Are You a Critical Thinker? Characteristic Rating* SD D N A SA 1. I take responsibility for explaining the reasons for my views. 1 2 3 4 5 2. I evaluate claims of effectiveness critically. 1 2 3 4 5 3. I like to discuss controversial issues with people who disagree with me. 1 2 3 4 5 4. I often discover that something I believe is incorrect. 1 2 3 4 5 5. I am grateful to people who point out flaws in my thinking. 1 2 3 4 5 6. It is important to examine the accuracy of claims that affect clients’ lives. 1 2 3 4 5 7. I search for evidence against my assumptions. 1 2 3 4 5 8. It is embarrassing for me to admit that I was wrong or made a mistake. 1 2 3 4 5 9. Changing one’s mind is a sign of weakness. 1 2 3 4 5 10. People do not respect me if they ask me to support claims I make. 1 2 3 4 5 11. Professionals should base their decisions on well-reasoned arguments. 1 2 3 4 5 12. Learning from a discussion is more important to me than winning. 1 2 3 4 5 13. I can spot questionable claims. 1 2 3 4 5 14. I often say, “I could be wrong.” 1 2 3 4 5 15. I take responsibility for evaluating the consequences of actions I propose. 1 2 3 4 5 16. I seek data that support my point of view only. 1 2 3 4 5 17. I take responsibility for clarifying vague statements I make. 1 2 3 4 5 18. I change my mind when I have good reason to do so. 1 2 3 4 5 SD, strongly disagree; D, disagree; N, neutral; A, Agree; SA, strongly agree. Source: Gambrill (2013a, p. 114). See, for example, Paul, R. (1993). Critical thinking. What every person needs to survive in a rapidly changing world (Rev. 2nd Ed.) Santa Rosa, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking, pp. 367-368. http://www.criticalthinking.org.
