Making sense of information, ideas, and decisions
With so much information competing for your attention, critical thinking helps you sort through what matters. It’s the skill of asking the right questions and making decisions based on evidence, not assumptions.
Critical thinking definition
To understand and evaluate information, evidence, observations, and arguments in a clear and logical manner.
How critical thinking shows up in your learning
Critical thinking shows up in the decisions you make as you work through information and ideas. It’s present when you pause to question what you’re reading, weigh different options, or decide what evidence matters most.
These moments are often embedded in everyday study tasks — and recognising them helps you make sense of how you’re already using judgement and reasoning.
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Evaluate whether a source is reliable or relevant
While writing a research paper, you find a viral blog post that perfectly supports your thesis but lacks citations, and a peer-reviewed article that is more complex but highly credible. You can think critically by weighing the convenience of a source against its authority and credibility.
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Compare different viewpoints before forming an opinion
During a group brainstorm, two teammates suggest opposite strategies for a presentation. Instead of picking a side immediately, you think critically to map out the different perspectives before suggesting the best direction for the team.
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Decide which evidence best supports an argument
While on a work placement, you need to convince your supervisor to adopt a new tool. You must choose between presenting user testimonials or cost-efficiency data. You can think critically by selecting the specific data that will be most persuasive to your target audience.
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Reconsider your position when new information emerges
You’ve always believed a certain study method was the most effective until an academic introduces a new, research-backed technique that challenges your old habits. Think critically when new information challenges your established habits, in order to develop your skills.
How critical thinking develops through your studies
As you progress through your degree, you practise critical thinking by making choices about
What information to prioritise
How to interpret material or data
How to justify decisions and arguments
Over time, this strengthens your ability to reason clearly and explain why you’ve reached a particular conclusion.
How to recognise your own critical thinking
Try reflecting on questions like
What questions did I ask before deciding?
How did I choose between different sources or options?
What changed my mind, and why?
If you can answer these, you’re already articulating critical thinking in action.
How students often describe this skill
Instead of saying:
“I completed a research essay.”
You might say:
“I evaluated multiple sources, compared different perspectives, and used evidence to support a clear argument.”
This shifts the focus from the task to the reasoning behind it.
Why this skill continues to matter
Critical thinking supports sound judgement in situations where there are multiple options and no simple answers. It helps you make informed decisions, adapt your thinking, and respond thoughtfully to complexity.
Want to explore this further?
Notice where judgement and decision-making show up in your current courses
Reflect on how your thinking has changed over time
Use the Skills Bot to practise describing your critical thinking in your own words
