Critical Thinking

· Write a 5 page assessment in which you apply a model of critical thinking to analyze a societal problem and suggest potential solutions.

Whatever your profession, it is important to present yourself well in all modes of communication. Among the most important skills needed today is the ability to effectively communicate, solve problems, and think critically. Today's organizations expect their psychology professionals to be knowledgeable about the field and to effectively solve problems in the field of practice.

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

· Competency 1: Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

1. Describe the historical development of theoretical approaches within psychology to resolve a societal problem.

. Competency 2: Apply information analysis and research methods and use technology tools and applications appropriate for psychology.

2. Summarize a societal problem and associated research.

. Competency 3: Develop effective communication and quantitative literacy skills.

3. Use well-developed written communication.

3. Successfully implement APA style.

. Competency 4: Use critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem solving in psychology.

4. Apply critical thinking to analyze a societal problem.

4. Recommend an action plan to solve a societal problem.

. Competency 5: Apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

5. Integrate relevant psychological principles into an analysis of a societal problem.

Context

Critical thinking is an important skill that can enhance the learning experience and improve communications in all aspects of our lives. According to the Foundation for Critical Thinking (2013), critical thinking allows an individual to raise questions and problems, gather and assess information, and come to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions. It enables an individual to think with an open mind and understand assumptions, implications, and consequences of others' arguments to develop a complete understanding of the thinking of others and its relationship to one's own ideas and opinions.

Reference

Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2013). Critical thinking: Where to begin. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/starting/index.cfm

Resources

Required Resource

The following resource is required to complete the assessment.

Multimedia

Click the link provided below to view the following multimedia piece:

. Critical Thinking Model  |  Transcript .

Suggested Resources

The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

Capella Resources

Click the links provided to view the following resources:

. SMART Action Plan .

Capella Multimedia

Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:

. SMART Goals for an Action Plan  |  Transcript .

. Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals  |  Transcript .

Course Library Guide

A Capella University library guide has been created specifically for your use in this course. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in the  Psychology Capstone Project Library Guide  to help direct your research.

Internet Resource

Access the following resource by clicking the link provided. Please note that URLs change frequently. Permission for the following link has been either granted or deemed appropriate for educational use at the time of course publication.

. Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2013).  Critical thinking: Where to begin . Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/starting/index.cfm

· Assessment Instructions

Complete the following to prepare for this assessment:

. Identify and research a societal problem.

. Identify psychological theories and principles relevant to the problem, both now and historically.

. View the Critical Thinking Model media piece linked in the Resources under the Required Resources heading.

Write an assessment in which you apply the critical thinking model and psychological theories and principles to complete the following:

. Summarize the societal problem and associated research.

. Apply critical thinking to analyze the problem.

. Describe the historical development of theoretical approaches within psychology to resolve the societal problem.

. Provide an action plan with recommendations for how we as a society can deal with this problem in a fair and just manner.

You may conduct an Internet search to learn what should be included in an action plan. For more information, you may also refer to the Resources, specifically the linked media and the SMART Action Plan Capella resource.

Additional Requirements

Your paper should meet the following requirements:

. Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.

. APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA sixth edition style and formatting.

. Number of resources: Paper uses a minimum of three (3) academic resources.

. Length: Submission includes 5 typed double-spaced pages.

. Font and font size: Paper uses Times New Roman, 12 point.