What is the mistake that the person has committed here, with respect to critical thinking?
For this entire semester, I've been playing and having fun everyday. My studies are not doing well. However, I believe I can score an A for the exam next week.
Anika Nicole, Wordsmith, PG In Journalism, New York
Answered Mar 01, 2021
The student is making wishful thinking.
In wishful thinking, the person thinks or wishes only good rather than facing reality. Wishful thinking allows person to believe what might be pleasing to believe, rather than on evidence, or reality.
Now, talking about the above student, he has been playing everyday and having fun. His exams will be held in the next week, and instead of reading and preparing for exams, he is convincing himself that he will score well in the exams. It is his false belief that he will pass the exams as he hasn't prepared yet for it.
Wishful thinking. This type of thinking is having a thought on what is good, rather than facing reality. The student knew that he hadn't given his best effort when it came to his studies. Instead of studying and learning, he was playing every day.
He believed and wished that he would still get an A on his exam. Instead of taking steps to learn the information and study. The reality is that the student would fail the exam, but his wishes were more pleasant for him to believe.