Components of critical thinking and evaluation. These questions are framed intentionally to address arguments and representations in multiple media such as texts or digital objects.
- Summarize the text or object. What is it? What does it say? What does it do? What is its structure? What is it made of (if it’s an object)?
- Identify the primary assumptions of the piece or object.
- Identify your position and perspective in relation to the article or object. What do you think about it? What is your evaluation of it? (This may come at the end or early in the process.)
- Consider other possible angles that others might take while evaluating this article. What other kinds of perspectives might we bring to bear on it, for example, from different disciplines? From a different cultural perspective? From a different utilitarian perspective?
- Consider the supporting data or evidence it provides. Evaluate the quality of that data and evidence.
- Synthesis: So what? Identify the conclusions, implications, or consequences of the text or object. Then, assess these conclusions. How convincing are they?
Dr. Kirstyn Leuner, Winter '17, Dartmouth College 