Research and Critical Thinking Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of qualitative research findings?

Collecting large datasets for general quantitative analyses

Understanding the motivations behind human behavior (correct)

Analyzing statistical data to find patterns

Gathering numerical data to validate hypotheses

Which of the following best describes inductive arguments?

They draw generalized conclusions from specific observations. (correct)

They are based solely on deductive reasoning.

They guarantee their conclusions based on absolute premises.

They rely on a single empirical observation for validation.

What is the main distinction between qualitative and quantitative research?

Qualitative research uses surveys, whereas quantitative research uses interviews.

Qualitative research seeks in-depth understanding, while quantitative research emphasizes numerical data. (correct)

Qualitative research is always more reliable than quantitative research.

Quantitative research does not involve any statistical techniques.

In what context is inductive reasoning commonly applied?

Opinion polls, scientific experimentation, and market analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental skill is crucial for effective academic writing?

Properly referencing and citing sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using keywords in a literature search?

They assist in brainstorming and structuring your topic. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of source is preferred over commercial sources?

Governmental and educational sources Signup and view all the answers

In critical thinking, what is the significance of recognizing ambiguous contexts?

They facilitate decision-making amid risk and uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be a critical thinker according to Brookfield?

To question assumptions and remain open to alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

What approach should one take toward documents without authors?

They should be discarded in favor of authored documents. Signup and view all the answers

What does deductive reasoning help a critical thinker to do?

Anticipate outcomes based on logical consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misunderstanding about claims to universal truth?

They may oversimplify complex issues. Signup and view all the answers

How are core terms and related terms used in keyword searching?

Core terms focus on the main topic, and related terms expand the search scope. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for defining terms in discussions?

To eliminate ambiguity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects does NOT contribute to evaluating evidence?

Checking if the evidence aligns with personal beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What does critical thinking involve in terms of societal values?

Critiquing relationships between power and knowledge Signup and view all the answers

When having a verbal disagreement, what is a common issue?

Different interpretations of key words Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents an evaluative disagreement?

Differing opinions on the impact of beauty Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is crucial when determining the nature of a disagreement?

Understanding what exactly is being disagreed upon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a factual disagreement?

Disagreement based on what actually happened Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of questioning traditional wisdom in discussions?

Encouraging a deeper examination of assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cruel optimism' imply in the context of personal desires?

Desires that unexpectedly create obstacles to well-being. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to recognize our assumptions according to the discussed ideas?

They serve as a baseline for reasoning and can lead to flawed conclusions if misunderstood. Signup and view all the answers

What role do positive triggers play in our emotional intelligence?

They lead to moments of insight or self-awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What does examining one's thinking process allow individuals to do?

Identify unnecessary beliefs about themselves. Signup and view all the answers

According to the concepts presented, what does 'thinking turned on itself' involve?

Evaluating emotional responses and their impacts on behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a consequence of high levels of unemployment on society?

Negative implications for human happiness and liberty. Signup and view all the answers

How did Lauren Berlant propose that identity formation occurs?

Through unconscious compulsions and non-reflective attachments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects the view of capitalism expressed in the content?

Human beings can resist and change all forms of power, including capitalism. Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that could contribute to differences in perception of the sky?

The philosophical stance of the observer Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a premise in an argument?

A supported reason for a conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What can invalidate an argument's conclusion despite having true premises?

Logical inconsistencies among premises Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a deductive argument if the premises are both true and the argument is valid?

The conclusion must be true Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is likely to be a flawed conclusion based on faulty premises?

Low crime rates mean Ireland is safe at night. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the evaluation of the truth of premises essential in constructing an argument?

False premises can lead to incorrect conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of validity in an argument?

It determines the logical flow of the argument. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the conclusion 'Ireland is the largest producer of spruce trees' from given premises?

It is an overreaching conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course title: Communications CM4203
Instructor: Dr. Caoilfhionn Ní Bheacháin
Course content: Academic Writing III and Introduction to Critical Thinking

Library Skills

Differentiate and identify sources within a bibliography
Recognize different referencing systems
Locate books
Locate journal articles
Use keyword searches
Start research with one good article

Database Searching

Identify key words
Use core terms
Find related terms for expanding search

Keywords

Keywords are a helpful starting point for research, especially when a general topic idea is available.
Keywords help brainstorm the topic.
Break sentences into core words, if possible.
Think of synonyms and related words for the core words.

Evaluating Online Sources

Prioritize governmental and educational sources over commercial ones.
Favor sources with authors over those without.
Select web pages that are regularly updated.
Favor web sources that cite their claims/have a bibliography.

Critical Thinking

To think critically, consider RED: Recognize Assumptions, Evaluate Arguments, Draw Conclusions.
Good critical thinking characteristics: clear, accurate, precise, relevant, consistent, logical, complete, and fair, instead of unclear, inaccurate, vague, irrelevant, inconsistent, illogical, incomplete, and biased.

