Model "Conveyer" in critical thinking

Main thing

The "Automated Conveyor" mental model in critical thinking is a mental representation of critical thinking as a process where we analyze and sort inputs, then perform operations on them, and produce outputs. The quality of inputs is key for this process.

The model views critical thinking as a step-by-step process, like items moving along a conveyor belt.

Steps in the model:

1. Input information and data - Gather raw materials for critical thinking, such as facts, observations, and ideas.

2. Sort inputs to find relevant pieces - Filter out irrelevant or low-quality information to focus on the most important data.

3. Assemble relevant inputs into a structure - Organize the selected information into a logical framework or pattern.

4. Analyze the assembled information - Examine the structured data to identify trends, relationships, and implications.

5. Output conclusions and solutions - Produce final critical thinking deliverables, such as decisions, recommendations, or plans.

Variables in the model:

• Quality of input information

• Efficiency of sorting and filtering

• Logical coherence of information structure

• Depth and thoroughness of analysis

• Clarity and practicality of outputs

Examples of the model in critical thinking:

1. A student writing a research paper gathers a wide range of sources (input), discards low-quality or irrelevant ones (sort), organizes the remaining sources by subtopic (assemble), synthesizes the information to develop original insights (analyze), and articulates a clear thesis statement and supporting arguments (output).

2. A doctor diagnosing a patient collects symptom data and test results (input), rules out unlikely conditions (sort), develops a differential diagnosis list (assemble), weighs each possibility based on evidence (analyze), and reaches a final diagnosis and treatment plan (output).

3. A team leader planning a project solicits input from team members (input), prioritizes the most important and feasible ideas (sort), groups them into workstreams and milestones (assemble), evaluates the resource requirements and risks of each component (analyze), and creates a comprehensive project roadmap (output).

4. A policymaker crafting legislation reads research studies and constituent opinions (input), sets aside anecdotal and unscientific evidence (sort), categorizes the remaining data by policy objective (assemble), assesses the potential impact and unintended consequences of each approach (analyze), and drafts a bill proposal (output).

5. An entrepreneur validating a business idea collects market research and customer feedback (input), ignores outliers and vanity metrics (sort), looks for patterns and trends in the data (assemble), performs a cost-benefit analysis on the idea (analyze), and decides whether to pivot or persevere with the concept (output).

Terms

• Critical thinking - the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. The "Automated Conveyor" model breaks critical thinking down into a series of linear steps to produce a final decision or solution.

• Mental model - a representation of how something works in the real world. The "Automated Conveyor" is a mental model that uses the analogy of a factory conveyor belt to illustrate how critical thinking should systematically process information.

• Premise - a statement or concept used as the basis for an argument. Like the raw materials input into the conveyor.

• Inference - the process of reaching a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. Occurs as information moves through the conveyor's stages.

• Deductive reasoning - reaching a specific conclusion based on general premises. Like a reversed conveyor, starting with the finished product and tracing back to the raw materials.

• Inductive reasoning - forming a general conclusion from specific evidence. Information flows forward through the conveyor to produce the output.

An analogy

Using the Automated Conveyor model for critical thinking is like a chef preparing a dish - selecting quality ingredients, systematically prepping and combining them, adjusting the recipe through trial and error, and presenting a well-crafted final dish.

A main misconception

Many people think critical thinking means quickly jumping to a conclusion from available information. But proper critical thinking, like a conveyor belt, requires systematically processing information through defined stages, not skipping steps.

Cases how to use it right now

1. Break down a complex work problem into steps, analyze each part, and methodically build a solution.

2. Gather data about an issue, discard irrelevant facts, find key insights, and logically deduce the cause.

3. Research a major purchase, filter out biased information, compare options, and arrive at the most rational choice.

4. Troubleshoot a challenge by listing known information, identifying gaps, finding missing data, and reasoning out the likeliest solution.

5. Hear a surprising claim, note your reaction, analyze the claim's source and logic itself, and come to an objective conclusion.

6. Systematically study for an exam by compiling all material, organizing it into topics, reviewing and synthesizing the information, and deducing likely test questions.

7. Investigate a scientific phenomenon by gathering experimental data, controlling for variables, analyzing results, and forming a hypothesis to explain the findings.

8. Evaluate a business opportunity by researching the market, identifying key success factors, analyzing the business model, and methodically weighing pros and cons.

9. Resolve an interpersonal conflict by collecting facts from all sides, filtering out emotions, identifying objective points of disagreement, and logically negotiating a compromise.

10. Make a major life decision like a career change by listing goals, gathering relevant information, evaluating options, and rationally choosing the best path.

Interesting facts

• Systematic thinking processes lead to higher quality decisions than unstructured approaches.

• The conveyor belt revolutionized manufacturing by increasing production efficiency up to 90%.

• Many critical thinking methods like the scientific method follow a linear, step-by-step process.

• The brain tends to take mental shortcuts, so following a "conveyor belt" model requires conscious effort.

• Using a systematic thinking process helps overcome cognitive biases and logical fallacies.