Critical Analytical Thinking

7/29/2019 Critical Analytical Thinking

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CRITICAL ANALYTICAL THINKING


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Critical thinking

Critical thinking means weighing up thearguments and evidence for and against.

Edward Glaser, who developed a test of critical

thinking, defined (1941):Critical thinking calls for apersistenteffort toexamine any belief or supposed form of

knowledge in the light of the evidence thatsupports it and the furtherconclusions towhich it tend.


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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 ifnot, should the belief or viewpoint bereconsidered?


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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 followslogically from what went before

Looking for possible flaws in the reasoning,theevidence,or the way that conclusions aredrawn


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Comparing the same issue from the point of viewof other theorists or writers

Being able to see and explain why differentpeople 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 devicesthat encourage the reader to take questionablestatements

Checking for hidden assumptions Checking for attempts to lure the reader into

agreement


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Develop a detective-like mind


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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 forhidden 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 theseconclusions.


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writing

1. Being clear what your conclusions are

2. Showing a clear line of reasoning anargument leading to your conclusion

3. Use evidence to support your reasoning4. Evaluate your own writing through critical

reading

5. Viewing your subjects from multiple

perspectives6. Writing in a critical, analytical style, rather than

in a descriptive, personal or journalistic style.


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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 contradictherself; and if so, what is going on beneath thecontradiction?

2. Checking that body language, eye contact, and

speed and tone of voice are consistent withwhat is being said does the speaker look andsound as though he believes what he is saying?


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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?


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Critical thinking when reading

Essential to academic success


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Critical analytical writing vs. descriptive writing

Descriptive writing Critical analytical writing

States what happened Identifies the significanceStates what something is like Evaluate strengths and weaknesses

Gives the story so far Weighs one piece of information against

another

States the order things in which

happened

Makes reasoned judgements

Says how to do something Argues a case according to evidence

Explains what a theory says Shows why something is relevant or

suitable

Explains how something works Indicates why something will work(best)

Notes the method used Identifies whether something is

appropriate or suitable

Say when something occurred Identifies why the timing is of importance

States the different components Weighs up the importance of component

parts

States options Gives reasons for selecting each option


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Descriptive writing Critical analytical writing

Lists details Evaluates the relative significance of

details

Lists in any order Structures information in order of

importance

States links between items Shows the relevance of links between

pieces of information

Gives information Draws conclusion


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Activity


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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.


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Learning strengths:

You dont waste time worrying

You start tasks early

You can motivate others

You are good in role-play activities, problem-solving 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.


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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


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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


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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


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Learning strengths:

You are good at analytical and critical thinking

You have organisational skills

You are good at science,math, law, problem-solving

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


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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


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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

Documents

Critical Analytical Thinking