Differences between Analytical and Critical Thinking
People often assume that analytical and critical thinking are one in the same. However, they are two different modes of thinking.
Definitions:
Analytical thinking is the mental process of breaking down complex information or comprehensive data into fundamental parts or basic principles.
Critical thinking is the mental process of carefully evaluating information and determining how to interpret it to make a sound judgment.
Differences between Analytical and Critical Thinking
A basic difference between analytical and critical thinking is that analytical thinking involves breaking down complex information into smaller parts, while critical thinking involves taking outside knowledge into account while evaluating information.
Key Differences
- Analytical thinking is about evaluating and breaking down the information.
- Critical thinking is about making a holistic judgment using various sources of information including a person’s own existing knowledge.
- Analytical thinking is more linear and step-by-step breakdown of information.
- Critical thinking is more holistic as it seeks to assess, question, verify, infer, and interpret information to formulate a judgment.
- Analytical thinking uses facts within the information gathered to support a conclusion.
- Critical thinking makes a judgment based on opinion formed by evaluating various sources of information including a person’s own knowledge and experiences.
- Analytical thinking focusing on logically breaking information into smaller pieces.
- Critical thinking is about questioning the value and validity of information.
Analytical Thinking is a Part of Critical Thinking
Analytical thinking is part of the critical thinking process. When you have a complex problem to solve, you would want to use your analytical skills before your critical thinking skills. Critical thinking starts by breaking down information into parts and analyzing the parts in a logical, step-by-step manner. However, it also involves taking other information, experiences, and knowledge to make a judgment or formulate innovative solutions.
