CRITICAL ANALYTICAL THINKING

Critical thinking
Critical thinking means weighing up the arguments and evidence for and against. Edward Glaser, who developed a test of critical thinking, defined (1941): Critical thinking calls for a persistent effort to examine any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the evidence that supports it and the further conclusions to which it tend.

 Persistence : considering an issue carefully, and more than once Evidence : evaluating the evidence put forward in support of the belief or viewpoint Implications: considering where the belief or viewpoint leads what conclusions would follow; are these suitable and rational; and if not, should the belief or viewpoint be reconsidered?

Analytical thinking
Standing back from the information given Examining in detail from many angles Checking closely whether it is completely accurate Checking whether each statement follows logically from what went before Looking for possible flaws in the reasoning,the evidence,or the way that conclusions are drawn

 Comparing the same issue from the point of view of other theorists or writers Being able to see and explain why different people arrived at different conclusions Being able to argue why one set of opinions, result or conclusions is preferable to another Being on guard for literacy or statistical devices that encourage the reader to take questionable statements Checking for hidden assumptions Checking for attempts to lure the reader into agreement

Develop a detective-like mind

Reading
Critical thinking when reading involves the following: 1. Identifying the line of reasoning in the text 2. Critically evaluating the line of reasoning 3. Questioning surface appearances and checking for hidden assumptions or agendas 4. Identifying evidence in the text 5. Evaluating the evidence according to valid criteria 6. Identifying the writers conclusions 7. Deciding whether the evidence given support these conclusions.

writing
1. Being clear what your conclusions are 2. Showing a clear line of reasoning an argument leading to your conclusion 3. Use evidence to support your reasoning 4. Evaluate your own writing through critical reading 5. Viewing your subjects from multiple perspectives 6. Writing in a critical, analytical style, rather than in a descriptive, personal or journalistic style.

Listening
It involves the same awareness as when reading, plus: 1. Checking for consistency in what the speaker is saying does the speaker appear to contradict herself; and if so, what is going on beneath the contradiction? 2. Checking that body language, eye contact, and speed and tone of voice are consistent with what is being said does the speaker look and sound as though he believes what he is saying?

Why ? How far? How much? How often? To what extent? How do we know this is true? How reliable is this source? What could be going on below the surface? What do we not know about this? Which is preferable? For what reasons?

Critical thinking when reading

Essential to academic success

Critical analytical writing vs. descriptive writing

Descriptive writing States what happened Critical analytical writing Identifies the significance

States what something is like

Gives the story so far States the order things in which happened Says how to do something Explains what a theory says Explains how something works Notes the method used Say when something occurred States the different components

Evaluate strengths and weaknesses

Weighs one piece of information against another Makes reasoned judgements Argues a case according to evidence Shows why something is relevant or suitable Indicates why something will work(best) Identifies whether something is appropriate or suitable Identifies why the timing is of importance Weighs up the importance of component parts

States options

Gives reasons for selecting each option

Descriptive writing Lists details Lists in any order States links between items Gives information

Critical analytical writing Evaluates the relative significance of details Structures information in order of importance Shows the relevance of links between pieces of information Draws conclusion

Activity

What is my learning style?

The diver Characteristics You tend to jump in and have a go. You like to get things over with You like to see if things work. You like to get onto the next thing quickly. You work well with short bursts of activity.

Learning strengths: You dont waste time worrying You start tasks early You can motivate others You are good in role-play activities, problemsolving and crises. Areas to develop: Reflection and planning Creative thinking Considering alternatives Listening to and working with others Increasing your personal interest, so that you can work for longer periods.

The dreamer Characteristics You think a lot about the subject You like to research things thoroughly You put off practical aspects such as writing. You have no ideas where time goes. You continually rewrite your time-planner Learning strengths: You reflect and evaluate well You are creative, with lots of ideas You get to the root of things You listen well and sensitively to others

Areas to develop: Effective learning strategies Time keeping and organisational skills Taking responsibility for self and others Participating Setting priorities and taking decisions Assertiveness and risk-taking

The logician Characteristics: You like things to make sense You like to know the reasons behind things You are organised in your approach to study You enjoy tackling complex problems You are a perfectionist

Learning strengths: You are good at analytical and critical thinking You have organisational skills You are good at science,math, law, problemsolving You have a questioning approach Areas to develop: Creative and imaginative thinking Sensitivity to the differences in others Personal reflection Working with others Stress management

The searchlight Characteristics: You find everything interesting You like to see the big picture You have bits of information on lots of things You are fascinated by details but dont remember them You find it hard to select what is relevant

Learning strengths: You have high motivation and interest You have broad general knowledge You can see connections between things You are creative and inventive Areas to develop: Setting goals and priorities Analytical and critical thinking Categorising and selecting Editing skills Developing memory for detail