Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Assignment Example

This assignment explores critical thinking and problem-solving through personal examples of decision-making. The student provides two scenarios: one involving a smoking habit and the other concerning a friendship with a negative influence. The assignment identifies patterns of irrational and unethical decision-making, such as egocentrism and self-interest, and analyzes the characteristics involved. It then outlines keys to sound decision-making that could have been applied to approach the situations more rationally, including recognizing the impact of choices and logically evaluating alternatives. The student reflects on how these keys could have led to better outcomes, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and evaluating influences.

Running head: CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
1
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Name
Institution

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING 2
Personal examples Pattern(s) characteristics Keys to Sound Decision-
Making
Provide two personal
examples where you acted
in accordance with one or
more of the patterns of
irrational or unethical
decision-making.
Identify which
pattern(s) of
irrational or unethical
decision-making
applies to your
situations
Identify any
characteristics of
egocentrism or socio-
centrism, as well as
any pathological
tendencies of mind,
involved in your
thought process.
Share how you could have
applied the keys to sound
decision-making to approach
the situation more rationally.
I had been smoking for 36
years and this was
adversely affecting my
health. My wife walked
out of our marriage citing
my smoking habit as the
reason for departing our 20
years marriage. Despite the
doctors’ warning against
my smoking habit, I
continued to smoke. I did
not understand why I could
not stop smoking. I kept
thinking contrary to the
reality of the risks that
faced me. I did very little to
change my way of life
despite it destroying my
health.
A decision taken by a
person not to engage
in activities that
contributes to his or
her long term
welfare.
Characteristics of
egocentrism
includes; selfish-
lacking consideration
for others; where the
person is mainly
concerned with their
personal pleasure.
Self-interested- this
where one is
motivated by their
own personal
interest.
self-assertive-the act
of pushing forward
one’s own opinion
The key decision making in
this situation would have
been; recognizing that I face
a significant decision. This
would have helped assess the
risk of smoking and quitting
it immediately.
If this key decision making is
properly used then it will
greatly be effective in helping
me to stop my habit since I
am left with no choice. The
key decision helps me
acknowledge the problem am
facing.
Brian had been my friend
for quite long; he always
encouraged me to take
marijuana despite this
being against my
principles. I still kept him
as a friend yet I knew that
he was a bad influence in
my life. He would
frequently visit with roll of
bang but I still tolerated
him despite knowing that
this could get me arrested.
Actually he did very little
to contribute positively in
my life, all he concentrated
on was how it felt high to
take bhang. He always tried
to convince me into drug
abuse. He is a friend I
should have got rid of but I
The decision to
associate with people
who encourage the
person to act against
his or her own
welfare or the
welfare of others.
Pathological
tendencies of mind-
A tendency to
assume the
superiority or
rightness of a
person’s own social
group.
The key decision that I would
utilise in this situation would
be logically evaluating the
alternatives. This will help
me in choosing better friends
who will not impact on my
life negatively. This key
decision making encourages
me to been keen when
choosing friends so as to
avoid ending up with friends
who brings bad influence in
people’s life. Therefore, if the
key decision is properly
utilised then getting rid of
unnecessary would be much
easier. My reasoning shall
have improved greatly.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING 3
still decided to keep him as
a friend.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING 4