INTRODUCTION TO

CRITICAL THINKING

January 2024
 Reasoning and CT
Reasoning: Amoreti (2013) defined, “reasoning is a
process of thinking during which the individual is aware of
a problem identifies, evaluates, and decides upon a
solution”. Reasoning is used not only when we want to
solve an immediate problem but also when we anticipate
future problem 1. The ability to reason is an important
critical thinking skill 2. The ability to reason is also known
as controlled thinking
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.What is Logical Reasoning?

Logical reasoning is a system of

forming conclusions based on a set
of premises or information.
Commonly, logical reasoning is
broken down into two major types
called deductive and inductive
reasoning.
 Why is logical reasoning important?
According to Mercier (2017) logical
reasoning, in combination with other
cognitive skills, is an important skill you
use during all kinds of daily situations.
It helps you make important decisions,
discern the truth, solve problems, come
up with new ideas and set achievable
goals. Logical reasoning is also an
important aspect of measuring
intelligence during an IQ-test (p.18).
 4 LOGICAL REASONINGS
1. Deductive Reasoning:
• Starts with an assumption
• Make observations to refute or
validate the assumption- e.g. MTC
evaluates data received and
confirma that majority of the
particiapants are young. 5
 Deductive reasoning…..

Based on this information MTC decides to

allocate more of the marketing to social
media platforms that targets that group.

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 Inductive reasoning….
2.Inductive reasoning- uses theories and
assumption to validate observations.
Conclusion is not accurate, could be
otherwise.

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 Inductive reasoning cont…..
. E.g.- a pre-primary school teacher struggled to
get the attention of the children. She introduces
a five minute break each day. After a week she
noticed a change in behavior. She permanently
introduces the 5 minute break. (Theory is that the
5 minute break changed the children’s behavior)
(students must provide own examples)

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 3.Verbal reasoning
• The candidate works through concepts
problems expressed in words and numbers .

E.g. The mathematics teacher explains a

mathematical problem using words and
numbers. (students must provide their own
examples)

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 4.Non-verbal reasoning
The candidate uses images or diagrams
to solve a problem.
E.g. When you put different parts of a
picture puzzle together.
(students must provide their own
examples)
.
Student online activity-
students complete online
activity in UNIT 3 and
upload response on
MOODLE student forum.
Thank You!

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