DISCUSSION POST RESPONSE NEEDED

PER 201:6 ANALYSIS O B J EC T I V E : D e m o n st rate t h e a b i l i t y to re v i e w fa c t s a n d e l i m i n ate p e rs o n a l b i a s a n d e m o t i o n to a n a l yze a n a rg u m e nt . U s e t h e e l e m e nt s o f a n a l ys i s : purpose, q u e st i o n i n g , co n c l u s i o n s , a s s u m p t i o n s , b i a s , consequence, and point of view to determine the argument ’s clarity, precision, a c c u ra c y, breadth, d e pt h , relevance and logic.

Analysis • Analysis can be defined as a detailed examination of the structure or

components of some subject or situation, particularly as it relates to reasoning and interpretation.

• Analysis involves a procedural break down of an intellectual or substantial whole into its component parts in order to make clear how these individual parts are ordered, related or connected to one another (Reichenbach, 2001).

• We use analytical skills every day to examine data, charts, graphs, documents, diagrams, as well as written and spoken language.

Anatomy of Analysis

Structural Form The way the thing you are

examining is organized.

Look for patterns, principles, relationships,

logical order, the components

Content Ideas, Themes, or

hypothesis

Look for dominant themes, subordinate

themes, overall meaning, or multiple

meanings.

Analysis deals with two parts: Structural Form and Content, so you must examine both.

Analysis As this skill involves the breaking down of information and complex concepts into component parts, verbs often associated with this skill include:

Analyze Categorize

Classify Compare Contrast

Distinguish Examine Simplify

(Anderson and Krathwohl, 2001). Image from powerpictures.crystalgraphics.com

Analysis Questions According to Bloom’s Taxonomy, questions associated with the skill of analysis include:

What are the parts or features of . . . ? How is _______ related to . . . ?

Why do you think . . . ? • What is the theme . . . ?

What motive is there . . . ? Can you list the parts . . . ?

What inference can you make . . . ? What conclusions can you draw . . . ?

How would you classify . . . ? How would you categorize . . . ?

Can you identify the different parts . . . ? What evidence can you find . . . ?

What is the relationship between . . . ? Can you make a distinction between . . . ?

What is the function of . . . ? (www.bloomstaxonomy.org)

Synthesis

Synthesis involves putting all the pieces together to form a whole picture. After analyzing the structural form and the content. After answering analytical questions, step back and take in the whole picture? What does it look like?

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The Elements of Thought

https://theelementsofthought.org/the-elements-of-thought-one-by-one/

Elements and Standards Interactive Model:

http://www.criticalthinking.org/ctmodel/logic-model.php

Analyze your Critical Thinking Essay utilizing the Elements and Standards InteractiveModel

Did you clearly state the purpose?

Did you clearly state the issue?

Do you have relevant information?

Did you make reasonable inferences and come up with a valid conclusion or solution?

What concepts did you include in your essay?

What assumptions have you made?

What are the implications and consequences of your conclusion?

Did you clearly state your point of view and the point of view of the opposing stance?

Sources: • Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing,

Abridged Edition. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

• Bloom’s Taxonomy (2017). Analysis Questions. Retrieved on July 16, 2017 from http://www.bloomstaxonomy.org/Blooms%20Taxonomy%20questions.pdf.

• Reichenbach, B. R. (2001). Introduction to Critical Thinking. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

• http://www.criticalthinking.org/ctmodel/logic-model.php

• https://theelementsofthought.org/the-elements-of-thought-one-by-one/