Thinking

What is critical and analytical thinking?

Critical analytical thinking is a key part of university study. Many first year students receive comments such as 'not analytical enough' on their early assignments. You will find that you develop your critical and analytical skills as you go through university. In brief, this means looking very closely at the detail and not taking what you read or hear for granted. Your tutors will expect you to:

•Evaluate how far materials are appropriate, and up-to-date.

•Evaluate how far the evidence or examples used in materials really proves the point that the author claims.

•To weigh up opinions, arguments or solutions against appropriate criteria.

•To think a line of reasoning through to its logical conclusion.

•Check for hidden bias or hidden assumptions.

•Check whether the evidence and argument really support the conclusions.

You will need to do this for materials that you read. For example, when you cite a source of evidence for your own arguments, you will need to be