Author of quotes: Diane Halpern

Critical thinking is use of cognitive techniques or strategies that increase the probability of obtaining the desired end result. This definition describes the thinking as something different controllability, validity and determination - this type of thinking is resorted to in solving problems, formulating conclusions, probabilistic assessment and decision-making. Thus, thinking uses the skills that are valid and effective for a particular situation and the type of the problem being solved. Other definitions additionally indicate that critical thinking is characterized by the construction of logical inferences (Simon and Kaplan, 1989), creating coherent logic models (Stahl Stahl, 1991) and decisions relating to, reject any judgment, agree with him or temporarily to defer consideration of the matter (Moore Parker, 1994). All these definitions imply a mental activity which needs to be aimed at solving concrete cognitive tasks.