LibGuides: How To Do Research (CREDO): Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Modules

This set of videos will help you better understand how to participate actively and meaningfully in community and society, as a result, becoming reflective global citizens.

Quiz

Writing and Communication

Academic Writing
This video will encourage you to think about your role as an academic writer. You will also learn about the importance of background research and considering multiple perspectives when joining the scholarly conversation.
Understanding the Communication Need
Use this video to help you analyze the purpose of communication methods. You will be introduced to the advantages and disadvantages of each in order to choose the best type for a given situation.
Written Communication
This video will walk you through the key steps of effective communication. You will learn how to consider your communications' purpose, audience, and content or topic.
Preparing for a Presentation
In this video, you will learn to identify presentation skills in everyday experiences, examine questions to ask before preparing presentation content, and review strategies for structuring an effective presentation.
Why Teamwork Matters
Teamwork is essential to members of organizations when creating products, spreading ideas, and producing outcomes. Use this video to help you think about the application of teamwork in your academic and personal life.

Visual and Quantitative Literacy

Why Does Visual Literacy Matter
This tutorial will introduce you to the role visual materials play in your daily lives and the skills you will need to communicate quickly and universally using images and media.
Interpreting Images
Interpreting visual information is a critical skill you will use beyond your academic career. Use this video to learn how to ask questions and consider the context when interpreting visuals.
Searching for Images
To be an effective communicator using visual information, you first need to develop the skills necessary for locating images. Use this video to learn strategies for locating images and get familiar with image databases or subject-specific collections accessible through the library.
Using Quantitative Data
This video will help you incorporate quantitative data in your research and evaluate available sources for currency accuracy, authority, relevance, and objectivity
Evaluating Statistics
Statistics are widely used to support arguments and positions. Use this video to learn how to think critically about how the statistics you encounter were created and used to convey information.

Using Critical Thinking and Logic

Evidence Based Reasoning
Use this video to understand the importance of supporting research conclusions with evidence. You will also learn how to assess your research question in order to locate the appropriate supporting evidence.
Inquiry
Use this video to understand the value of using an inquiry-based mindset. You will learn how to use inquiry to ask questions and solve problems thoughtfully and effectively.
Importance of Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning is central to effective problem solving and decision making. Use this video to identify instances of logical and illogical reasoning you may encounter in your daily lives.
Introduction to Analysis
The video will demonstrate how analyzing information about a problem and synthesizing your research findings is the most effective way to reach a solution based on solid evidence.
Why Thinking Matters
Being aware of the critical thinking process will help you develop strong decision-making skills. Use this video to develop an awareness of your own critical thinking habits.
Synthesis
Use this video to learn how to practice synthesis. This video will demonstrate the value of putting together information from many different sources to form new ideas and conclusions.

Research and Source Evaluation Strategies

Creating a Research Plan
Information overload can be a major roadblock in the research process. This video will help you conceptualize a research pathway and consider solutions to common research challenges.
Framing a Problem
If you are having trouble formulating a research question for assignments, start with this video to begin framing a problem. You will learn the importance of asking open-ended questions and how to approach research as a process.
Identifying Search Strategies
You may be familiar with search engines such as Google, but it's important you move beyond using a single search tool. This video will show you how to identify familiar research tools and additional resources to use in your search process.
Purpose and Value of Evidence
This video demonstrates the importance of evidence in scholarship. You will learn the purpose of evidence and become aware of how using evidence adds value to your work.
Types of Resources
Get started with a research assignment using this video in which you will become familiar with resources such as databases available to you through the library. You will also be introduced to tips for selecting the most appropriate resources for your research.
Bias and Assumption
In order to be successful in your academic careers, you must be able to evaluate sources for objectivity. This video will introduce you to techniques for identifying and analyzing bias in sources you may encounter during your research.

Culture and Citizenship

Introduction to Civic Action
Effective communication is a key part of successful civic action. Use this video to discover the fundamental role communication plays in the stages of planning, implementing, and discussing civic action.
Introduction to Civic Engagement
Part of being a responsible, informed citizen is engaging with the goals and challenges of the community. This video helps you to begin reflecting on ways you have been (or could be) involved with civic issues in your community.
Global Citizenship
This video will introduce you to your roles as global citizens by encouraging you to think critically about your daily actions in a global context.
Introduction to Cultural Issues
Understanding your own cultural identity is the first step for you to develop empathy for others from different backgrounds. Use this video to consider how your identity is affected by culture and world events.