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Critical Thinking Tools
Critical thinking tools are cognitive exercises to assist one with better reasoning and part of critical thinking as a philosophy and course of study. Critical thinking is a self-regulatory process"with developed skills of analysis and evaluation combined with openmindedness, decision-making, logic, understanding of formal fallacies and biases, and problem-solving. These tools include metacognition, understanding neuroplasticity, observation, emotional intelligence.

Metacognition
Metacognition is popularly known as "thinking about thinking." Aristotle wrote about metacognition in his On the Soul and the Parva Naturalia. Metacognition can be used to better understand one's thought process, reactions, and emotions. A person can engage in metacognition through reflection, meditation, and journaling.

Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the ability of human brains to reshape neural pathways. The brain has the ability, with time, to change habit formation in activities. The flexibility and re-organizational ability of the brain makes neuroplasticity an important element in learning environments and critical thinking. This can be in both a positive and negative effect in habit formation.

Observation
Observation is closely and actively watching the world around oneself, or specific objects and processes. The pioneer of forensic criminal analysis, Alexandre Lacassange used observational curiosity to study criminal behavior and habits, and changed the way death and homicide was investigated. Observation can be developed by studying art. David Perkins wrote about "slow-looking," spending at least five minutes observing an art work to find more details and meaning. Amy Herman, art historian at the Frick Museum and attorney, discusses how observation of art can help in better comprehending one's environment, and help in professions like medicine and law enforcement. Herman advocates a method called the "Four As," Assessing (asking what information is present and available), Analyzing (breaking down the information as to what is important), Articulating (putting one's observation into carefully chosen words), and Adapting (using the information to make a decision and act upon it).

Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the concept that people can better understand and regulate their own emotions to interact with others better, and understand others' emotions better. The concept was popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman. In being able to perceive, evaluate, and control one's emotions, communication is supposedly improved and becomes more effective and constructive. This includes developing more self-awareness, self-confidence, ability to accept change, accept responsibility, develop curiosity, and interpersonal effectiveness.