1. HR0160 DEVELOPING EMPLOYABILITY AND STUDY SKILLS Thinking Skills: Critical Thinking and Analysis

2. Session Outline Different types of academic writing Difference between criticism and critical analysis Understanding critical analysis Why it is important How does critical analysis work

4. Q) What is the difference between criticism and critical analysis?

5. Critical analysis is a central process in all academic work. It involves thinking critically, which is applying rational and logical thinking while deconstructing the texts you read (and write) at university (Deakin University, 2010) Criticism is “the expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes” (Oxford Dictionary Online, 2013)

6. Critical Analysis An awareness of a set of interrelated critical questions The ability to ask and answer critical questions at appropriate times The desire to actively use the critical questions (Browne & Keeley, 2001)

7. Why is it useful? Academic writing: develop arguments, identify problems, categorise, question assumptions, evaluate Questions you pose will provide insights and new thought on a topic or issue Support decision making

8. Descriptive thinking/writing States what hap pened States what something is like Explains what a theory is Notes the method used States the links between items Gives information Critical thinking/writing Identifies the significance of what happened Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses Shows why something is relevant or suitable Indicates whether something is appropriate Shows relevance of links between pieces of information Draws conclusions (Adapted from Moon, cited in Cottrell 1999:23)

9. Critical Debate/Argument Synthesis An academic argument: make a case for an idea or theory and to back it up with evidence. In assignments develop arguments by – Identifying and discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the theories that you are writing about. – A contrast between two or more theories. For example: “Writer X argues that… because…, however, Writer Y argues that… because…This is relevant/important because…” Synthesis: the process of arranging and assembling various elements so as to make a new statement

10. How do we think critically? By being open to other points of view and not being blinded by bias or prejudice or underlying assumptions First ask questions that relate to the context and the big picture of a text. Then ask questions about the author's argument and the evidence provided to support it. You should also consider the style of writing and how it affects the clarity with which the author's argument is presented. By actively questioning, evaluating, judging, finding connections between, and categorizing what we read and hear

11. The Big Picture These questions help you to understand the significance of a text Who is the author and when was this written? Was it written in response to anther piece of text? Is this a new piece of research? What is this author saying? What is his/her argument? Try to put this in your own words. What are the main points of this text? Highlight these or note them down. What is the author’s standpoint and what are the underlying values in this text? Is this a significant work in its field?

12. Argument & Evidence These questions help you judge the validity of the argument or the author’s point of view What is the quality of the evidence? Is the conclusion correct in light of the points made in the argument? Is every point relevant? Does one point lead logically to the next? What has been left out and is this significant? Why? Which parts do I agree/disagree with and why? What are the strengths/weak nesses of this text? What assumptions does the author make – do I agree/disagree with these?

13. Style These questions help you consider how the language and style of writing can contribute to or detract from the clarity of the argument/ point of view Is the argument clearly expressed? Is the language plain or obscure? Is the aim of the text clearly expressed in the introduction? Is there a clear conclusion? Are any words or phrases ambiguous?

14. Writing a Critical Review Structure Introduction Summary Comment critically on the text Conclusions and summary

15. Evaluating whether your review is critical Have you assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the literature and research you reviewed? Have you been objective in your discussion and assessment of other peoples literature and research? Have you clearly distinguished between facts and opinions? Have you made reasoned judgements about the value of the research and literature? Have you justified your arguments by referencing correctly published literature and research?

16. Seminar Group Exercise Read the paper on the e-portal : Boddy, C. R., (2011) ‘The Corporate Psychopaths Theory of the Global Financial Crisis’, Journal of Business Ethics (2011) 102, pp.255-259. Use the Critical/Analytical thinking Evaluation Checklist on the e- portal to review the article and bring a copy to your seminar

17. Preparation for Seminar… For the seminar- select one of the topics to research and write a 500 word critical review drawing from relevant literature? Was it worth it? The impact of the Olympics on the UK economy Women at board level companies- if they make companies successful why aren’t there more of them? What will the impact of increasing fees be on the Higher Education sector? You should bring Three printed copies of your review including appropriate referencing to share in a peer group exercise.