Critical thinking
As mentioned earlier, a common and simplistic view of critical analysis is that it involves identifying issues or flaws with a theory or idea, in other words, being NEGATIVE. However, being critical involves a number of other skills including those in the image below.
So what are the benefits of being critical?
- Improved attention to detail and observation
- Improved ability to question: you shouldn’t believe everything you read or hear, and nobody has to believe what you say
- More focused reading: improved ability to identify the key points or the message rather than becoming distracted by details
- Knowledge of how to get to your own point across more easily
- Identifying trends and patterns
- Looking at the same information from several points of view
- Objectivity
- Considering implications and consequences
One approach to criticality involves taking a Triple Perspective when examining any evidence you use in your assignment. Following a triple perspective involves:
- Evaluating each piece of information separately (e.g. potential bias, quality of a study/theory/idea, any potential limitations)
- Comparing each source/idea to others you have read (do these agree or disagree? If yes/no, what does that mean? Are they offering a new perspective altogether?)
- Relating each source to your assignment as a whole: your question/title/the issues you are addressing in the assignment (how does that idea/theory/point of view you have read contribute to answering your assignment question?)
Making sure your assignment covers all three perspectives will help ensure your text follows a more well-rounded approach to criticality.