Title: TOPIC 7: The application of critical thinking within universities – the scientific approach
Course: Introduction to Critical Thinking > Section: Course Content

The application of critical thinking within universities – the scientific approach

7.1 Introduction

In Topic 1 you learned the connection between thinking and the university.

In Topic 6 you have learned how to make correct inferences based on good premises and avoid fallacious arguments.

When applied to the academic context, the proper study of a particular issue requires a thorough and exhaustive examination of that issue.

The aim sometimes is to develop new knowledge, develop a new insight, shape procedures, understand and influence.

The process is a methodical application of critical thinking and is called the scientific approach.

Apart from minimizing the influence of bias or prejudice it gives the scientist confidence that they are sticking to facts.

In this Topic you will learn about the scientific approach and practice applying it in studying a real-life problem.

The detailed content is Topic 7 Article.

7.2 Learning Outcomes

At the end of this topic you should be able to:

7.2.1      Explain the scientific approach

7.2.2    Apply the scientific approach to a real-life problem

7.3 Below are the resources you will need
  - Topic 7 Article. Click here to download

Advice: Copy and paste the learning outcomes above in a document and fill in the answers as you read the article and watch the video above. This will help you better understand the content.

7.4 Activity (e-tivity)

Buddy - Pair (about 60 min) | 7.4.1 | Read the Topic 7 Article. Make short notes to summarize the Article. Think about a real-life problem you would want to research on to resolve it, very briefly note down the idea, why and how you would research and resolve it.

Buddy - Pair (about 60 min) | 7.4.2 | (a) Discuss your notes with your buddy and your research idea, giving helpful feedback to your buddy. Write down a joint notes Word document. (b) Review your research idea and modify if necessary, taking into account your buddy’s feedback.

Group/Class (about 60 min) | 7.4.3 | a) Post to the discussion forum for Topic 7  your answer to 7.4.2 and upload an attachment of your joint notes from 7.4.1. Read the notes of at least two other buddy-pairs. On the discussion forum for Topic 7  make a comment to at least one other buddy-pair’s post as feedback either to their notes or their answer to 7.4.2

7.5 Assessment

All assessments should be uploaded  by the deadline given by your lecturer

Individual Assessment (about 120 min) | 7.5.1 | Working individually, submit a final revised copy of your notes for Topic 7 Article, after taking into account the feedback of classmates in 7.4.3 Submit your work on Assessment 7.5.1 (Upload) forum.
7.5.2 | In not more than 1000 words write down a summary of how you would examine the real-life problem you described in the Activity above following the steps described in the Topic 7 Article. Upload your answer as a Word document on Assessment 7.5.1 (Upload) forum. (c) Beginning with its mission and vision explain how critical thinking is important in the activities of your university that contribute towards its overall aims. (1000 words max)