Critical Thinking for Business Professionals

Essential critical thinking skills for business include:
- Problem analysis
- Evaluating alternatives
- Precise context analysis for implications, consequences, risk assessment, policy, regulation
- Problem-solving in contexts with risk, ambiguity, uncertainty; inductive/inferential reasoning for decisions based on likelihood of success given available information.

Defining Critical Thinking

Awareness of assumptions others and self hold, context of actions/ideas
Open to questioning quick fixes, single answers to problems, claims of universal truth
Consideration of different perspectives on looking at and behaving in the world

Questioning the Status Quo

"Slow Violence" – Rob Nixon

What is it to be critical?

Skepticism or suspension of belief toward statements, information, or norms.
Critical analysis of societal structures, values, and rationalities.
Critique of power relationships and knowledge creation.

Thinking Turned on Itself

Examining our individual stories/narratives
Analyzing emotions and their effect on behavior (emotional intelligence)
Reflection on assumptions about friendship, family, work-life balance, and success, searching for sufficient reasoning

Triggers

Negative triggers: trauma and life transitions
Positive triggers: moments of insight and self-awareness

Probing Aspects of Our Lives or Societies

Thinking critically about important and crucial everyday social or personal values
Example: personal – coping with job loss; social – unemployment and effects on society

Cruel Optimism

Personal problems/challenges studied from a societal perspective
Identity less about conscious choices and more about unconscious compulsions and attachments

Relation of Cruel Optimism

Something desired may be an obstacle to success/flourishing
Need to address how compulsions and outdated beliefs hinder well-being

Recognizing Assumptions

Assumptions are implicit premises or viewpoints taken for granted in thinking/reasoning.
Recognizing assumptions is critical because flawed assumptions lead to flawed reasoning/conclusion.
Understanding one’s own and others’ positions is part of the analysis.

Famous Quotes

“Fish did not discover water” – Marshall McLuhan
"It is easier to imagine the end of the world than to imagine the end of capitalism". – Frederic Jameson
"We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings. Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings.” – Ursula K. Le Guin

Example of an Unstated Assumption

1980s Ireland: Divorce was banned because Irish law was expected to reflect Catholic doctrine.

Further Research

Ask yourself questions about unstated assumptions regarding future, planetary health, money, and business success.

How to Decide on Working Definitions

Definitions can change the nature of a fact.
Examples of poverty definitions – living wage, welfare, debt, lifestyle factors

Evaluating Evidence

The source of evidence is important.
Is the evidence current, accurate, relevant, and authoritative?
Are inferences being presented as fact?
What definitions are used?
Are cited instances typical?
Is the evidence sufficient for the conclusion?
Who produced the evidence and for what purpose? Factors influencing conclusions and analysis of evidence

Reasons for Defining

Eliminate ambiguity
Reduce vagueness
Expand vocabulary
Influence attitudes

Scepticism about Tradition

Less accepting of things as “the way they are.”
Question assumptions of objectivity (such as quantitative data) and the processes influencing data collection and analysis
Consider if raised/unraised issues and decisions made reflect particular biases and interests.

Characteristics of a Critical Thinker

Open-mindedness
Honesty to yourself and others
Courage and passion to confront challenges
Awareness of biases and pre-conceptions.
Willingness to accept criticism
Independence of thought

Critical Thinking in Communication

Disagreements (verbal, evaluative, aesthetic, moral, interpretive, factual)
Analyzing evidence regarding disagreements
Synthesis of different information

Argument Structure

Arguments consist of premises and conclusions
Premises provide reasons for conclusions
Premises are the foundation of arguments.

Evaluating Arguments

Evaluate the truth of premises
Assess the validity of the argument structure
Examples of flawed arguments (premise untrue, invalid structure)
Deductive (premises containing conclusions/conclusion true if premises true and structure valid)
Inductive (premises leading to conclusions, but not guaranteed true – examples of surveys, polls, generalizations)
Empirical generalizations, opinion polls, marketing surveys were discussed as examples of inductive reasoning.

Research Terminology

Qualitative findings from interviews, focus groups, investigating ‘why’ and ‘how’ of decisions; seeks in-depth understanding of behavior
Quantitative findings from statistics, systemic study of social phenomena, use of mathematical or computational techniques (like The Census)

Other Important Data

Interactive Citing and Referencing tutorial on Sulis
Short video “An Introduction to Cite it Right” – available in module folder on Brightspace
Key terms for academic research – plagiarism, source, referencing

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Description

This quiz explores foundational concepts in qualitative and quantitative research, alongside critical thinking and effective academic writing strategies. Test your understanding of inductive reasoning, literature searches, and the role of definitions in discussions. Perfect for students looking to strengthen their analytical skills.