Business Cycles and Recessions (1980-2010)

CRITICAL THINKING RUBRIC

1. Identifies and summarizes the problem/question at issue (and/or the source’s

position).

EXPECTATION:

Identifies the main problem and subsidiary, embedded, or implicit aspects of the problem,

and identifies them clearly, addressing their relationships to each other. Identifies not only

the basics of the issue, but recognizes nuances of the issue.

3 = “exceeds expectation” 2 = “meets expectation” 1 = “doesn’t meet expectation” SCORE ______

2. Identifies and presents the STUDENT’S OWN perspective, hypothesis, or position

as it is important to the analysis of the issue.

EXPECTATION:

Identifies, appropriately, one’s own position on the issue, drawing support from experience

and information not available from assigned sources.

3 = “exceeds expectation” 2 = “meets expectation” 1 = “doesn’t meet expectation” SCORE ______

3. Identifies and considers OTHER salient perspectives and positions that are important

to the analysis of the issue.

EXPECTATION:

Addresses perspectives noted previously, and additional diverse perspectives drawn from outside

information.

3 = “exceeds expectation” 2 = “meets expectation” 1 = “doesn’t meet expectation” SCORE ______

4. Identifies and assesses the key assumptions.

EXPECTATION:

Identifies and questions the validity of the assumptions and addresses the ethical dimensions that

underlie the issue.

3 = “exceeds expectation” 2 = “meets expectation” 1 = “doesn’t meet expectation” SCORE ______

5. Identifies and assesses the quality of supporting data/evidence and provides additional

data/evidence related to the issue.

EXPECTATION:

Examines the evidence and source of evidence; questions its accuracy, precision, relevance, completeness.

Observes cause and effect and addresses existing or potential consequences.

Clearly distinguishes between fact and opinion, and acknowledges value judgments.

3 = “exceeds expectation” 2 = “meets expectation” 1 = “doesn’t meet expectation” SCORE ______

6. Identifies and considers the influence of the context on the issue.

EXPECTATION:

Analyzes the issue with a clear sense of scope and context, including an assessment of the audience of

the analysis. Considers other pertinent contexts.

Contexts for consideration:

Cultural/social Scientific

Group, national, ethnic behavior/attitude Conceptual, basic science, scientific method

Educational Economic

Schooling/formal training Trade, business concerns, costs

Technological Ethical

Applied science, engineering Values

Political Personal experience

Organizational or governmental Personal observation, informal character

3 = “exceeds expectation” 2 = “meets expectation” 1 = “doesn’t meet expectation” SCORE _____

7. Identifies and assesses conclusions, implications, and consequences.

EXPECTATION:

Identifies and discusses conclusions, implications and consequences considering context, assumptions,

data, and evidence. Objectively reflects upon their own assertions.

3 = “exceeds expectation” 2 = “meets expectation” 1 = “doesn’t meet expectation” SCORE ______

TOTAL

SCORE ______

© 2001 – The Center for Teaching, Learning, Technology, General Education & The Writing Center Washington State University