questions for critical thinking

In healthcare, every decision affects patients, families, and communities in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance. Asking deeper questions helps uncover assumptions, consider diverse perspectives, and anticipate long-term impacts. The following list of questions for critical thinking is a tool to guide reflection, challenge bias, and strengthen decision-making. Use it in your MMI preparation, and to think through contentious issues.

Critical Reflection

• What assumptions are we making about human behaviour, values, or the capabilities, skills, and limitations of those involved?

• What assumptions are we making about what is considered “normal” or “desirable”?

• What historical context is necessary to fully understand this issue?

• What assumptions are we making about the future in our current approach?

• How does the language used in this discussion impact outcomes and perceptions?

• What role do emotions play in our perception of this issue?

• What voices, perspectives, or forms of knowledge might be excluded in this framing?

• What questions are we not asking that we should be?

Evaluating Information

• What evidence supports this claim, and how credible and reliable is that evidence?

• Is there a potential bias in the source of the information?

• What information is missing, and how might that change our understanding?

• What are the limitations of the current data or research on this topic?

• How does this situation compare to similar situations in different contexts or locations?

• How might confirmation bias influence the way we interpret the evidence?

• What alternative interpretations of this data are possible?

Perspective Taking

• How could this issue be perceived differently from another cultural or social standpoint, or by different stakeholders?

• How can we ensure that diverse voices are heard in this discussion?

• How might marginalized or less powerful groups experience this issue differently?

• How does this decision or issue affect the safety, morale, trust, cohesion, or balance of power within the organization or community?

• Who benefits or is disadvantaged as a result of this perspective or policy?

• What role does privilege play in shaping whose perspectives are prioritized?

• How might international or global perspectives reframe this problem?

Imagining Consequences

• What are the potential long-term consequences of this action or policy?

• How might this issue evolve over time, and what should we anticipate?

• How might this situation affect different demographic, ethnic, political, or income groups differently?

• What alternative solutions or approaches might be more effective?

• What are the possible unintended consequences?

• What are the possible trade-offs involved?

• What are the potential benefits or risks of either delaying or doing nothing?

• What ripple effects might this decision create across systems (health, education, environment, economy)?

• What ethical dilemmas could emerge from this course of action?

• How might technological change alter the impact of this decision in the future?

• What would happen if this policy were applied universally, not just in this context?

Problem Solving

• Who is responsible for addressing the challenges, issues, or tasks?

• What steps can be taken to mitigate the risks or negative impacts of this decision, policy, or process?

• What small-scale experiments or pilots could be tried before fully committing?

• What resources (time, money, expertise, technology) are necessary, and are they available?

• What are the barriers to implementing alternative solutions?

• How can collaboration across disciplines or sectors strengthen the solution?

• How can we balance short-term needs with long-term goals?

• What role should individuals, organizations, or governments play in addressing this issue?

• How can a decision, policy, or process be evaluated or measured for success?

• How can we adapt if the first solution doesn’t work as expected?

Acknowledging Complexity

• In what ways does this issue intersect with other social, economic, or political issues, global trends, or challenges?

• How does this issue intersect with ethical, environmental, or technological considerations?

• What role do economic incentives play in shaping decisions related to this issue?

• What paradoxes or tensions are inherent in this problem?

• How do short-term solutions risk undermining long-term sustainability?

• How does this issue connect to global justice, equity, or human rights concerns?

• What unintended alliances or conflicts could arise from addressing this issue?