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Factors That Affect Critical Thinking

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Critical thinking is an action everyone has the ability to do consciously or unconsciously. To think critically, one must think back and reflect on the actions or information received (Merriam & Bierema, 2014). With critical thinking, one is able to determine the truth in knowledge, beliefs assumptions and actions (Merriam & Bierema, 2014). Every person has different ideas and past events that influence thinking and cognitive abilities. These factors also influence critical thinking. One main factor that affects a person’s ability to critically think is intelligence. Intelligence cannot be easily defined since there are differences in each individual. Other factors affecting critical thinking include beliefs, past experiences leading to assumptions, and prior education. This paper will help define intelligence and how it affects critical thinking. One must be able to critically think in order to survive because it affects all aspects of life (Merriam & Bierema, 2014). Determining the best choices in relationships, job opportunities, financial situations, and living require critical thinking (Merriam & Bierema, 2104). The reflective process involves looking at assumptions that are made prior to making the critical actions. These assumptions are what are influenced by different factors, such as life experiences, beliefs, research or education, and intelligence. Brookfield classified assumptions into three categories, prescriptive, paradigmatic and casual (Merriam &

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