Professor of Complex Systems, Political Science, and Economics
1 Learning Experience
Critical Thinking and Decision Science
What You'll Learn
- Apply decision-science models to compare options and explain outcomes.
- Turn real problems into algorithms using decomposition, abstraction, and evaluation.
- Use GenAI prompting and a Critical Thinking Framework to test claims and reduce bias.
- Judge evidence using statistical and scientific reasoning, including experiments vs. correlations and uncertainty.
3-Course Series
60 hours
15 hours per course (approx.)
About Critical Thinking and Decision Science
In this "Critical Thinking and Decision Science," you’ll strengthen critical thinking and decision science by combining model thinking, computational problem solving, evidence-based reasoning, and practical GenAI prompting. You’ll learn how different models explain the same situation in different ways—so you can choose better assumptions, spot tradeoffs, and test strategies before you act. You’ll also practice turning messy problems into clear steps a computer could execute, using problem identification, decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithms, and evaluation.
Across lessons on statistics, the law of large numbers, correlation, experiments, prediction, cognitive biases, and logic, you’ll build habits for judging claims you see at work and in the media. You’ll then use GenAI as a thinking partner for customizing a Critical Thinking Framework, selecting and guiding models with clear constraints, and improving reliability by asking for evidence, alternatives, and checks.
Skills You'll Gain
- Computational Thinking
- Strategic Thinking
- Graph Algorithms
- Decision Making
- Generative Artificial Intelligence
- Problem Solving
- Economic Modeling
- Economics
- Analytical Thinking
- Critical Thinking
Associate Professor, School of Education
7 Learning Experiences
Lecturer
1 Learning Experience
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
3 Courses in this series
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Free U-M Access CourseModel Thinking
Explore models to make sense of complex systems and social trends and improve decision-making across life, business, and government.
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Free U-M Access CourseProblem Solving Using Computational Thinking
Learn computational thinking to solve real-world problems using decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithms, and evaluation—no programming background required.
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Free U-M Access CourseLeveraging GenAI to Develop Critical Thinking Skills
Strengthen critical thinking and decision-making by using generative AI to analyze ideas, uncover assumptions, and evaluate information from diverse sources.
