Study Skills: Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking
Simply put critical thinking is a skill that involves being able to justify, provide evidence for and explain why you choose to take a certain standpoint. This is seen as high order thinking skill as it pushes you to consider multiple perspectives to encourages you to consider the quality of evidence that is presented. Critical thinking does not mean contradicting facts or proving things ‘wrong’ rather it shows that you appreciate a certain standpoint but at the same time you are able to identify other possible perspectives on the topic.
How does critical thinking relate to my studies?
If you are studying Sociology or Psychology you may be aware of Assessment Objective 3.

AO3: Analyse and evaluate sociological/ psychological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods in order to: present arguments. make judgements. draw conclusions.
What this means is that you are able to make conclusions based on the evidence that surrounds that claim.

Structuring a critical argument.
You may be familiar with the PEEL method of writing an argument, this framework ensures that each point you make is backed up using evidence and there is a fair balance between providing support for your claim and offering your own interpretation. We will look at the PEEL structure by using the following example:
Social media has negative outcomes for young people – Discuss
The command word here is: Discuss [which means explore both sides of the argument]

P= Point. This is the argument you are making.

Despite its perceived negative impact on young children, Social media is a good tool for teenagers to build up friendships.

E = Evidence. What piece or research/ quote/ statistic provides support for your point.

Vincent [2016] found in their study involving college students, that social media did boost self-esteem and developed belonging.

E = Explain. Explain how the evidence supports your claim. What does it mean to your argument?

This shows that social media platforms may help college students explore their identities online and make it easier to find others like them.

L = Link. Link this to the next point/ mini conclusion.

Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram allow young people to widen their social circle even when they are many miles away. The instantaneous nature of social media means groups can interact together at any time, leading to more successful friendships.

The final paragraph:

Despite its perceived negative impact on young children, social media is a good tool for teenagers to build up friendships. Vincent [2016] found in their study involving college students, that social media did boost self-esteem and developed belonging. This shows that social media platforms may help college students explore their identities online and make it easier to find others like them. Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram allow young people to widen their social circle even when they are many miles away. The instantaneous nature of social media means groups can interact together at any time, leading to more successful friendships.

Start anywhere

Critical thinking doesn’t have to only happen in college, think of a social issue that you are passionate about and research the counter arguments and alternative perspectives on the topic. This doesn’t have to be heavily political, it can be something as simple as ‘’Is Manchester United really the best team’’ or ‘’Is having breakfast really a good idea’’. Remember a point is only valid when there is strong research behind it. If you are making a point, back it up!

Academic words and phrases that may help!
• On the other hand
• Despite
• This claim can be challenged
• Evidence comes from…
• This study can be seen as flawed because ….
• Nevertheless
• However
• The main limitation of this is,
• Further support comes from…
• XX has shown the opposite ….
• It can be argued
• Supports/contradicts/ provides ambiguous support for.

Additional Resources.
In the library, we stock a large range of study guides that can help you with your academic writing. Remember the more you practice, the more you get used to appreciating alternative perspectives and building [kind and academic] arguments!

Key Reading: