Conformation bias is the one aspect that impacted my own critical thinking the most. From what I have learn thus far, conformation bias is to already have a built up presumption or judgement about a certain topic, person etc, while seeking further evidence or research that backs up all of your beliefs; however you ignore all the evidence that goes against your point of view even if may be more valid. I for one am guilty of this, but on a regular basis each individual participates in this act unknowingly. The fact that we do this without knowing is the reason why it has impacted my critical thinking so much. Critical thinking as defined by our class is to be aware of what you are thinking in other words to be proactively involved in your thought process. If in individual is aware that he or is participating in conformation bias then they should still be considered a good critical thinker. If that individual is not aware of the fact that he or she is participation in conformation bias then they are not a good critical thinker.
A good critical thinker is free of all bias therefore my thinking hero is still considered a good Critical Thinker. My hero cannot be susceptible to these kinds of errors because their thoughts, actions and decisions have an impact on others. The well been of another human being depends on their ability to be free of errors and critically think of the best of the best solutions. As a nurse and a mother my thinking hero has to also be an advocate which is a branch or argumentation. As a nurse advocate you are playing the role of defendant or supporter to your patient or patients therefore you would also have to be good at constructing arguments. As an advocate you have to hold strong to your position supported by reasons which are back up by evidence and research. In a scenario where the the doctor orders a medication to be given to a certain patient; as the nurse you have more interaction with that patient more so than the doctors and you are the one distributing the medication, you know how that patient reacts when they receive that medication. It is now your duty as a nurse to advocate for that patient as to why they should or should not receive that particular medication backed up not only by your own observations but also by the patient's health record. Therefore my hero will remain a good Critical Thinker.
