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Nowadays, we're constantly flooded with information. So, learning how to think—not just react—has never been more important. And that's where critical thinking comes in. It's an invaluable ability for anyone who wants to make better decisions, solve problems creatively, and effectively address real-life situations with clarity. The best part is that you can train your creative skills!

Therefore, whether you're a student, an entrepreneur, a team leader, or just someone who wants to stop second-guessing themselves, you'll probably enjoy the 15 critical thinking exercises listed below (they're backed both by psychology and neuroscience!). But first, let's see why critical thinking is so important!

Key Takeaways

• Critical thinking is a trainable skill. It's not just about being smart—it's about being reflective, analytical, and open-minded.

• Your prefrontal cortex is the MVP. This part of your brain is responsible for logic, planning, and decision-making. Tools like the Mendi neurofeedback headband help strengthen it directly.

• There’s a perfect critical thinking exercise for every thinking style—from the analytical (Argument Mapping, The Five Whys) to the creative (Reverse Brainstorming, Lateral Thinking Puzzles).

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking means looking at facts and information in a clear, unbiased way to make decisions or form opinions. When you think critically, you:

• Collect and analyze data logically.

• Question ideas and assumptions.

• Consider all variables.

• Make decisions based on logic and evidence.

At its core, critical thinking is about seeing a problem from various perspectives and making choices based on facts instead of opinions and guesses.

Critical thinking is largely dependent on reflective thinking. This is part of the critical thinking process and refers to analyzing and making judgments about a situation. John Dewey, a well-known educator and philosopher, emphasized how important reflective thinking is in learning and growing.

Benefits of Strong Critical Thinking Skills

Developing this skill leads to numerous positive outcomes. Being able to think critically can help you:

• Break complex problems into smaller, manageable ones

• Come up with creative solutions

• Evaluate arguments fairly

• Lead projects and make smart decisions

• Work well with team members

• Build a strong, reliable workforce

• Adapt quickly to change

• Solve problems faster

It is also worth noting that people who think critically find it much easier to recognize their own biases. And if they are aware of how emotions and opinions can affect judgment, they are more likely to stay objective, reach balanced conclusions, and handle disagreements without getting defensive. Undoubtedly, this benefits both their personal and professional environments.

Did you know that three out of four employers want colleges to focus more on developing students' critical thinking abilities? The thing is that critical thinking skills are the foundation of other extremely important abilities that can help you advance your career and foster healthy relationships with other people. It serves as the foundation for problem-solving skills, adaptability in various situations, analytical thinking, and greater self-awareness.

However, strong critical skills don't develop overnight. Like any other ability, it takes time to improve them. And once you build strong critical thinking, it is just as important to maintain it through various exercises. So, if this is your goal, we've found 15 critical thinking exercises you may want to try!

Top 15 Critical Thinking Exercises

Ready to train your brain? These 15 critical thinking exercises are the best if you want to pave your way toward out-of-the box thinking. They will challenge you to see things from different viewpoints, think deeply, question what you know, and come up with smarter, more innovative ways to solve problems.

So, what are we waiting for? Let's get down to business!

Exercise #1: Socratic Questioning

Socratic questioning is a powerful critical thinking exercise. As you've already guessed, it is named after Socrates, who believed that thoughtful questioning offers the scholar/student the possibility to examine ideas and then determine how valid those ideas are. This way, you develop the ability to acknowledge contradictions, explore complex ideas, uncover assumptions, and distinguish between what you know from what you don't know.

How it works:

1. Ask a main question about an issue or idea.

2. Follow up with related questions that dig deeper.

3. Keep challenging assumptions, ideas, and logic.

Example questions to try:

• What is the evidence for this?

• Could there be another explanation?

• What’s a strong argument against this idea?

It's important to distinguish Socratic questioning from questioning per se. Socratic questioning is a systematic and disciplined activity that focuses on fundamental concepts, theories, and principles. For example, you can use Socratic questioning to understand your behaviors and assumptions.

Exercise #2: The Five Whys

The five whys is a technique used to encourage deeper thinking and explore cause-and-effect relationships in regard to a particular issue. It is incredibly useful in determining the root cause of a problem or a thinking pattern. It implies simply asking why five times, each time directing the question to the answer that clarified the previous why. It's also a great way to solve puzzles by tracing them back to their origin.

