Critical Thinking Model: How it relates to Ecologists

The Critical Thinking Model can be used as a guide for professionalism in any career. Specifically in ecology, the critical thinking model is extremely beneficial because it keeps the ecologist on track and ensures that thinking is occuring at the highest level possible. Using this model, ecologist can professionaly learn and represent the various elements involved in the surrounding natural world to the best of their ability. Initially, an ecologist will identify a specific topic of interest and/or concern to study. Identifying this concept can be difficult because so many different subcategories of ecology exist. Once a specific interest is identified, the ecologist begins to gather all sorts of information to assist in the particular study. Gathering information will take quite a while, but it is essential to gain a deep understanding and representation of the topic. After gathering vast amounts of information, ecologists must examine it to sort through the redundant and unnecessary information. Without this ability, ecologists would be bogged down in trying to understand every single detal of a topic, rather than the important and vital aspects. Next, the examination of this information will lead to the formulation of ideas. Ecologists base their hypotheses on observations, and experiments in order to formulate new facts about a particular area. Formulation must occur on a deep level, so that ecologists are accurately representing new information to its fullest extent and so that new information is being applied correctly. Applying what is learned can be difficult without careful attention and critical thinking. The application must be beneficial to the subject, but also informative and correct. After applying all of the information, the professional ecologist must have the ability to evaluate their own work. Evaluation is a professional skill that helps one to recognize the pros and cons of a particular study, and also provides the ecologist with insight into his/her own ability. Finally, throughout the model of critical thinking, the ecologist must continuously reflect on previous achievements or failures to assist in improving future endeavors. Reflection is not only important at the end of the cycle, but also during each and every step.