WGU Critical Thinking and Logic (C168) — Complete Study Guide

WGU Critical Thinking and Logic (C168) is a foundational course that develops essential reasoning skills for academic and professional success. This 3-credit unit course focuses on logical analysis, argument evaluation, and fallacy identification. With the right study approach, most students complete WGU C168 in just 1-2 days.

Course Overview

WGU Critical Thinking and Logic (C168) teaches students to analyze arguments, identify logical fallacies, and apply reasoning standards in various contexts. The course emphasizes practical application of critical thinking principles that students will use throughout their academic journey and professional careers. Assessment is conducted through a proctored Objective Assessment (OA) featuring multiple-choice questions and scenario-based problems that test your ability to apply logical reasoning concepts.

What You'll Study in C168

• Elements of Critical Thinking — Purpose, question at issue, information, interpretation, concepts, assumptions, implications, and point of view
• Intellectual Standards — Clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness
• Logical Fallacies — Ad hominem, straw man, false dilemma, slippery slope, appeal to authority, and other common reasoning errors
• Argument Analysis — Identifying premises, conclusions, and evaluating argument strength and validity
• Inductive and Deductive Reasoning — Understanding different types of logical reasoning and their applications
• Problem-Solving Strategies — Applying critical thinking frameworks to real-world scenarios
• Bias Recognition — Identifying personal and cultural biases that affect reasoning and decision-making

Best Resources for WGU C168

• WGU Learning Resources — Complete all course modules, with special focus on modules 1-2 which cover the majority of exam content
• Khan Academy Logic Course — Free video lessons on logical reasoning that complement course material
• Quizlet Flashcards — Student-created flashcard sets for memorizing elements and standards
• Reddit Study Community — Active discussions and tips from students who have passed the course
• StudoCu Study Materials — Shared notes and practice questions from WGU students
• YouTube Philosophy Resources — Khan Academy videos on logical reasoning and critical thinking
• WGU Cohort Sessions — Attend live sessions focusing on argument analysis and fallacy identification

How to Pass WGU C168 — Proven Strategies

1. Memorize the Elements and Standards First — Create flashcards for all 8 elements of critical thinking and 9 intellectual standards, as these form the foundation of most exam questions
2. Take the Pre-Assessment Immediately — Use the PA to identify knowledge gaps and align your studying with the actual exam format and question types
3. Use Your Whiteboard Strategically — Write down all elements and standards at the beginning of your OA to reference throughout the exam
4. Practice Fallacy Identification Daily — Study common logical fallacies and practice identifying them in real-world examples and news articles
5. Focus on Modules 1 and 2 — These modules contain the bulk of testable material, so spend 70% of your study time here before moving to later modules
6. Apply Common Sense Reasoning — Don't overthink questions; the course tests practical application of logical thinking rather than complex philosophical concepts

Common Challenges in C168 (and How to Overcome Them)

• Memorization Overload — Students struggle with memorizing all elements and standards. Solution: Use spaced repetition with flashcards and practice writing them from memory daily until automatic recall develops.
• Fallacy Confusion — Similar fallacies can be difficult to distinguish in exam scenarios. Solution: Create comparison charts highlighting key differences and practice with varied examples from different contexts.
• Overthinking Questions — Many students second-guess themselves on seemingly simple questions. Solution: Trust your first instinct and remember that critical thinking often aligns with logical common sense reasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions About WGU C168

How difficult is WGU Critical Thinking and Logic C168?

C168 is considered moderately easy by most students because it relies heavily on common sense reasoning. The main challenge lies in memorizing the elements and standards rather than understanding complex concepts. With focused study, most students find the material straightforward and applicable to everyday situations.

How long does it take to complete WGU C168?

Most students complete C168 in 1-2 days of focused study. The course material is conceptual rather than technical, allowing for rapid completion once you memorize the core elements, standards, and common fallacies. Some students finish in as little as 8-12 hours of total study time.

What type of assessment is used for C168?

WGU C168 uses an Objective Assessment (OA) format with a proctored online exam. The test includes multiple-choice questions and scenario-based problems that require you to identify fallacies, apply reasoning standards, and analyze arguments using critical thinking principles.

What are the most important topics to study for the C168 exam?

Focus primarily on the 8 elements of critical thinking and 9 intellectual standards, as these appear throughout the exam. Additionally, study common logical fallacies like ad hominem, straw man, and false dilemma, along with basic argument analysis techniques.

Can I use notes during the WGU C168 exam?

You cannot bring physical notes into the exam, but you can use the provided whiteboard to write down elements and standards at the beginning of your test. Many successful students immediately write all memorized lists on their whiteboard for easy reference throughout the assessment.

Final Thoughts

WGU Critical Thinking and Logic (C168) provides valuable reasoning skills that extend far beyond the classroom into professional and personal decision-making. The course emphasizes practical application of logical principles that will benefit you throughout your academic journey and career. With focused memorization of core concepts and consistent practice with fallacy identification, you can successfully complete this course quickly and effectively. Browse all WGU course guides to continue accelerating your degree progress.