What are the best critical thinking models?

1 The RED Model

The RED model is a simple and practical critical thinking model that stands for Recognize Assumptions, Evaluate Arguments, and Draw Conclusions. It helps you to identify the underlying beliefs and assumptions that influence your thinking, to assess the quality and relevance of the evidence and reasoning that support your arguments, and to reach logical and coherent conclusions based on the available information. The RED model can help you to avoid bias, confusion, and errors in your thinking, and to communicate your ideas more clearly and persuasively.

2 The Facione Model

The Facione model is a comprehensive and holistic critical thinking model that identifies six core cognitive skills that are essential for critical thinking. They are Interpretation, Analysis, Evaluation, Inference, Explanation, and Self-Regulation. Each skill involves different mental abilities and processes that enable you to understand, examine, judge, infer, explain, and monitor your own thinking. The Facione model can help you to develop a well-rounded and flexible approach to critical thinking, and to apply it to various domains and contexts.

3 The Paul-Elder Model

The Paul-Elder model is a philosophical and ethical critical thinking model that focuses on the elements and standards of thought. It proposes that every thought can be analyzed according to eight elements: Purpose, Question, Information, Inference, Concept, Assumption, Implication, and Point of View. It also suggests that every thought can be evaluated according to nine standards: Clarity, Accuracy, Precision, Relevance, Depth, Breadth, Logic, Significance, and Fairness. The Paul-Elder model can help you to think more deeply and critically about your own and others' thinking, and to improve the quality and integrity of your thought.

4 The SOLO Model

The SOLO model is a developmental and educational critical thinking model that describes the levels of complexity and quality of learning outcomes. It stands for Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes, and it consists of five levels: Pre-structural, Uni-structural, Multi-structural, Relational, and Extended Abstract. Each level represents a different degree of understanding, integration, and application of knowledge and skills. The SOLO model can help you to assess your own and others' learning progress, to identify gaps and strengths in your thinking, and to set goals and strategies for improvement.

5 The Toulmin Model

The Toulmin model is a rhetorical and analytical critical thinking model that helps you to construct and evaluate arguments. It consists of six components: Claim, Data, Warrant, Backing, Qualifier, and Rebuttal. Each component plays a different role in supporting or challenging the main point of the argument. The Toulmin model can help you to structure your arguments more logically and persuasively, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your own and others' arguments, and to address potential counterarguments and objections.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?