• Open-Minded people are inclined to examine things from all sides
• Critical thinkers
• They don’t typically stay stuck in one opinion or jump to conclusions
• Likely to change their mind in light of evidence
• Tend to pursue additional information and to weigh all the evidence fairly
• Can integrate previous knowledge and experience with new knowledge and experience

• Underuse: Unreflectiveness
• Overuse: Cynicism

Key Research:

• Rank order of Critical Thinking/Open-Mindedness in populations from:
  • US : 4;
  • European: 3
  • Asia: 2
  • Latin America: 2
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: 5
  • Middle east: 4
• The character strengths least related to life satisfaction (weak association) are modesty/humility, creativity, appreciation of beauty & excellence, judgment, and love of learning (Park, Peterson, & Seligman, 2004).
• A study of strengths under the virtue of wisdom (creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, and perspective) found them to be related to higher performance on a creative task and negatively related to stress (Avey et al., 2012).
• Top 10 (rank order) strengths expressed at work: honesty, judgment, perspective, fairness, perseverance, love of learning, leadership, zest, curiosity, social intelligence.
• Workplace study found that the most important predictors of work-related outcomes were signature strengths fit (signature strengths that are applied at work) and the strengths of teamwork and creativity. Those character strengths that most highly correlated with total workplace well-being (positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and achievement) were zest, teamwork, hope, love, gratitude, leadership, and perseverance (Harzer, Mubashar, & Dubreuil). See Austhink.

Psychological impacts of Judgement/Critical Thinking

1. Judgement is linked to greater critical thinking: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to be more critical thinkers and better able to evaluate information (Sternberg, 2003).
2. Judgement is associated with greater decision-making ability: Studies have found that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to make better decisions and are more effective in their decision-making processes (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979).
3. Judgement is a key predictor of problem-solving ability: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to be more effective problem-solvers and better able to tackle complex challenges (Dunbar, 1997).
4. Judgement is linked to greater analytical thinking: Studies have found that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to be more analytical thinkers and better able to break down complex information into its component parts (Larkin & Simon, 1987).
5. Judgement is associated with greater intellectual curiosity: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to be more intellectually curious and more interested in learning and exploring new ideas (Kashdan & Ciarrochi, 2013).
6. Judgement is a key component of wisdom: Studies have found that Judgement is a critical component of wisdom, which is essential for achieving success and well-being in various domains (Baltes & Staudinger, 2000).
7. Judgement is linked to greater self-awareness: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to have a better understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, and emotions (Tackett et al., 2013).
8. Judgement is associated with greater emotional regulation: Studies have found that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to be better able to regulate their emotions and manage stress (Gross & Thompson, 2007).
9. Judgement is a key predictor of career success: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to be more successful in their careers, including achieving higher levels of job satisfaction and career advancement (Judge et al., 2013).
10. Judgement is linked to greater overall well-being: Studies have found that individuals with high levels of Judgement tend to report higher levels of overall well-being, including greater happiness, life satisfaction, and positive emotions (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).

Put into action the recommendations from  the Authentic Happiness Coaching Newsletter on Critical-thinking/Open-mindedness

1. Select an emotionally charged, debatable topic (e.g., abortion, prayer in school, healthcare reform, the current war in Iraq) and take the opposite side from your own. Write five valid reasons to support this view. (While typing Catherine’s idea, I had a related one of my own: If you are conservative in your political beliefs, listen to Al Frankin’s radio show; if you are liberal, listen to Rush Limbaugh! While you are listening, try to avoid the cognitive error of polarization described above.)
2. Remember a time when you were wronged by someone in the past. Generate three plausible reasons why this person inadvertently or intentionally wronged you.
3. This one is for parents: Think of a topic that you consistently argue about with your teen or grown child. Now, take their position and think of 3 substantial reasons why their point of view is valid. (This could also be done with spouses or any family members for that matter!)

Tayyab Rashid and Afroze Anjum offer 340 Ways to Use VIA Character Strengths including these four for Critical Thinking/Open-mindedness

1. Identify the last three actions that you weren’t happy with (such as not following through with a goal) and brainstorm better alternative ideas for the future. Consider both actions and omissions.
2. Start an activity and ask yourself — Why? When? And how? Apply this Socratic approach to life to everyday situations and routines in order to make them seem fresh and new.
3. Attend a multi-cultural event and critically evaluate your views during and afterwards. Discuss your impressions with a person from a culture that was represented at the event.
4. Identify possible causes of past failures or disappointments. Are there any patterns? Take some time to think deeply about how can you improve.

Test your mindset

The basic premise of the book is “The reason that the the greatest leaders and people are successful is because they have a Mindset focused on growth.” In a nutshell, succesesful people believe that they can grow into being smarter, talented, and better.  What’s more,  they constantly look for opportunities to do so.

Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking (6th Edition)	Why Didn’t I Think of That? Think the Unthinkable and Achieve Creative Greatness	Becoming a Critical Thinker: A User Friendly Manual (3rd Edition)