Critical Thinking in the Research Process Sandy Cahillane Electronic Resources and Reference Librarian Hatch Library, Bay Path College Longmeadow, MA

What is critical thinking?  There are many definitions. Watch this clip to hear a few:

Another View  Visit this site to get more ideas about what makes someone a critical thinker.what makes someone a critical thinker

Critical Thinking in the Research Process  Start by being a critical reader critical reader

Read More About It  Take some time to read Critical Thinking: What It Is and Why It Counts and then return to the tutorial.Critical Thinking: What It Is and Why It Counts

Steps in the Critical Thinking Research Process  Step 1. Define your research question.  Step 2. Research your topic.  Step 3. Consider all arguments.  Step 4. Tentatively commit to a position.  Step 5. Determine your thesis.  Step 6. Begin writing OR revisit Step 2.

Integrate the Two Graphic from Marshall, Lorraine. Critical Thinking in Context: A Teacher’s Guide to the Video, Murdoch, W.A.: Murdoch University, 1996.

Integrate the Two Graphic from Marshall, Lorraine. Critical Thinking in Context: A Teacher’s Guide to the Video, Murdoch, W.A.: Murdoch University, Why use a research question? Step 1: Define Your Research Question

Integrate the Two Graphic from Marshall, Lorraine. Critical Thinking in Context: A Teacher’s Guide to the Video, Murdoch, W.A.: Murdoch University, Step 2: Research Your Topic How to narrow or broaden your topic

Integrate the Two Graphic from Marshall, Lorraine. Critical Thinking in Context: A Teacher’s Guide to the Video, Murdoch, W.A.: Murdoch University, Step 3: Consider ALL Arguments

Integrate the Two Graphic from Marshall, Lorraine. Critical Thinking in Context: A Teacher’s Guide to the Video, Murdoch, W.A.: Murdoch University, Step 4

Integrate the Two Graphic from Marshall, Lorraine. Critical Thinking in Context: A Teacher’s Guide to the Video, Murdoch, W.A.: Murdoch University, Step 5: Determine Your Thesis Creating a good thesis statement

Integrate the Two Graphic from Marshall, Lorraine. Critical Thinking in Context: A Teacher’s Guide to the Video, Murdoch, W.A.: Murdoch University, Step 6: Start Writing OR Revisit Step 2 Helpful links for writing academic papers

Library Resources  Distance Learners Page Distance Learners Page  Hatch Virtual Tour – You’ll need to download the chrome extension to view in chrome. Instructions on IT Resources page on portal. Hatch Virtual Tour  Hatch Library Handouts and TutorialsHandoutsTutorials  Research Guides Research Guides New to Hatch Library? These resources will help get you started.

Don’t Forget: You Can Always…  Ask A LibrarianAsk A Librarian

That’s All, Folks!