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Critical Thinking Corner: Reading and research

Reading Smarter

Critical reading involves clear, purposeful thinking. Whilst reading, critical thinkers will carefully and systematically evaluate whether sources are relevant to their needs and purposes.

Part of this process includes asking good questions. Here are some examples:

  • What is my purpose in reading this?
  • What else has this author written?
  • Have I read anything similar before?
  • Is it recent?
  • Is it relevant?
  • Based on my prior knowledge, what is the argument likely to be?
  • What are some possible counter-arguments or alternative approaches?
  • Is the methodology appropriate? How and why?

Want to know more about critical reading?

Do you know the types of sources that are considered the most authoritative and scholarly at University? Take the following quiz to find out!

 

1. Which source do you think is the most likely to contain authoritative, expert research?

A. Top-ranked Google search result.
B. Scholarly magazine (eg. Time or National Geographic).
C. Peer-reviewed journal.
D. Wikipedia. 

2. If you would like to find - and cite - a definition of a key word, which of the following sources is likely to be the most appropriate?  

A. Wikipedia - it has a page for everything, including 'critical thinking'!
B. A text book or specific course materials.
C. A good dictionary such as Oxford or Webster's. 
D. Google Scholar.

3. How much reading should you do before you begin writing?

A. Search for relevant materials in the library to kickstart the thinking process and then begin writing.
B. Begin writing first, and then fill in the gaps by searching for some appropriate quotes.
C. Read and write at the same time by brainstorming, surveying literature, note-making, and organising notes into draft paragraphs.
D. Read as many materials as possible from the broadest range of available sources. Only after an exhaustive literature search can writing begin.

4. Once you have selected a text to read, what is the most effective way to read it?

A. Read the title, abstract,  introduction AND conclusion.Then decide whether or not it is of vital importance or just background material.
B. From beginning to end.
C. By highlighting, and highlighting, and highlighting ...
D. By transcribing the text into your own notebook. You're more likely to remember the material if you write it yourself.

 

Useful links

How to survive ... Effective reading

Useful tips: How to read efficiently

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