Critical thinking exploration

“Not falling back on what you know” is a phrase that is used to educate researchers on ways of avoiding the common mistakes that are done during a specific research exercises. For instance, a frequent mistake of falling back on issues that are already known is when an individual assumes that a certain aspect in one discipline can be applied directly to a different discipline. A researcher should learn to identify the elements that are applicable in every case and be ready to respond to questions, objections, alternatives and opinions of other people (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, p. 119). This phrase is also important in enabling the researchers to define, analyze, and frame an issue to ensure that prior knowledge does not blur his mind when doing the analysis. Although prior knowledge is critical in providing background information, falling back on what is already known can inhibit the continuous learning process.

I would utilize critical thinking resources at the university to find solutions when I am faced with differing ideas. Scholars say that new ideologies and differing opinions may integrate and ultimately affect the critical thinking skills and abilities of an individual (Gardner & Barefoot 51). Therefore, it is crucial to allow the mindset to remain open, especially when analyzing a subject whose background is also known. I would also use the resources to analyze all the solutions and decide which one best applies to a certain conditions. Studies have shown that solutions to certain challenges may differ due to differing environmental conditions (Marzano 38). It is therefore important to explore a wide range of factors that may motivate a variable to behave in a certain way when exposed to varying conditions.