48 questions for critical thinking

Identify the problem

You have a preliminary idea about the problem. Start with a general description of the problem, trying to remain as factual as possible. It would be ideal if you could support everything you describe with documentation. Often this is lacking, but the more factual you can be in your description, the better.

Gather information

Use the who-, what-, where-, when-, why- or how-questions from the PDF below to collect more in-depth information. Again, try to remain as factual as possible. This means choosing individual interviews or work sessions. Document as much as possible in meeting reports.

Analyze the information

Process the answers to identify patterns, causes, and possible solutions. Use analytical models to get an overview. Think, for example, of causal diagrams, Ishikawa diagrams, or interrelationship diagrams.

Verify your findings

It is a major challenge to remain objective, as you are influenced by your own frame of reference. Always check your findings with your stakeholders.

WHO

1. Who is affected by this issue?
2. Who faces the biggest consequences?
3. Who holds the power in this situation?
4. Who might see this differently?
5. Who are the key stakeholders involved?
6. Who benefits from this outcome?
7. Who else should be consulted?
8. Who can provide more information?

WHAT

1. What is the issue at hand?
2. What are the main arguments?
3. What is the evidence?
4. What assumptions are being made?
5. What are the potential consequences?
6. What alternatives exist?
7. What are the risks of each alternative?
8. What steps can be taken next?

WHERE

1. Where did this first became an issue?
2. Where is the problem most evident?
3. Where can we find supporting data?
4. Where have solutions worked before?
5. Where are resources most needed?
6. Where are potential obstacles located?
7. Where can we implement solutions first?
8. Where should we monitor the outcomes?

WHEN

1. When did this issue first emerge?
2. When do the effect typically appear?
3. When was the data last collected?
4. When is the best time to act?
5. When have solutions been attempted?
6. When is the deadline for action?
7. When should we expect to see results?
8. When will we review progress?

WHY

1. Why is the issue significant?
2. Why did this arise in the first place?
3. Why are certain solutions preferred?
4. Why might opinions differ?
5. why has this not been addressed sooner?
6. Why are some more affected than others?
7. Why is immediate action necessary?
8. Why should we revisit it in the future?

HOW

1. How did this issue start?
2. How does this impact different groups?
3. How can we gather more data?
4. How have others tackled similar issues?
5. How will we implement the solution?
6. How will we measure success?
7. How should we communicate changes?
8. How often should we reassess?

On 23 July 2024   /   Miscellaneous