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Library Guides

Psychology

Your guide to effectively using information for your Psychology studies

Intro

Critical thinking is about not accepting what you read or hear at face value, but always questioning other people’s information, ideas and arguments.

It is a key skill that should be applied to all aspects of your studies. You need to ask the right questions when reading the work of others, and in your writing you need to demonstrate that you have weighed up different arguments and ideas, and used evidence to help you form your own opinions, arguments and theories.

Critical thinking is about questioning and learning with an open mind, and recognising that no information is entirely neutral.  

Remember that your ideas and reactions to information are not neutral either - your personal attitudes, beliefs and experiences will affect how you receive all information.

Critical Thinking

What is the resource?

Why was the resource created?

When was the resource created?

How was the resource created?

Where was the resource created?

Who created the resource?

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the  connection between ideas.

Someone with critical thinking skills can:

  • Understand the links between ideas.
  • Determine the importance and relevance of arguments and ideas.
  • Recognise, build and appraise arguments.
  • Identify inconsistencies and errors in reasoning.
  • Approach problems in a consistent and systematic way.
  • Reflect on the justification of their own assumptions, beliefs and values.

Taken from Skilsyouneed.com and reused with permission

Evaluation of Resources

If you compare ways of finding information on the web with tools you need for an archaeological excavation:

Google = a heavy duty excavator shovelling away landfill

Google Scholar and Primo = a little excavator, with a driver who's try hard to be sensitive whilst digging.

Bibliographic databases (and other similar resources provided by the library)= small shovels, trowels etc.

Use the right tools for the job - not only should you be critical of the resources you use but the types of tools to access that information.

Peer Reviews