Critical Thinking

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Sample Behaviors

• Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment
• Gather and analyze information from a diverse set of sources and individuals to fully understand a problem
• Proactively anticipate needs and prioritize action steps
• Accurately summarize and interpret data with an awareness of personal biases that may impact outcomes
• Effectively communicate actions and rationale, recognizing the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of stakeholders
• Multi-task well in a fast-paced environment

Develop

Over the course of your educational experience at TU, you can gain proficiency with critical thinking through some of the following methods:

• Attend presentations, interactive conferences, and seminars around campus
• Collaborate with other students in and outside of class (join a student club or organization — could be academic, honors, social or athletic)
• Join the Undergraduate Research Club
• Practice brainstorming skills
• Attend and explore on- and off-campus conference opportunities
• Seek out opportunities that encourage abstract thinking (Club, organization, Study Abroad & Away Office program, interactive seminar)
• Actively participate in solving issues around the community and get involved with community engagement projects
• Find part-time or full-time work opportunities (find on- and off-campus work through Handshake — any experience helps)
• Work as a research assistant to a faculty member
• Take advantage of programs and resources offered by the Office of Research and Creative Inquiry
• Practice and improve research skills (visit the Cook Library help desk for research tips)
• Complete Internships and other experiential learning opportunities, such as project-based micro-internships and Forage job simulations (schedule an appointment with the Career Center)
• Complete an independent study
• Conduct an extensive research project- explore a problem in your field and/or community and generate solutions
• Lead a discussion or seminar on campus
• Apply to present at the annual Research & Creative Inquiry Forum
• Participate in a Hack-a-thon

Develop your skills

LinkedIn Learning

Develop your critical thinking skills by completing these free LinkedIn Learning courses. Select the course title below, click “Sign in,” and use your TU email to get started.

• Improving Your Thinking
• Developing a Critical Thinking Mindset
• Critical Thinking for More Effective Communication
• Critical Thinking for Better Judgment and Decision-Making
• Making Key Decisions as a Manager
• Making Better Decisions by Thinking in Bets
• Active Listening: The Secret to Effective Communication
• Solving Business Problems
• Prioritizing Effectively as a Leader
• Using Questions to Foster Critical Thinking and Curiosity

Articulate

Use the following list of action verbs to describe related activities:

• Adapt; adjust; analyze; conclude; consolidate; clarify; critique; determine; diagnose; evaluate; examine; fix; gather; identify; improve; increase; innovate; inspect; investigate; observe; organize; recommend; reflect; research; resolve; review; streamline; summarize; test

Sample Resume Bullet Points

• Researched global poverty to compile presentations for weekly meetings
• Examined client applications to ascertain eligibility for micro-loans
• Organized Honors Speaker Series which incorporates involvement of Honors College alumni and local business representatives
• Analyzed monthly analytical reports, identified areas for improvement and made recommendations based on findings

For additional resume assistance, visit the Career Center's Resumes page or schedule an appointment. 

Interview Questions

Be prepared to answer common critical thinking and problem solving interview questions including:

• Describe a time when you had to make a decision with incomplete information. What did you do?
• Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion to improve the work in an organization or company.
• Tell me about a time when you were particularly effective at prioritizing tasks and completing a project on schedule. 
• Describe a time when you came up with an innovative or creative solution to a problem.
• Describe a situation where you had many alternatives to consider. How did you choose one? 
• Tell me about a time when you had to analyze information and make a recommendation. What was your thought process and how did you support your recommendation? 
• Describe a time when you were caught off guard by an unforeseen problem or obstacle.