
Today’s professional world is looking for people who are both critical thinkers and problem solvers. On the surface, they can look similar. But, critical thinking and problem-solving have their fair share of differences and thought processes.
The 5 Common Steps in Critical-Thinking and Problem-Solving are:
1. Identify the problem:
The first step in critical thinking and problem-solving is problem identification. For a critical thinker, the thought process will be:
- Is it a real problem
- Does the problem exists
With a problem-solving attitude, the thought process will be:
- This is a problem
- Here to start to analyze it
2. Analyze:
You analyze and interpret the problem.
3. Brainstorm:
Similar to evaluating step in critical thinking, this brainstorming session is about:
- Finding solutions
- Analyzing the pros and cons of the solution
- Justifying the solution
4. Decide:
You come up with an agreeable solution here.
5. Take action:
You take actionable steps to put the solution into action.
...............................................................................................................
To make things understandable further, here are
6 Main Difference between critical thinking and problem solving
Difference #1
Critical thinking is: Intentional, reflective way of looking at surroundings, things, or scenarios.
Problem-solving: Focuses on a specific situation
Difference #2
Critical thinking: It involves finding a workable solution and defending/justifying the solution.
Problem-solving: Forming a conclusion.
Difference #3
Critical thinking: Recognizing the problem scenarios
Problem-solving: Defining the problems
Difference #4
Critical thinking; Identifying, formulating and solving problems
Problem-solving: Recognizing a problem situation
Difference #5
Critical thinking: Encloses all thinking skills, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving factors.
Problem-solving: It is an outcome of critical thinking
Difference #6
Critical Thinking involves steps like: Analyzing, Reasoning, Evaluating, Synthesizing, and Take Action
Problem Solving involves steps like: Identifying the problem cause, brainstorming sessions, come up with multiple solutions. And, monitor the progress.