Critical thinking is associated with various methods and the definition varies. A business student will approach critical thinking differently than a psychology student. The definition has changed a lot over the years; it can be simple and straightforward, such as examining a situation, asking specific questions, and coming to a conclusion. As defined by educator Diane Halpern: “Critical thinking is the use of cognitive skills or strategies that increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. » Critical thinking is used to describe intentional, reasoned, goal-directed thinking – the type of thinking involved in solving problems, forming inferences, calculating probabilities, and making decisions. Critical thinking also involves evaluating the thought process – the reasoning and factors considered before making a decision. Critical thinking is sometimes called directed thinking because it focuses on a desired outcome (Petress, 2004, p. 463). People are not born critical thinkers and do not inherit critical thinking skills; critical thinking is something that emerges as they evolve. Critical thinking skills are problem-solving skills that seem to go deeper, examining the ins and outs of a certain situation. We are always processing information and debating certain situations, this is part of the critical thinking process. Critical thinking consists of processes and actions:1. Analyze tasks2. Identify hypotheses3. Analyze and classify4. Make comparisons5. Troubleshooting6. Analyze tasks7. Question and challenge ideas8. Observe the facts, compare them...... middle of article...... 2009, from http://www.pearson.ch/Business/Management.comReferencesPaul, R. & Elder, L. ( 2004). Critical Thinking: Nine Strategies for Everyday Living, Part I.Journal of Developmental Education, 24(1), 40-41. Retrieved January 28, 2009 from ProQuest database. Pearl, S. (2004). Critical thinking and technical systems. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, 41(2), 26-27. Retrieved February 4, 2009 from ProQuest database. Petress, K. (2004). Critical thinking: an expanded definition, pp. 461-466. Retrieved February 5, 2009 from EBSCOhost database. Rudd, R. (2007). Define critical thinking. Techniques: Connecting Education and Careers, pp. 46-49. Retrieved February 5, 2009 from EBSCOhost database. Schafersman, SD January 1991: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. http://www.freeinquiry.com/critical-thinking.html