C
ritical thinking is a mental process of questioning and evaluating what you read, hear, and see (Palgrave, n.d.). Being able to question or doubt ideas or arguments and not accept them at face value is part of the process. You will need to demonstrate the ability to think critically by:
This process involves:
You can use the learning cycle and the six questions (5W + 1H system) to trigger your critical thinking.
Think about the six questions: What, Who, When, Where, Why, and How, as demonstrated in the table below.
| Question | Example | |
|---|---|---|
 |
What |
What are the main messages, arguments, results, or findings? What type of source is it? e.g. a research study, professional opinion, discussion, website or other? |
 |
Who |
Who is the target audience? Who has written, said or produced the source? Is the author/speaker an organisation or an individual? Are they an expert in the topic? Could they have any bias? How do you know? |
 |
When |
When was it published or updated? Check if recent work is available; older key information may still be valid. |
 |
Where |
Where did you find the information? Where was it published? Did you find the information by chance? Or did you find it through a systematic search? |
 |
Why |
Why has this been written, said or produced? What is the aim of the information? Who is the information aimed at – professionals or patient/client groups? |
 |
How |
How has the author/speaker come to their conclusions? Is their line of reasoning logical and understandable? If it is research or a review of research, how was it carried out, was it done well and do the conclusions reflect the findings? |
Six questions (5W+1H) to trigger your critical thinking (adapted from Aveyard et al., 2015).
This is the learning cycle that can help you reflect on your learning process. In this cycle there are four stages, as summarised in the diagram below.
[Click on the image to enlarge.]
Learning cycle (adapted from Batista, 2007). Summary of a learning cycle which can be used to bring about critical thinking.
References
Aveyard, H., Sharp, P. and Wooliams, M. (2015) A beginner's guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care, 2nd ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press, p. 19. Available from: http://lib.myilibrary.com/Open.aspx?id=332096 [Accessed 14 July 2016].
Batista, E. (2007) Executive coaching change management. Available from: http://www.edbatista.com/2007/10/experiential.html [Accessed 14 July 2016].
Plagrave (n.d.) Critical thinking skills IN: Skills4StudyCampus. London: Palgrave Macmillan Higher Education. Available from: http://www.skills4studycampus.com/palgrave/ [Accessed 18 July 2016].
Acknowledgement
“Question” icon by Vandita Malhodra from the Noun Project https://thenounproject.com/shital777/icon/329956/
(Used in table 1 next to ‘What’).
“About Us” icon by Ben Peetermans from the Noun Project https://thenounproject.com/term/dollar-currency/105366/
(Used in table 1 next to ‘Who’. Icon revised by Gil Dekel).
“Calendar” icon Bohdan Burmich from the Noun Project https://thenounproject.com/term/earth/409094/
(Used in table 1 next to ‘When’).
“Location” icon by Ecem Afacan from the Noun Project https://thenounproject.com/ecem.afacan.5/icon/408403/
(Used in table 1 next to ‘Where’).
“Crowdsourcing” icon By Iconathon https://thenounproject.com/term/crowdfunding/14296/
(Used in table 1 next to ‘Why’).
“Tutorial” icon by Peipei Feng from the Noun Project https://thenounproject.com/kaipei.feng/icon/70354/
(Used in table 1 next to ‘How’).
Head image by Max Griboedov/Shutterstock (image ID:332573291).
Critical thinking: an introduction - This recorded workshop by the University of Southampton looks at what critical thinking and how to do it.
Critical thinking - by Leeds University
Critical Thinking - by QualiaSoup
Sort Fact from Fiction Online with Lateral Reading - by Stanford History Education Group
Critical Thinking Fundamentals - by Northern Illinois University, Wireless Philosophy
Critical thinking by University of Southampton [PDF].
Critical thinking by Plymouth University [PDF].
Be more critical - a practical guide to critical thinking, produced by Oxford Brookes University for Health Sciences students [PDF].
Critical appraisal of a journal article by University College London [PDF].
Critical thinking module - Skills for Study modular resource. Log in with your University account for access.
Critical thinking toolkit - produced by De Montfort University this course looks at critical reading, writing, confirmation bias and evaluating information effectively.
The difference between descriptive and critical writing by the Open University
Evaluating information - a 7 minute tutorial from the University of Southampton which covers thinking critically, and understanding how to find quality, reliable information.
Fake news - tips for spotting this online by BBC Bitesize
Problem solving and analytical skills by Kent University.
Reflective learning by Reading University.
Reflective writing - a 15 minute tutorial by Teesside University
Getting Critical by
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Critical Thinking Skills by
Written by internationally renowned author Stella Cottrell, this is an essential resource for students looking to refine their thinking, reading and writing skills. Stella Cottrell's student-centred approach demystifies critical thinking and breaks down a complex subject into manageable chunks. With clear explanations, relevant examples and plenty of exercises throughout, this book helps students to develop their analytical reasoning skills and apply them to a range of tasks including reading, note-making and writing. This text will turn even the most hesitant student into a proficient critical thinker. This is an ideal companion for students of study skills, humanities, social sciences, business and arts programmes, where assessment includes essay and report writing. It is suitable for students of all levels. New to this Edition: - Brand new chapter on critical thinking and employability - Includes a wider range of examples to highlight the variety of contexts in which critical thinking can be used - Coverage of both academic and professional forms of critical writing
Critical Thinking and Writing for Nursing Students by
This book is a clear and practical guide to help students develop critical thinking, writing and reflection skills. It explains what critical thinking is and how students should use it throughout their nursing programme. This new edition also provides an innovative new framework that helps students appreciate different levels of critical thinking and reflection to help nursing students appreciate the requirements of degree level study. The book demonstrates the transferable nature of critical thinking and reflection from academic contexts to the real practice of nursing.Key features Clear and straightforward introduction to critical thinking directly written for nursing students, with chapters relating the subject to specific study and practice contexts Student examples and scenarios throughout, including running case studies from four nursing students and further annotated examples of student's work on the website Each chapter is linked to the new NMC Standards and Essential Skills Clusters
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