PS 4021 Introduction to critical thinking
What constitutes critical thinking? Production of an argument about an argument Construct counterarguments logically, methodologically. Maintain a good pace. What is behind the other person’s arguments?
Critical thinking and Critical reading Read original sources critically Put forward a position as you read to further the argument, to generate something new Disagreeing is not an argument Assess what the position is, generate arguments to support or dispute this position
Definition Active, persistent and careful consideration of a belief…or knowledge in the light of the grounds which support it and the conclusions to which it tends (Dewey, 1909) Critical thinking has a method – We ask questions – We base our enquiry on evidence – We consider the implications of the view
Creative thinking Good critical thinking can be creative Putting ideas together in new ways and thinking of things we didn’t think before
Psychology and critical thinking Psychology bridges arts and science Psychology has a huge range Psychology uses a wide range of methods There are contradictions in psychology Psychologists want to give answers but also to ask more questions
Critical thinking involves working through afresh a problem Starting to think about the nature of a problem and other issues striving for a reasoned outcome
Being critical does not require you to be negative and derogatory. It also means being positive, constructive and supportive. A balanced critique looks at positives and negatives.
Remember that you only criticise on the basis of what you know at that moment. Your views may change with time when you gain more knowledge and experience. Discussion is a major thinking aid! Also curiosity is useful
Uncritical surface learning involves listening and taking notes, storing this information and recalling it when needed. The understanding step is missing Aim for deeper learning
Bloom’s taxonomy Knowledge Comprehension Application Analysis Synthesis Evaluation
Knowledge Acquiring and remembering information Define Identify Quote Make lists
Understanding The meaning of the knowledge learned Estimate Describe summarize
Application Apply knowledge to new situations and find a solution Organize Use calculate
Analysis Reduce a complex concept, situation or problem to its main points and understand how these elements are related Distinguish Classify Contrast compare
Synthesis Join together abstract concepts to produce a new theory Design Develop Solve conclude
Evaluation Form a reasoned opinion on values and objectives based on viewpoints Discuss Judge Validate Prove