How it works:

1. Identify a problem you want to solve.

2. Ask Why did this happen?.

3. For each answer, ask why again.

4. Continue until you reach the core issue (usually around the fifth why).

Example:

• Why is Alex feeling distant lately? Because he hasn't been communicating as much.

• Why hasn't he been communicating? Because he seems stressed or preoccupied.

• Why is he stressed? Maybe something is happening at work or in his personal life.

• Why is that affecting our relationship? Because he hasn't shared it openly.

• Why not? Perhaps he fears being judged or misunderstood.

This technique works because it encourages critical thinking and helps you avoid assumptions. Instead, it guides you towards tracing the chain of causality, helping you make connections between different events. It also helps you understand that, sometimes, solving the immediate problem does not solve the root cause, which will lead to the immediate problem reoccurring in the future.

Exercise #3: Neurofeedback with Mendi

Mendi is a neurofeedback headband that helps you train your brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for high-level thinking, decision-making, and self-regulation. By measuring your brain activity in real-time and providing immediate feedback, Mendi helps you strengthen the mental muscles that power critical thinking skills.

How it works:

1. Wear the Mendi headband and open the Mendi app.

2. Play an interactive game where your brain controls the activity.

3. The more focused and calm you are, the better your brain performs in real-time.

4. Over time, you build stronger control over attention, clarity, and cognitive function.

Why the prefrontal cortex matters:

• It manages executive functions—like planning, reasoning, impulse control, and problem-solving.

• It’s the hub for logical and critical thinking, decision-making, and evaluating complex ideas.

• Strengthening this area boosts your ability to stay focused, analyze information, and make thoughtful choices—core elements of critical thinking processes.

Why it works:

• Backed by neuroscience, Mendi directly trains the brain areas most responsible for rational thought, serving as a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills.

• It's non-invasive, easy to use, and effective in just a few minutes a day.

• It uses state-of-the-art technology that is widely used in research settings, except that Mendi brings it straight to your home!

Exercise #4: Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual representation of your thoughts. It helps you see how ideas connect, spot gaps in your thinking, and explore creative solutions. It's particularly useful for visual learners but also for those who need clarity in difficult situations—after all, keeping our thoughts in our heads can sometimes be detrimental to the outcome.

Steps to create a mind map:

1. Write the main idea in the center of a blank page.

2. Add branches for related topics.

3. Keep branching out as new ideas come up.

Why it works:

• It makes complex topics easier to understand.

• It encourages brainstorming and creativity.

• It helps you remember and organize information better.

This method can be incredibly useful when you're trying to make a decision, planning for a project, studying for exams, outlining a presentation, or even picking your long-term goals!

Exercise #5: Reverse Brainstorming

Reverse Brainstorming is a method where you have to generate ideas to make a problem worse. Sounds a bit counterintuitive, right? How can this help with your critical thinking skills? And, ultimately, how can it make things better? Well, the thing is that after finding ideas on how to make things work, you need to reverse those ideas to find solutions. This twist can help you see things from a fresh perspective and unlock new insights.

How it works:

1. State the problem clearly.

2. Ask: How could we make this worse?

3. List all the negative ideas.

4. Flip those ideas into solutions.

Example:

• Problem: low customer satisfaction.

• Make it worse: ignore complaints and give slow responses.

• Flip it: respond quickly and actively seek feedback.

This method helps reveal hidden risks (if any!), encourages out-of-the-box thinking, and turns negatives into helpful ideas.

Exercise #6: Role-Playing Scenarios

Role-playing is an excellent critical thinking exercise. It helps you explore different scenarios by acting out situations. This critical thinking exercise helps you develop critical thinking skills, train your ability to communicate clearly, react quickly in different situations, and challenge your assumptions. Naturally, this activity is best done in teams, but you can also try this exercise as a visualization activity where you imagine a specific scenario and the role of different participants in it.

How to set it up:

1. Choose a scenario (e.g., resolving a workplace conflict).

2. Assign roles to participants.

3. Act it out, then reflect on what happened.

What to focus on:

• Communication styles

• Problem-solving approaches

• Emotional responses and teamwork

Exercise #7: The Six Thinking Hats

The Six Thinking Hats is one of the best critical thinking games because it's highly creative! This method implies using six imaginary hats to look at problems from different points of view, highlighting the importance of considering multiple perspectives. Each hat represents a different type of thinking:

• White Hat: Focus on facts and data

• Red Hat: Look at feelings and intuition

• Black Hat: Be cautious and look for risks

• Yellow Hat: Be optimistic and look for benefits

• Green Hat: Think creatively and look for alternatives

• Blue Hat: Manage the thinking process and see the bigger picture

This activity can be done in groups or by yourself. Here's how to practice it:

1. Choose a situation or decision you're struggling with (e.g., a friend becoming distant).

2. Write a brief description of the issue.

3. Go one hat at a time:

• Start with the Blue Hat to identify your goal.

