Barriers to Influence Critical Thinking

Barriers to Influence Critical Thinking

We were taught about different kinds of barriers that both influence and change the way that we think, and most importantly critically think.  There are several barriers that I can see have influenced the way that I critically think.  The first barrier that influences me is enculturation.  Enculturation is a process that includes, “many of the values and preferences you have now, including religious ideas, sexual mores, and work ethic, were instilled in you since birth by your culture.” (Kirby, 2007, p. 13)  I can see how I have been influenced by many of these areas in my life.  I grew up in a home where it was important to ask questions, and seek knowledge.  It was ok to take apart the door mechanism to see how it worked.  Questioning was allowed.  In the church I attend we are asked to question everything.  We are taught to not blindly follow others, but to find out for ourselves if what the religion teaches is true.  

The next barrier that I can see influencing my critical thinking is the Ego Defense of projection.  “Projection is the defense mechanism by which we see in others a part of ourselves that we cannot accept and do not recognize.” (Kirby, 2007, p. 27)  This would be a barrier of negative influence in my life.  I can always see the bad or the errors in others, but when it comes to my own, I have a very hard time seeing them.  As I am able to recognize that I am projecting my own concerns or faults on others I will better be able to identify where critically thinking comes to play.

As I pay more attention to the barriers in my life, most especially those that negatively and positively affect me.  I will be in a better position to think critically when presented with data that requires these skills.

References

Kirby, G., & Goodpaster, J. (2007). Personal Barriers. In Thinking: An interdisciplinary approach to critical and creative thought (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.