Five simple strategies to sharpen your critical thinking | BBC Ideas

Your friend posts a photo that makes you feel like they’re purposely ignoring you, confirming your suspicion they're upset with you.

• Step 1: Recognize your confirmation bias.
• Step 2: Ask yourself, “What other reason could there be for them not texting back?”
• Step 3: Wait and see if they message you the next day without jumping to conclusions.

Definition: Intellectual Empathy – putting yourself in the other person’s shoes to understand their perspective.

Example: If I feel like my classmate didn’t listen to my idea, I might ask myself why they thought their point was important.

Application: When discussing different opinions, try asking questions to understand where they’re coming from rather than just arguing back. Imagine if you’re in a group project, and one friend pushes a different idea. Before disagreeing, ask why they think it would work.

You and your friend have different ideas for a project, and they’re set on their approach.

• Step 1: Say, “I’m curious why you think that’s the best way.”
• Step 2: Actively listen instead of planning your counter-argument.
• Step 3: Reflect on whether their reasoning makes sense or if a middle ground could work

Definition: Straw Man Fallacy – attacking a weaker version of an argument instead of the real one.

Example: If my friend says they prefer books to movies, I avoid jumping to “Oh, so you think movies are bad?”

Application: Focus on the actual statement. If someone says something that bothers you, repeat it back to them in your own words to ensure you understood it correctly. This stops you from twisting what they said into something it wasn’t.

A friend casually mentions they don’t enjoy football, and you’re a big fan.

• Step 1: Ask, “Why don’t you like it?”
• Step 2: Let them explain before assuming they think you shouldn’t like it either.
• Step 3: Respect their view and maybe explain why you enjoy it rather than defending it.

Definition: Not all info is created equal. Questioning the Source means checking where info comes from and if the source is trustworthy.

Example: You see a post claiming coffee causes brain damage. Before you panic, look up where that fact came from. Was it a verified health site or just a random blog?

Application: Always ask, Who is sharing this info, and why? Practice checking sources and don’t believe everything you see at first glance. Doing this prevents you from spreading fake news. 👍

You see a sponsored post about a “brain-boosting” drink that sounds magical for studying.

• Step 1: Google reviews on this drink outside of its ads.
• Step 2: Look for reputable articles or user feedback, not just the promo.
• Step 3: Make a judgment after seeing if there’s actual science behind it or just marketing.

Definition: Staying Calm – controlling your reactions even when you feel strongly about a topic.

Example: If I disagree with my parents about curfew, I calmly explain my perspective rather than getting angry.

Application: Before replying in a heated argument, pause. Count to three, breathe, and think of a logical, calm response. Whether it’s a debate over a movie ending or a friend’s different viewpoint, staying calm leads to a more productive conversation.

You and your sibling are arguing over whose turn it is to use the PlayStation.

• Step 1: Take a breath before you respond.
• Step 2: State your side calmly, maybe suggest a time split or alternative.
• Step 3: Avoid personal attacks – focus on a fair solution rather than just winning the argument