The benefits of being critical

As mentioned earlier, a common and simplistic view of critical analysis is that it involves identifying issues or flaws with a theory or idea, in other words, being NEGATIVE. However, being critical involves a number of other skills.  

Hover over the puzzle pieces in this image below to reveal these key skills.

So what are the benefits of being critical? 

• Improved attention to detail and observation  
• Improved ability to question: you shouldn’t believe everything you read or hear, and nobody has to believe what you say 
• More focused reading: improved ability to identify the key points or the message rather than becoming distracted by details 
• Knowledge of how to get to your own point across more easily 
• Identifying trends and patterns 
• Looking at the same information from several points of view 
• Objectivity 
• Considering implications and consequences 

One approach to criticality involves taking a Triple Perspective when examining any evidence you use in your assignment. Following a triple perspective involves: 

1. Evaluating each piece of information separately (e.g. potential bias, quality of a study/theory/idea, any potential limitations) 

2. Comparing each source/idea to others you have read (do these agree or disagree? If yes/no, what does that mean? Are they offering a new perspective altogether?) 

3. Relating each source to your assignment as a whole: your question/title/the issues you are addressing in the assignment (how does that idea/theory/point of view you have read contribute to answering your assignment question?) 

Making sure your assignment covers all three perspectives will help ensure your text follows a more well-rounded approach to criticality.