Discuss the influence of feeling on your thinking

Posted: April 4th, 2019

Discuss the influence of feeling on your thinking. Are ruled more by your heart than your head or vice versa? Do you tend to focus positives or worry about negatives? What difference does that make? Identify at least one thing you can do to improve your ability to have a balanced thinking (thinking that considers both “heart” and “head”).

CRITICAL THINKING ESSAY – 10 POINTS

A topic, problem, question, or issue which includes Critical Thinking, Clinical Reasoning, and Clinical Judgement is given for this ESSAY (4-5 pages). In analyzing the topic, problem, question, or issue, students will utilize critical thinking analysis on the topic’s discussion.

RUBRIC FOR CRITICAL THINKING ESSAY
Rating Criteria Emerging Developing Mastering
1 1.5 2
Summarized problem, question, or issue

Points: /2 Issue/ problem is not stated or fails to identify and summarize accurately. Issue/ problem is stated, described, and clarified so that understanding is not seriously impeded by omissions. Issue/ problem is stated clearly and described comprehensively, delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding.
Analyzes supporting data and evidence

Points: /2 Information is taken from source(s) without any interpretation/ evaluation.
Viewpoints of experts are taken as fact, without question. Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/ evaluation to develop a coherent analysis or synthesis.
Viewpoints of experts are subject to questioning. Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/ evaluation to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis.
Viewpoints of experts are questioned thoroughly.
Influence of context and assumptions

Points: /2 Approach to the issue is in egocentric and socio- centric terms. Does not relate to other contexts. Analysis is grounded in absolutes, with little acknowledgement of own biases. Does not recognize context and underlying ethical implications. Presents and explores relevant contexts and assumptions, although in a limited way. Analysis includes some outside verification, but primarily relies on authorities. Provides some consideration of assumptions and their implications. Analyzes the issue with a clear sense of scope and context, including an assessment of audience. Identifies influence of context. Questions assumptions, addressing ethical dimensions underlying the issue.
Student’s position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis)

Points: /2 Position is clearly adopted with little consideration. Addresses a single view of the argument, failing to clarify the position relative to one’s own. Fails to justify own opinion or hypothesis is unclear or simplistic.
Presents own position, which includes some original thinking, though inconsistently. Justifies own position without addressing other views or does so superficially. Position is generally clear, although gaps may exist. Position demonstrates ownership. Appropriately identifies own position, drawing support from experience and information not from assigned sources. Justifies own view while integrating contrary interpretations. Hypothesis demonstrates sophisticated thought.
Conclusions and related outcomes (implications and consequences)

Points: /2 Conclusion is inconsistently tied to some of the information discussed; related outcomes (consequences and implications) are oversimplified. Conclusions consider evidence of consequences extending beyond a single issue. Presents implications that may impact other people or issues. Presents conclusions as only loosely related to consequences. Implications may include vague reference to conclusions. Conclusions and related outcomes (consequences and implications) are logical and reflect student’s informed evaluation and ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Total: /10

COMMENTS:

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Summarized problem, question, or issue

My feelings have a significant influence on my thinking. I am often ruled more by my heart than my head, and I tend to focus on the positives rather than the negatives. This can sometimes lead me to make decisions that are not in my best interests, but it also allows me to experience life more fully.

Analyzes supporting data and evidence

There is a growing body of research that suggests that emotions play a significant role in our thinking. For example, one study found that people who were feeling happy were more likely to make optimistic judgments, while people who were feeling sad were more likely to make pessimistic judgments. Another study found that people who were feeling angry were more likely to make impulsive decisions, while people who were feeling afraid were more likely to avoid taking risks.

Influence of context and assumptions

The context in which we are feeling can also influence our thinking. For example, if we are feeling happy in a safe and supportive environment, we are more likely to think clearly and make rational decisions. However, if we are feeling threatened or anxious, our thinking may be clouded by our emotions.

Student’s position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis)

My position is that our feelings can have a significant influence on our thinking, but it is important to be aware of this influence and to try to think clearly even when we are feeling strong emotions. I believe that we can learn to balance our emotions with our intellect, and that this will allow us to make better decisions and live more fulfilling lives.

Conclusions and related outcomes (implications and consequences)

The implications of my position are that we should be aware of the influence of our emotions on our thinking, and that we should try to think clearly even when we are feeling strong emotions. We can learn to balance our emotions with our intellect, and this will allow us to make better decisions and live more fulfilling lives.

One thing I can do to improve my ability to have a balanced thinking (thinking that considers both “heart” and “head”)

One thing I can do to improve my ability to have a balanced thinking is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When I am mindful, I am more aware of my thoughts and feelings, and I am less likely to be swept away by them. I can also practice mindfulness by taking some time each day to sit quietly and focus on my breath. This helps me to calm my mind and body, and it allows me to think more clearly.

In addition to practicing mindfulness, I can also try to be more aware of my biases. We all have biases, which are beliefs or attitudes that we hold about certain groups of people or things. Our biases can influence our thinking without us even realizing it. For example, if I have a bias against people who are different from me, I may be more likely to judge them unfairly. To be more aware of my biases, I can try to challenge my assumptions and to listen to the perspectives of others.

By practicing mindfulness and being more aware of my biases, I can improve my ability to think more clearly and make better decisions.