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⚡ Brain & Cognition
How well do you think critically?
Test your reasoning against common logical fallacies.
Rate each statement 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
1When someone makes a claim, I look for evidence before believing it.
2I can identify when an argument uses emotional manipulation rather than logic.
3I am willing to change my opinion when presented with strong evidence.
4I consider multiple perspectives before forming an opinion.
5I can distinguish between correlation and causation.
6I notice when statistics are used misleadingly.
7I think about who benefits from the information I'm consuming.
8I question widely-held beliefs rather than accepting them automatically.
9I recognize logical fallacies in everyday arguments (ad hominem, straw man).
10I can hold two conflicting ideas in mind and evaluate both fairly.
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is the disciplined process of evaluating information rationally. Frederick's Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) shows that even smart people fall for intuitive but wrong answers.
The CRT's famous bat-and-ball question
- "A bat and ball cost $1.10 total. The bat costs $1 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?"
- Most people answer $0.10 (wrong — it's $0.05)
- Even at MIT, 50% get it wrong (Frederick 2005)
Critical thinking research
- CRT scores predict better decision-making in finance, health, and relationships
- Critical thinking is not the same as intelligence — it's a skill and disposition
- Active open-mindedness correlates r=0.45 with critical thinking (Stanovich & West)
- Only 35% of college graduates demonstrate strong critical thinking (AACU 2016)
- The most critical thinkers are less susceptible to fake news and conspiracy theories
Sources: Frederick (2005, CRT), Stanovich & West (1997), Facione (1990, Critical Thinking), Watson-Glaser CTA.