FIKIA's Frontier: Workshop Wednesday

Welcome to the World of Critical Thinking again!

Quotation of the day:

“Critical thinking requires us to use our imagination, seeing things from perspectives other than our own and envisioning the likely consequences of our position." - Bell Hooks” 😀 

Topic of the day:

Critical Thinking Workshop: Practice Your Critical Thinking Skills!

Today, we're diving deep into the realm of critical thinking again. Sharpening our ability to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems is essential in our complex world. So, buckle up for a mind-stimulating session as we present you with some thought-provoking critical thinking practice problems. Don't worry; we've got answers for you too!

Problem 1: The Newspaper Headline

You come across the following headline in a newspaper: "Study Finds Chocolate Causes Weight Loss!" Analyze the headline critically and determine what questions you should ask to assess the validity of the claim.

Suggested Answer:

• What is the source of the study, and is it reputable?

• What was the sample size of the study?

• Were there any conflicts of interest for those conducting the study?

• How was the study conducted, and what were the specific findings?

• Are there other studies that support or contradict this claim?

Problem 2: Job Candidate Evaluation

Imagine you are tasked with hiring a candidate for a managerial position. One candidate has an impressive resume, while another has less experience but performed exceptionally well in the interview. Evaluate the critical factors you would consider in making the hiring decision and justify your choices.

Suggested Answer:

• Assess the specific skills and qualifications required for the job.

• Consider the relevance of the candidate's past experience to the current role.

• Evaluate the candidate's performance in the interview and how well they align with the company culture.

• Analyze any potential for growth and development in each candidate.

• Consider how each candidate's unique strengths and weaknesses align with the needs of the team and the organization.

Problem 3: Social Media Influence

A friend shares a post on social media claiming that a particular product can cure any illness. How would you critically approach this information? What steps would you take to verify the credibility of the claim?

Suggested Answer:

• Research the background and credentials of the person or organization making the claim.

• Look for scientific evidence or reputable studies supporting the product's effectiveness.

• Check for any disclaimers or warnings associated with the product.

• Investigate potential conflicts of interest, such as financial ties between the poster and the product.

• Consider consulting experts or reliable sources in the relevant field for their opinions.

Problem 4: Decision-making Dilemma

You are part of a team tasked with making a critical decision for your company. The team is split between two options, each with its advantages and disadvantages. How would you approach this situation, and what steps would you take to ensure a well-informed decision?

Suggested Answer:

• Gather comprehensive information on each option, including potential risks and benefits.

• Consider the long-term implications of each decision.

• Evaluate the potential impact on different stakeholders.

• Encourage open and honest communication within the team to gather diverse perspectives.

• Critical thinking is a skill that improves with practice. Feel free to discuss these problems with colleagues or friends to gain different perspectives and insights. Happy thinking!

Meme of the Day: (Have Fun!)

Don't forget to save this newsletter to practice your skills, follow FIKIA’s social media platforms, and look forward to exploring more opportunities related to desk research on Opportunity Fridays!

Warm regards,

Jessica Yao

Editor-in-Chief, The FIKIA’s Frontier

Media & Content @ FIKIA