Critical Thinking: I Know It's a Good Thing, But What Is It?
by Diane Halpern, California State University
© 1997, Peregrine Publishers, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Everyone agrees! The most important outcome of a college education is the ability to think critically. But what exactly does it mean to be able to think critically?

Critical thinking is (select the best answer):

A. The kind of thinking that helps you criticize other people's thinking.

B. The use of cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of achieving a desirable outcome.

C. The way most people think in a crisis.