The power of eight

Want to start thinking critically, here are some questions to ask when you discover or are given new information. These are broad and versatile questions that can be used in any situation. We may or may not like the answers we hear, and we need to be aware of the biases of the person/source that gives us the information. Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions were drilled into me when I worked as a reporter when I first went to university. The questions stayed with me throughout my working career and helped me understand new situations and helped me at times navigate interesting challenges. All questions in each category do not need to be asked, but all should be considered.

Who:

1.     Benefits from this?

2.     Is this harmful to?

3.     Makes decisions about this?

4.     Is most directly affected?

5.     Have you also heard discuss this?

6.     Would be the best person to consult?

7.     Will be the key people in this?

8.     Deserves recognition for this?

What

1.     Are the strengths and weaknesses?

2.     Is another perspective?

3.     Is another alternative?

4.     Would be counterargument?

5.     Is the best/worst scenario?

6.     Is the most/lest important?

7.     Can we do to make a positive change?

8.     Is getting in the way of our actions?

Where

1.     Would we see this in the real world?

2.     Are there similar concepts/situations?

3.     Is there the most need for this?

4.     In the world would this be a problem?

5.     Can we get more information?

6.     Do we go for help with this?

7.     Will this idea take us?

8.     Are the areas for improvement

When

1.     Is this acceptable/unacceptable?

2.     Would this benefit our society?

3.     Would this cause a problem?

4.     Is the best time to act?

5.     Will we know we have succeeded?

6.     Has this played a part in our history?

7.     Can we expect this to change?

8.     Should we ask for help with this?

Why

1.     Is this a problem/challenge?

2.     Is it relevant to me/others?

3.     Is this the best/worst scenario?

4.     Are people influenced by this?

5.     Should people know about this?

6.     Has ti been this way for so long?

7.     Have we allowed this to happen?

8.     Is there a need for this today?

How

1.     Is this similar to _____?

2.     Does this disrupt things?

3.     Do we know the truth about this?

4.     Will we approach this safely?

5.     Does this benefit us/others?

6.     Does this harm us/others

7.     Do we see this in the future?

8.     Can we change this for our good?