The ability to think critically involves three components:

1. Attitude: an attitude of being inclined to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one's experiences
2. Knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning, and
3. Skill in applying those methods

Competency in critical thinking is built upon an attitude of curiosity, skepticism and humility. The thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way. It assumes commitment to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities, as well as a commitment to overcome our native biases.

Critical thinking is the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information to reach and answer or conclusion.

Assessments of critical thinking, therefore, must be designed to have the thinker conceptualize, analyze, synthesize evaluate apply information in a logical way in order to make a decision.