Critical Thinking in Hypertexts

Critical thinking is not often associated with writing for hypertexts. This is because the writing for hypertexts is not the same as writing a linear essay. However writing for hypertexts does produce a source of critical thinking, just different critical thinking from that of writing linear essays.

"Critical thinking is the use of those cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome. It is used to describe thinking that is purposeful, reasoned and goal directed - the kind of thinking involved in solving problems, formulating inferences, calculating likelihoods, and making decisions when the thinker is using skills that are thoughtful and effective for the particular context and type of thinking task."
Halpern, Diane F. Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. 1996.

This statement thoroughly describes the thinking process when writing for hypertexts. Writing for hypertexts forces one to use cognitive skills and strategies to keep the reader interested in the website while at the same time providing useful and accurate information.

"Critical thinking is the development of cohesive and logical reasoning patterns." Stahl and Stahl, 1991.

This also relates to the writing for hypertexts because the writing must be logically developed for the reader to understand. Since writing for hypertexts is different from writing linear essays, the writing can be more cohesive and logical since the writing language can be more relaxed.