Critical thinking

• Critical reading towards critical writing (external link)
• How to read research articles (external link)

What is critical thinking?

The term 'critical' is often perceived as a negative trait, but in higher education being critical has a different meaning:

“The ability to think critically is probably the most transferable of the skills you will develop at university – and your future employers will expect you to be able to use it to tackle professional challenges” (McMillan et al, 2006, p 137). 

"Critical thinking means weighing up the arguments for and against." (Cottrell, 2003, p221)

When studying at university you are not expected to just naively accept everything that you are taught or read for yourself; as the quotes above explain, thinking critically involves carefully and objectively considering the evidence for an argument and coming to your own conclusions.

Thinking critically is one way - probably the most important - to get a better grade in your assignments. Academics assessing your work will be looking for evidence that you haven't just regurgitated the facts but have analysed, critiqued and shown an element of original thought.

Start with a simple set of questions

What is the main argument?

Where is the evidence?

Is there a hidden agenda?

Are referenced sources reliable?

Is there any bias?

What are the conclusions?

You can apply these simple questions to anything you read, hear or watch. Try them out next time you are browsing newspapers, watching new documentaries, or reading academic texts.