critical thinking -sub-skills

Question 1

Explain the meaning of interpretation and name an example

Answer 1

Clarifying meaning and determining the relevance of data, events or procedures.

For example: Recognising and describing a problem. Separating main issues from side issues in texts. Clarifying what a graph means.

Question 2

Explain the meaning of analysis and name an example

Answer 2

Investigating ideas and discovering and analysing arguments.

For example: Finding a claim in an editorial and identifying the reasons adduced in support of the claim. Identifying unstated assumptions. Schematising the connections between paragraphs in a text.

Question 3

Explain the meaning of evaluation and name an example

Answer 3

Assessing the plausibility of claims and the strength of the connection between claims.

For example: Assessing the plausibility of a source of information, comparing strengths and weaknesses of alternative explanations and assessing to what extent there is evidence to support a conclusion.

Question 4

Explain the meaning of inference and name an example

Answer 4

Articulating (alternative) hypotheses and inferring consequences from data, principles, opinions, etc.

For example: Inferring the implications of taking a specific stance, gathering a group of options to solve a problem, designing a controlled scientific experiment, applying the right statistical method to admit or refute an empirical hypothesis.

Question 5

Explain the meaning of explanation and name an example

Answer 5

Expressing the results of the argumentation process in the form of compelling arguments and justifying the procedures followed in terms of evidence, methods or criteria.

For example: referring to existing norms or criteria to establish the plausibility of an argument; referring to research findings and the associated method; designing a diagram that represents the links between concepts; citing evidence that compelled you to accept or reject a position.

Question 6

Explain the meaning of self-regulation and name an example

Answer 6

Following one’s own cognitive activity and its products with self-awareness; in particular, analysing and evaluating one’s own thinking and judgement.

For example: Examining one’s own positions, being alert to any possible bias. Testing one’s own understanding, adapting one’s reading speed and reading method to the material to be studied, reviewing a decision if certain factors turn out to be more important than previously believed, and reflecting on one’s own development in a portfolio.