1. PS 4021 Introduction to critical thinking

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. Creative thinking Good critical thinking can be creative Putting ideas together in new ways and thinking of things we didn’t think before

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. Bloom’s taxonomy Knowledge Comprehension Application Analysis Synthesis Evaluation

12. Knowledge Acquiring and remembering information Define Identify Quote Make lists

13. Understanding The meaning of the knowledge learned Estimate Describe summarize

14. Application Apply knowledge to new situations and find a solution Organize Use calculate

15. Analysis Reduce a complex concept, situation or problem to its main points and understand how these elements are related Distinguish Classify Contrast compare

16. Synthesis Join together abstract concepts to produce a new theory Design Develop Solve conclude

17. Evaluation Form a reasoned opinion on values and objectives based on viewpoints Discuss Judge Validate Prove