• Put on the White Hat and list all the facts you know about the situation you're debating.

• With the Green Hat, come up with different perspectives or out-of-the-box ideas.

• Then, wear the Yellow Hat and explore any positives or upsides.

• Switch to the Red Hat and note your feelings and gut reactions.

• Move to the Black Hat and consider all the possible risks or downsides.

• Finally, use the Blue Hat again to review what you've uncovered and summarize your next steps.

      4. Reflect: Did any new insights emerge? Did this exercise change how you view the issue?

If you're doing this by yourself, you can journal about it. It will be easier if you put all your thoughts on paper. This method can be incredibly helpful in solving complex problems. It can also help you develop higher-order thinking skills.

Exercise #8: Argument Mapping

Argument mapping is a critical thinking exercise that helps you break down arguments into clear, logical parts. It allows you to evaluate their validity and strength, as well as spot flaws in reasoning. This technique can be useful in both professional and personal settings.

An argument map has a pyramidal form, and the main argument is at the top. Under it, you need to add the supporting arguments. Then, you can complete your map with objections to the supporting arguments.

How to create an argument map:

1. Identify the main conclusion. This is the central claim or thesis you are evaluating or making. Write it at the top or center of your map. E.g., I should drink less coffee.

2. List supporting reasons. Add the key reasons that justify or back up the conclusion. Connect them directly to the conclusion with arrows or lines. E.g., Coffee makes me jittery and increases my heart rate.

3. Attach evidence. For each reason, include specific evidence such as data, examples, or quotes that support it. Link these underneath or beside the corresponding reason.

4. Include counterarguments. Identify objections or alternative perspectives that challenge the conclusion or supporting reasons. Place these in a contrasting color or on a different branch of the map. E.g., Coffee has numerous health benefits that make it a great addition to your diet.

5. Respond to counterarguments. Add rebuttals to these opposing views to strengthen your original argument.

6. Review logical flow. Make sure the map flows logically, and all parts are visibly connected. Check for assumptions or weak links that might need clarification.

Exercise #9: Inversion Technique

The Inversion Technique is a critical thinking exercise that involves considering what you want to achieve but in reverse. This will help you plan better and be prepared for different outcomes, as well as avoid errors. So, instead of focusing on success, you imagine failure and how to avoid it.

How it works:

1. Ask: What could cause this to fail?

2. Make a list of risks or errors.

3. Create strategies to prevent them.

This can also be an excellent team-building activity, where teams work together to find risks in ideas that could improve workflow.

However, keep in mind that this activity may cause people to feel nervous despite knowing that this is only an exercise. If you have anxiety or any other mental health condition that makes you prone to negative thought patterns, it's best to avoid this exercise.

Exercise #10: Opinion vs. Fact

When you are able to tell the difference between facts and opinions, you're already thinking critically. In everyday decision-making, this can lead you closer to the truth!

An opinion is a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty. On the other hand, a fact is a statement that can be proven true or false through evidence and logical reasoning. Therefore, the ability to distinguish between these two is the key to making correct decisions and challenging any assumptions.

How to practice this critical thinking exercise:

1. Think of a problem that bothers you. For example, you're worried that one of your friends is mad at you because you couldn't help them when they asked.

2. Try to understand if this is a fact (can be proven) or an opinion (a belief). Do so by listing all possible evidence that may indicate your worry is rooted in a fact or your opinion.

Naturally, this exercise can be a great team-building activity revolving around professional topics that require employees to rely less on emotional bias and more on objective thinking and critical analysis.

Exercise #11: Tower of Hanoi

The Tower of Hanoi is a mathematical puzzle that involves moving disks between pegs according to specific rules. The goal is to transfer all the disks from the starting peg to the target peg. This exercise helps develop problem-solving, creative thinking, planning, and strategic thinking skills.

Rules:

• Only move one disk at a time.

