Brainstorming Linked to Critical Thinking

Brainstorming linked to Critical Thinking

There are many ways that brainstorming and critical thinking are alike. At the basis of both is the desire to solve a problem. They are both tools that are used to create solutions and encourage curiosity and eagerness (QualiaSoup, 2009). Here is where I believe the similarities start to fall away. 

Brainstorming is, by its nature, a more free-spirited, avant-garde way of looking at a problem. It requires being able to express all thoughts - even the ones that seem illogical or crazy. (Mind Tools, n.d.). Critical thinking is just the opposite as it requires the expression of ideas that can be explained or tested. It requires that we don't just accept thoughts or ideas as possibilities, but rather that we evaluate and identify the false ideas to get us to a better solution (QualiaSoup, 2009). 

A true critical thinker would have a hard time with a brainstorming exercise. They simply can not accept ideas without evaluating them first. A true brainstormer may not be able to follow up on projects or come to a conclusion on the best possible solution to a problem because they do not want to "throw away" any thoughts or ideas.

While the two ways of thinking are different in their approaches, I believe that one does benefit the other. It is important to sometimes take a step back and let the creativity flow. Allow every idea possible to be expressed with no intention of exploration. After this exercise is complete, the critical thinking aspect comes into play. It is then time to assess the ideas that have been presented and critically evaluate them - not based on bias. 

So in the most fundamental way, brainstorming is linked to critical thinking. They are both tools used to solve problems. And while the similarities may stop there, the linkage does not, as one tool leads into the use of the other.

References:

Mind Tools. (n.d.). Brainstorming. Generating many radical, creative ideas. Retrieved
      from https://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html

QualiaSoup. (2009, December 24). Critical thinking [Video file]. Retrieved from
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OLPL5p0fMg

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