluating alternatives, and drawing well-reasoned conclusions. By mastering these steps, you can better handle challenges in everyday life, from personal decisions to professional dilemmas.

Critical thinking skills – examples in everyday life

Critical thinking manifests in various ways in daily life. Here are a few scenarios where critical thinking can be applied:

• Evaluating news: With a constant influx of news and social media updates, critical thinkers can identify bias, separate fact from opinion, and verify the accuracy of information.
• Solving personal dilemmas: Whether it is deciding between job offers or managing personal finances, critical thinkers weigh pros and cons, consider alternatives, and make informed decisions.
• Academic research: Students use critical thinking to assess the quality of research materials, allowing them to build well-informed and logical arguments.
• Health decisions: Making informed health choices involves researching symptoms, understanding medical advice, and weighing treatment options.

5 examples of critical thinking that changed the world

1. Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Einstein’s critical thinking about time, space, and gravity revolutionized modern physics and changed our understanding of the universe.
2. The scientific method: Developed during the Renaissance, the scientific method—a systematic way of questioning, experimenting, and drawing conclusions—fundamentally shaped modern science.
3. Socratic method: Socrates’ method of questioning fostered philosophical exploration and deep analysis of ideas, influencing thinking across centuries.
4. Galileo’s Heliocentric Theory: Galileo’s critical evaluation of celestial bodies led to his support of the sun-centered theory, altering humanity’s view of the universe.
5. Steve Jobs and Apple: Jobs’ critical thinking in technology and design innovation changed how we interact with devices, leading to the creation of groundbreaking products like the iPhone.

How to improve your critical thinking skills

Improving thinking takes practice, patience, and an open mind. Here are some actionable ways to strengthen these skills:

1. Ask questions: Always be curious and ask probing questions about the information you encounter. This helps you understand issues more deeply.
2. Engage in reflection: Reflect on your own beliefs, decisions, and thought processes to identify biases and make improvements.
3. Embrace different perspectives: Surround yourself with diverse viewpoints to challenge your thinking and broaden your understanding.
4. Practice problem solving: Regularly engage in activities that require you to solve problems, such as puzzles or real-life challenges.
5. Stay informed: Read widely from credible sources across various disciplines to build a broad knowledge base.
6. Enroll in a program: Formal education programs that teach critical thinking can accelerate your development in this area.

NUS Accelerated Management Program (NUS AMP)

The NUS Accelerated Management Program from the National University of Singapore Business School is a 9-month course where you will build a solid foundation in strategy, leadership, and finance and gain critical skills in emerging areas such as digital business and transformation, marketing analytics, and growth hacking, as well as other cross-functional business skills to develop a growth mindset for your business, organization, and industry.

The 6 main types of critical thinking skills

Here are the six key types of critical thinking skills that are crucial for effective reasoning and decision-making:

Analysis

• Definition: The ability to break down complex information and examine it in detail.
• Importance: Analysis enables you to methodically evaluate information and make logical conclusions.
• Example: A student reads an article about climate change. By analyzing data points and arguments from different sources, they can differentiate between valid research and misinformation.

Interpretation

• Definition: The process of understanding and explaining the significance of information.
• Importance: Proper interpretation is essential to avoid misjudgments and make well-informed decisions.
• Example: In a business setting, a manager interprets a financial report to understand growth trends and make informed budget decisions.

Inference

• Definition: Drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning.
• Importance: Inference is essential for making predictions or assumptions when all facts are not immediately available.
• Example: Detectives infer a suspect’s behavior by piecing together clues from a crime scene, even when direct evidence is lacking.

Evaluation

• Definition: Assessing the credibility of statements, arguments, and sources of information.
• Importance: Evaluation ensures that decisions are based on reliable and accurate information.
• Example: Before purchasing a product, consumers evaluate reviews and expert opinions to ensure quality and reliability.

Problem-solving

• Definition: Identifying solutions to complex problems using logic and creativity.
• Importance: Problem-solving enables you to tackle challenges in innovative ways.
• Example: Engineers solve design problems by experimenting with prototypes and adjusting solutions based on feedback.

Decision making

• Definition: Choosing the best course of action from several alternatives.
• Importance: Good decision-making is critical in both personal and professional life.
• Example: A project manager selects the most suitable project management software by considering ease of use, cost, and team needs.

World’s top critical 10 thinkers in 2025

The following individuals are recognized in 2025 for their critical thinking skills and contributions to their respective fields:

1. Yuval Noah Harari: Historian and author, known for his critical insights into history, humanity, and technology.
2. Noam Chomsky: Linguist and political critic, respected for his deep analysis of media, politics, and society.
3. Elon Musk: Entrepreneur and inventor, recognized for his visionary thinking in space exploration, renewable energy, and AI.
4. Jane Goodall: Primatologist and environmentalist, celebrated for her critical approach to animal behavior and conservation.
5. Angela Merkel: Former Chancellor of Germany, admired for her leadership and crisis management.
6. Malala Yousafzai: Education activist and Nobel laureate, inspiring critical conversations on human rights and education.
7. Steven Pinker: Cognitive psychologist, known for his research into language, the mind, and human progress.
8. Greta Thunberg: Climate activist, challenging global leaders to critically rethink environmental policies.
9. Daniel Kahneman: Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, known for his work in behavioral economics and decision-making.
10. Satya Nadella: CEO of Microsoft, driving innovation in tech through critical and forward-thinking leadership.

Conclusion

Critical thinking is a crucial skill that enhances your ability to navigate the complexities of life. By mastering the six main types of critical thinking skills—analysis, interpretation, inference, evaluation, problem-solving, and decision making—you can make better decisions, solve problems efficiently, and become a more effective communicator. Practicing critical thinking is a lifelong endeavor, and continuously refining these skills can enhance both your personal and professional life.

In a world full of information, critical thinking ensures that you make reasoned, informed decisions rather than being swayed by misinformation or biases.