• A larger disk can't go on top of a smaller one.

The difficulty of the exercise can be adjusted by adding more disks or pegs, making it suitable for individuals of different skill levels.

Exercise #12: Devil's Advocate

Playing the devil’s advocate means arguing against your own viewpoint—or someone else’s—to test the strength of the argument, identify biases, and see things from multiple perspectives.

How it works:

1. Take a belief or decision you agree with.

2. Argue the opposite side as convincingly as possible.

3. Look for weak points, assumptions, or missing evidence.

Example: You believe remote work boosts productivity. Argue that it actually reduces collaboration and causes distractions. What’s the evidence? Where are the weak spots?

This activity improves critical thinking skills, exposes blind spots, sharpens your debate and persuasion skills, and strengthens confidence in your conclusions. You can try this activity before making big decisions, during debates, or while writing persuasive content.

Exercise #13: Lateral Thinking Puzzles

Lateral thinking puzzles are logic puzzles that push you to think in non-traditional ways. They often involve strange scenarios that seem unsolvable at first but have logical explanations.

How to try it:

1. Read a short puzzle scenario aloud.

2. Ask yes/no questions to uncover more info.

3. Use imagination and logic to solve it.

Example puzzle: A man walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water. The bartender points a gun at him. The man says “Thank you” and leaves. Why?

(Solution: He had hiccups; the gun scared him, curing him.)

Exercise #14: Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas are situations with no clear “right” answer. Thinking through them helps you examine values, consequences, and competing priorities.

How to do it:

1. Present a moral conflict (real or fictional).

2. Discuss what each choice would involve.

3. Explore the pros, cons, and long-term effects.

Example: Would you lie to protect a friend’s secret if it meant someone else might get hurt?

This activity helps develop moral reasoning, encourages empathy, and enhances decision-making under pressure.

Exercise #15: Critical Reading

Critical reading means actively analyzing a text, not just absorbing it. This activity is also called active reading, and here's how you can practice it:

1. Read an article, essay, or news story.

2. Underline key claims, assumptions, and conclusions.

3. Make annotations to summarize points and raise questions.

4. Ask: What’s the author’s purpose? Are there biases? Is the argument well-supported?

5. After reading for half an hour, test yourself by writing down the key points from memory and then return to the text to fill in any gaps.

6. Explain what you've read to someone else.

This critical thinking exercise doesn't only make you a better critical thinker. It also strengthens your cognitive abilities and allows you to have a better understanding of the text and the subject it describes.

Bonus: Real-Life Activities to Boost Critical Thinking Skills

While structured critical thinking exercises are fantastic, real-life interactive experiences can also be incredibly effective in strengthening your critical thinking skills. Here's what you can try:

• Escape Rooms, where you have to solve puzzles, find clues, and unlock doors, all within a time limit

• Murder Mystery Dinners or Games, where players are given roles in a fictional crime and must work together (or against each other!) to uncover the truth

• Debate clubs, where you can practice constructing logical arguments and viewing issues from various perspectives

• Strategy Board Games, where you can balance strategy, negotiation, and resource management

Train Your Critical Thinking Ability with Mendi!

If you're ready to push your thinking beyond your comfort zone, why not train the part of your brain that makes it all possible? The prefrontal cortex is where focus, logic, and decision-making happen—and with Mendi, you can strengthen it directly!

Whether you're working through complex problems, preparing for high-stakes decisions, or simply want to think more clearly every day, Mendi neurofeedback may be exactly what you need!

Invest in your brain. Strengthen your critical thinking skills. Get Mendi today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information to form reasoned judgments and make informed decisions based on evidence. It requires the gathering of information from multiple sources and careful consideration of all relevant variables. It is a skill people use in their daily lives.

How to exercise your critical thinking?

You can exercise your critical thinking by training your prefrontal cortex with Mendi neurofeedback. You can also try various critical thinking exercises like the Argument Map, the Six Thinking Hats, Socratic Questioning, the Five Whys, and others.

What are the 7 steps to critical thinking?

The 7 steps to critical thinking are identifying the problem, questioning it to dig deeper, analyzing the data and evidence, considering other perspectives, drawing logical conclusions, identifying the solutions, and reflecting on them.

What are the benefits of regular critical thinking practice?

Practicing regular critical thinking exercises significantly enhances decision-making, creativity, communication skills, and self-awareness while also aiding in identifying misinformation.