Shayla Selon
[Link]
CMSD 3070
21 January 2024
Reading Chapter 1
1. What are the some of the potential problems with relying on experts? Do you believe
this means we should never trust experts? Explain why you think so.
a. One of the potential problems of relying on experts is that some of the
information they give can be very contradicting. For example, many doctors
believe that you should not stay in the sun very long however if you don't receive
enough sun like you can also get very sick from certain diseases. I don't think this
means that we should never trust experts I think that we should just listen to
what they say but also do our own research to make up a decision of what
should be done.
2. Browne and Keeley describe the differences between weak-sense and strong-sense
critical thinkers? What are those differences? Which one of these two types of critical
thinkers would be most relevant to being a helping professional and why do you think
so?
a. Weeks since critical thinkers use critical thinking to prove that their own opinions
is right. Strong sense critical thinkers require that the knowledge that they gained
could be used to contradict their own opinions and use that to then come up
with new ideas. I think people in the helping profession should be more of a
strong sense critical thinker because you should always be open to receiving new
information and using that to better help your client or your patient.
3. According to Browne and Keeley, values shape our conclusions. What are the key
components of their definition of “values” in this context?
a. Some of the key components in their definition of values is that they are often
unstated ideas, and I know that people and that they measure the quality of
human behavior.
4. Browne and Keeley asked you to write a list of your own values. Write a list for
yourself, if you like. However, I’d like you to write a second list as well. Using their
definition – see “Attention” on p. 9 – write a list of values that you think would be
important for you as a helping professional?
a. Being compassionate of someone's emotions.
b. Human decency
c. Humility
d. Responsibility
e. Awareness
5. What are the four primary values of a critical thinker? Select one of the four and
describe why you believe this one might be an important value as a helping
professional who is a critical thinker.
a. The key primary values include autonomy, humility, curiosity, and respect. I think
respect is the most important because how are you able to best help someone if
you do not respect them. I do believe that respect needs to be earned if you
want respect, you should give it back. I also think that curiosity is very important
as well because if you ask a lot of questions and you want to get to the bottom of
the issue, you're showing your patient/client that you care.
6. Browne and Keeley mention that when you engage in critical thinking, some people
may not welcome your questioning attitude. How do you feel when someone
questions views that you hold strongly?
a. If I'm being honest, I do feel guarded and I feel as though they don't believe what
I'm saying is true. Yeah, however I often stop and think that they just want more
information, and they are curious. There's nothing wrong with asking some more
questions if you do it in a respectful manner.
7. Then Browne and Keeley suggest some strategies to “keep the conversation going.”
Have you ever used any of these strategies? How well did they work? If you haven’t
used them, which one do you think would be worthwhile strategies to consider using?
a. The one strategy that I have used before is when I would ask someone to clarify
their understanding. I may ask question “Did I hear you say?”, or “I recall hearing
you mention?”. Recalling back to the conversation I do believe that it was
effective because I gained clarity of what they were trying to say, and they added
more information. They also gave more examples and more evidence as to why
they believe that and I either argued or agreed.