This week the New York Times released a fun new feature that tests your critical thinking skills.
It’s called Test Yourself and so far they’ve posted 4 challenge questions. Here are links to the first 4 questions:
- http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/30/new-feature-test-yourself-critical-thinking/
- http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/test-yourself-critical-thinking-july-31-2012/
- http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/01/test-yourself-critical-thinking-aug-1-2012/
- http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/03/test-yourself-critical-thinking-aug-3-2012/
So, what is the goal here? According to the New York Times:
We want the questions to encourage readers to examine evidence, note rhetorical and stylistic devices, investigate assumptions and claims, understand allusions, make predictions and consider context.
I’m really excited to see how this project evolves. Critical Thinking is a life skill that takes conscious effort and reinforcement. By testing yourself with these critical thinking challenges daily, you give yourself an opportunity to Stop and Think about your natural thinking process.
What do you think? Have you tried the challenge questions yet?
Editor’s Note: Breanne Harris is the Solutions Architect for Pearson TalentLens. She works with customers to design selection and development plans that incorporate critical thinking assessments and training. She has a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and has experience in recruiting, training, and HR consulting. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter for more of her thoughts.
