critical appraisal

Question 1

Different approaches to critical thinking

Answer 1

Information – Describe the facts and information

Present the available facts and information about the research from a neutral and objective perspective. Questions are ‘what is the available information?’ and ‘what are the facts?’.

Reaction – Describe feelings towards the research

Describe emotions and feelings about the research – the gut reactions toward it. Focus on the emotional response and not the reason behind these feelings. Questions are ‘what do you feel about the research?’ and ‘what is your gut reaction toward the research?’.

Benefits – Explain the positive aspects of the research

Approach the research from an optimistic point of view. Questions are ‘what are the advantages of applying the new solution?’ and ‘why do you think it is workable?’

Risks – Explain the negative aspects of the research

Think about the research cautiously and defensively, focusing on the warnings, risks or cautions. Identify the disadvantages of the research and why the treatments may not work.

Questions are ‘what are the risks?’ and ‘why is the treatment not working?’.

Possibilities – Describe alternative approaches

Represents the creative thinking part of the discussion so be positive and suggest ideas and alternatives to improve the existing research project. Questions are ‘what are the solutions?’ and ‘what are the possibilities?’.

Planning – Discuss possible next steps

Summarise the research, make a decision and discuss the possible next steps. Questions are ‘what comes next’ and ‘where do we go from here’.