How to Write a Research Paper: Critical Thinking

What is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking is the process of analyzing information and deciding whether it makes sense. This process includes the ability to reflect on ideas and form independent thoughts and connecting concepts. A person with good critical thinking skills is able to do the following:

• Understand the logical connections between ideas
• Identify, construct and evaluate arguments
• Detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning
• Solve problems systematically
• Identify the relevance and importance of ideas
• Reflect on the justification of one's own beliefs and values

Source: http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/critical/ct.php

Your research writing should demonstrate ...

• A clear understanding of your topic
• An understanding of the main ideas and their relationship to one another
• A clear presentation of your agreement or disagreement with the topic and your reasons for this opinion
• An awareness of your readers / audience

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