Analysing information and being ‘critical’

‘In general students lose more marks for lack of critical analysis than any other single weakness in their work’ (Cottrell 2003:232).

What does a tutor say or write to show there is not enough critical analysis ?

Typical tutor comments...

‘More analysis needed’ ‘Less description more critique’ ‘Too descriptive’ ‘Descriptive rather than analytical’ ‘You have told me what theory is

rather than how you evaluate it.’ ‘Lacks analysis.’

Look at your assessment criteria To get a first (70%): Evidence of a logical, clear coherent development of the topic. Demonstrates an authoritative grasp of concepts and theories in the development of the topic.  A comprehensive use and integration of relevant literature. Evidence of insight/originality…

So what is critical thinking…? There is not one definition. It depends on the discipline & the task. Working with complex ideas, taking a

deep & not surface approach to processing ideas.

Involves thinking about what we know already, to learn more - like reflection.

Specifically, we think/focus on something & expect an outcome (usually) a judgment or conclusion.

A provisional definition … ‘Critical thinking is a capacity to

work with complex ideas whereby a person can make effective provision of evidence to justify a reasonable judgement. The evidence, & therefore the judgment, will pay appropriate attention to the context of the judgment.’ J. Moon (forthcoming)

Being critical may involve... AGREEING WITH, ACCEDING TO, DEFENDING

OR CONFIRMING a particular view. PROPOSING a new point of view. CONCEDING that an existing point of view has

certain merits but that it needs to be QUALIFIED in certain important respects.

REFORMULATING an existing point of view or statement of it such that the new version makes a better explanation.

DISMISSING a point of view on account of its inadequacy, irrelevance or incoherence etc.

Being critical may involve...

REJECTING, REBUTTING or REFUTING another’s argument on various reasoned grounds.

RECONCILING two positions which may seem at variance by appealing to some ‘higher’ or ‘deeper’ principle.

RETRACTING or RECANTING a previous position of one’s own in the face of new argument or evidence. (Taylor 1989:67)

The Bridge Read the text and decide who you

think is the most responsible for the woman’s death (rank them in order).

In your group see if you can reach agreement.

You must justify, give evidence and logical reasons for your position.