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Elements of critical thinking
Identifying the topic
Identifying the topic is the first step in critical analysis of a text.
Topic
Topic refers to the word or sentence, which states the main subject of the work, i.e. the issue or idea with which the entire work is related. The work is the author's explanation of the topic. The topic is explicit, and often identified in the main title and should be evident in the abstract or opening paragraph. It answers the pivotal questions of who, what and why through data and facts.
Critical thinking processes:
The critical thinking process has three key elements.
- analyse,
- evaluate and
- synthesise.
Analyse
Definition
- Identify the parts of an argument.
Synonyms:
- deconstruct, divide, determine, resolve, anatomise, cut up, break up, disintegrate, separate, lay bare, dissect, part
When you analyse you:
- identify the main elements of a text, particularly the key ideas, the argument and the evidence
- draw out inferences
- draw out implications
- identify persuasive tactics if used.
Examples of language that analyses
Wright’s (2012) claim that.......... is supported by the findings of her research conducted........... .
The evidence is comprised of three main components, each of which........... .
The first suggests that........... . The implication is that.......... although.......... .
The second component of the evidence provided is derived from...........and indicates a high level of....... .This could be seen as implying....... .
The third element is comprised of.......... . It supports Wright’s claim in that it........... .
Overall, the research demonstrates........... and.......... .However, it also suggests that........... .
Evaluate
Definition
- to judge.
Synonyms:
- gauge, appraise, assess, calculate, allocate value, decide, criticise, grade, size up, take measure
When you evaluate you:
- identify the strengths and weaknesses in an argument (credibility)
- weigh up the value of evidence (validity)
- identify and evaluate the assumptions underlying the argument (integrity).
Examples of language that evaluates
While the available research shows that........., it demonstrates an inconsistency in results that........... .
For example, Nguyen’s (2012) argument that.......... depends on evidence from both qualitative and quantitative research conducted in........... .
The latter, a survey of.........strongly suggests that......... . This evidence is relevant in that it.........and credible in that it.......... .
However, the analysis of the narrative component of the research does not support her assertion that....... .
It suggests rather that........ which undermines her claim that.......... .
Furthermore, it is based on the assumption that.........which is not .........given the ........... .
Synthesise
Definition
- to combine; to make whole.
Synonyms:
- amalgamate, incorporate, harmonise, blend, integrate, orchestrate, symphonise, unify, arrange, manufacture
When you synthesise you:
- put information together in a new pattern
- provide a new point of view
- show how the relationship between the parts, and between the parts and the whole produce a unique communication.
Examples of language that synthesises
The study by Jones (2012) draws on and contributes to research in the area of........... .
While a number of works (Khan 2011; Li 2012; Wright 2008) have focussed on...........they have not examined.......in relation to......and its implications for.......... .
In contrast, Jones (2012), in highlighting...........provides insight into..........and demonstrates a high level of correlation between........and........ .
Jones’s (2012) analytic focus on..........facilitates a further contribution to.......by....... .
Overall, the research demonstrates that..........and.......... .