People who lack critical thinking skills usually display these 7 behaviors (without realizing it)

Critical thinking is a cornerstone of effective parenting and decision-making. But not everyone has honed this essential skill, often leading to behaviors that are less than constructive.

Those who lack critical thinking skills may not even realize the impact of their actions. They continue in their ways, unaware that they’re essentially broadcasting their lack of this vital skill for all to see.

In this article, we’ll take a look at seven common behaviors typically displayed by individuals who lack critical thinking skills, often without them even realizing it.

Recognizing these behaviors can be the first step towards improvement – because after all, the first step to solving a problem is admitting that one exists.

So let’s dive in and shed some light on these often misunderstood behaviors.

1) Following the crowd

You’ve probably heard the phrase “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?” It’s a classic parental response to a child’s plea to conform to peer pressure.

This saying captures the essence of a behavior often displayed by individuals who lack critical thinking skills: they follow the crowd without questioning why.

This behavior isn’t always problematic, especially when the crowd is acting sensibly.

But trouble arises when decisions are made based purely on what others are doing, without any personal analysis or consideration.

People who lack critical thinking skills tend to comfortably sit in the passenger seat of life, allowing others to dictate their actions and choices.

They prefer to follow trends or popular opinion rather than making independent decisions.

The danger here is that this reliance on others can lead to poor decisions, especially when the majority is misinformed or misguided.

After all, just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s right or beneficial.

Understanding this pattern is crucial, as it can help individuals grow out of this habit and begin making decisions based on their own analysis and judgment instead of simply following along with the crowd.

2) Failing to question assumptions

I remember a time when my son was just learning to read.

He’d picked up a book about dinosaurs, and after flipping through the pages, he turned to me and said with absolute certainty, “Mom, did you know that all dinosaurs were green?”

In his young mind, every dinosaur illustration he’d seen had been green, so he’d naturally made the assumption that all dinosaurs must have been green.

I realized it was a teachable moment about not taking everything at face value and the importance of questioning assumptions.

People lacking critical thinking skills often accept information or ideas without questioning or scrutinizing them.

They take things at face value based on their personal experiences or preconceived notions without digging deeper or seeking evidence.

This behavior can lead to misconceptions or even harmful beliefs if unchecked. Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions and seeking diverse sources of information to form a balanced view.

Just like I told my son that day, not everything is as it appears on the surface – and not all dinosaurs were probably green!

3) Over-reliance on emotions

Many people don’t realize that emotions can significantly influence our decision-making process.

In fact, according to a study, our emotions have a substantial impact on our choices, often more than we’d like to admit.

Individuals lacking in critical thinking skills tend to make decisions based purely on their emotions, giving little regard to logical reasoning or evidence.

For example, someone might stick to a belief or course of action simply because it feels right, even if facts and logic suggest otherwise.

While emotions are an essential part of being human and can add depth and meaning to our lives, they should not be the sole factor in decision-making.

Critical thinking requires a balance between emotion and reason, ensuring that decisions are made objectively and rationally.

4) Ignoring alternative perspectives

Alternative perspectives are like windows to a house – they let in light from various angles and allow us to see things more clearly. However, people who lack critical thinking skills often keep these windows shut.

They tend to hold rigidly to their own viewpoints, ignoring or dismissing any alternative perspectives or ideas.

Instead of considering all sides of an argument or situation, they lock onto a single viewpoint and stick with it, even in the face of contrasting evidence.

This kind of tunnel vision can be limiting and may lead to biased decisions or beliefs. Critical thinking involves being open to various perspectives, evaluating each one based on its merits and evidence.

It’s about putting aside personal bias to understand an issue from all angles, leading to more informed and balanced decisions.

5) Neglecting to self-reflect

A few years back, I found myself stuck in a habit of saying “yes” to everything.

Accepting every invitation, taking on too many responsibilities, and ultimately burning out. It was only when a dear friend pointed it out that I realized I was neglecting to self-reflect and evaluate my actions.

People who lack critical thinking skills often miss out on self-reflection.

They make decisions and take actions without pausing to consider their implications or question their motives. They may fail to recognize patterns in their behavior that could be harmful or counterproductive.

Self-reflection is a crucial aspect of critical thinking. It involves regularly taking a step back to assess our choices, behaviors, and beliefs.

By reflecting on our actions and decisions, we can identify areas for improvement, make necessary changes, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.

6) Making hasty decisions

Decisions made in haste often lead to waste. Individuals lacking in critical thinking skills often jump to conclusions without taking the time to thoroughly evaluate a situation or consider its consequences.

This impulsive behavior can lead to poor decision-making, with potential negative outcomes in various aspects of life.

For example, buying a product without researching its features and reviews can result in dissatisfaction and wasted money.

Critical thinking involves taking a step back, slowing down, and thoroughly analyzing a situation before making a decision.

It requires patience and the ability to withhold judgment until all relevant information has been considered.

This thoughtful approach can significantly improve the quality of our decisions and reduce the likelihood of regret or adverse outcomes.

7) Lack of curiosity

Curiosity is the fuel that drives critical thinking. Without it, our desire to learn, explore, and understand dwindles.

Individuals who lack critical thinking skills often display a noticeable lack of curiosity. They accept information as presented without the desire to delve deeper or understand better.

This lack of curiosity can hinder personal growth and development. It stunts intellectual exploration and the ability to fully comprehend complex matters.

In contrast, critical thinkers are inherently curious. They ask questions, seek answers, and strive to understand the world around them.

By nurturing our curiosity, we can enhance our critical thinking skills and foster a lifelong love for learning.

Reflecting on the path forward

Critical thinking is not an innate trait that we’re born with; it’s a skill that we nurture and develop over time.

The behaviors associated with a lack of critical thinking are not a life sentence, but rather indicators of areas ripe for growth and development.

The philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

In essence, this underscores the importance of critical thinking in our lives. It’s about questioning, exploring, understanding, and ultimately growing.

Recognizing these seven behaviors in ourselves or others is not a cause for alarm but an invitation – an invitation to foster curiosity, to question assumptions, to reflect on our actions, and to embrace alternative perspectives.

Ultimately, the journey of enhancing our critical thinking skills is about becoming better decision-makers, more effective problem solvers, and more empathetic individuals.

It’s about leading a more examined and enriched life.