Discussion: Critical Thinking: Evaluating Information

Discussion: Critical Thinking: Evaluating Information

Critical thinking is an essential element in psychological research because it enables a researcher to analyze, evaluate and explain the research findings. It is particularly important in the evaluation of the information acquired during a study. There are several reasons why critical thinking is essential in the assessment of information.

Within the context of psychological research, critical thinking involves obtaining information and evaluating it to make a well-justified conclusion. It requires assessing the information from different perspectives to accommodate the views of other people involved in the research. Critical thinking, therefore, allows the researchers to make judgments and conclusions using a more reflective approach (Regan, 2015). For instance, through critical thinking, an individual can appreciate cultural diversity in cross-cultural research. The different worldviews become a crucial consideration in the evaluation of information, thus reducing chances of bias during a study.

Critical thinking also allows a researcher to use a logical approach to evaluate research information. Research involves the selection of a problem to research on, identification of assumptions, checking accuracy of the information, getting alternative perspectives and making an informed conclusion. In all these steps, critical thinking is crucial as it allows the researcher to question the data and examine the research findings to make logical conclusions. The implications of not questioning information include making biased conclusions in research (Yanchar et al., 2008). Questioning the information enables a researcher to understand the different perspectives of research. It also allows the researchers to consider the information sources and evaluate their credibility (Leeder, & Shah, 2016). Critical evaluation of information and the sources ensures that the conclusions are evidence-based and not biased.

Critical thinking will be vital to the development of my Capstone paper. For instance, critical thinking skills will enable me to develop a comprehensive problem statement that will guide the project. The causes and effects section of the paper will also require critical analysis to understand the causes of the problem identified and their impacts. The problem solution section will also need a critical analysis of the causes and effects section of the paper to come up with a logical solution to the problem. I will also develop an informed conclusion based on critical evaluation of research information in the paper.

References

Leeder, C., & Shah, C. (2016). Practicing critical evaluation of online sources improves student search behavior.  The Journal of Academic Librarianship ,  42 (4), 459-468.

Regan, K. (2015).  6 benefits of critical thinking . Home page.  https://learn.filtered.com/blog/6-benefits-of-critical-thinking

Yanchar, S. C., Slife, B. D., & Warne, R. (2008). Critical thinking as disciplinary practice.  Review of general psychology ,  12 (3), 265-281.