1 critical thinking and thesis development kayla skarbakka writing consultant walden university...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Critical Thinking and Thesis Development
Kayla Skarbakka
Writing Consultant
Walden University Writing Center
22
Housekeeping
Muting
Questions
Tech trouble? http://support.citrixonline.com/en_US/GoToTraining
Recording: http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/415.htm
33
Agenda
Critical readingCritical thinkingThesis developmentAnalysisAdditional suggestions
• Synthesis• Paraphrasing
44
Question 1
What do you think critical reading involves? Check all that apply.
A.Evaluating sources as I read them.B.Always criticizing other authors.C.Thinking about how my research
relates to my topic.
55
Critical Reading
Interacting with the texts that you are reading.
66
Critical Reading
Judge of scholarly text
77
Critical Reading
Scholar in academic community
88
Critical Reading
The Real World
should be censored
Agrees: all TV should be censored
To a certain extent
Completely disagrees: TV should never be censored
99
Critical Thinking
Using your research and evaluations to develop your argument and form a focused, cohesive narrative
1010
Critical Thinking
According to Kurland (2000), critical thinking involves six key characteristics:
1.Rationality2.Self-awareness3.Honesty4.Open-mindedness5.Judgment 6.Discipline
1111
Critical Thinking: Judgment
Allows you to:Evaluate your sourcesForm an argument based on your
researchDetermine what will help support your
argument (what is and is not useful)
1212
Critical Thinking: Discipline
Allows you to:Define the scope of your paperMaintain your objectivityMaintain focus
1313
Importance of Critical Thinking
Show that you can not only learn information but also use it to create new research/ideas and make a difference in the world
1414
Critical Thinking: Analogy
What does not involve critical thinking?
1515
Critical Thinking: Analogy
Don’t be a penguin. Instead of regurgitating the fish, play
around with it and create something new and exciting.
1616
Recap
1717
Demonstrating Critical Thinking
Thesis statementAnalysis SynthesisParaphrasing
1818
Question 2
What is a thesis statement? A. The overall topic or subject of a paperB. A statement of your central argument or
purposeC. A dissertation or capstone paper on a
particular subjectD. A concluding thought at the end of a paper
1919
Thesis: Definitions
“a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, esp. one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections” (Dictionary.com, 2009).
“a position or proposition which a person advances and offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument” (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary,1998).
“a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research” (Princeton University, 2006).
* presenting an argument* capable of advancement
2020
Thesis: An Argument?
1. In his article, Jefferson (2003) insisted that The Real World was responsible for corrupting the mind of America’s youth.
2. The purpose of this paper is to consider the positive and negative ways that women are portrayed in The Real World.
3. The Real World reinforces gender inequality in America, suggesting that women are not just avid consumers, but consumables as well.
2121
Thesis: Capable of Advancement?
1. The Real World should not be censored.
2. There are many reasons to censor the content that appears on The Real World.
3. The FCC has the right to limit the content that appears on The Real World in cases where the show depicts overtly sexist images. A failure to address such issues would suggest that American society approves of such views.
2222
Thesis: Capable of Advancement?
The FCC has the right to limit the content that appears on The Real World in cases where the show depicts overtly sexist images. A failure to address such issues would suggest that American society approves of such views.
I. Examples of sexual objectification in The Real World.II. Consequences of sexual objectification in The Real World.III. Argument that censorship is warranted in situations with such
dire consequences (may included counterarguments)IV. Suggestion that these unchecked images and consequences
define the society that refuses to condemn them.Conclusion: If a society is defined by its actions (or inactions),
then the FCC should reserve the right to limit sexist images in The Real World.
2323
Thesis: Extra Tip
Thesis Mad Libs In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert
_____. While scholars have often argued ______, I
argue______, because_______. Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which
is important because_______.
* These models are for drafting purposes only and shouldn’t appear in your final work.
2424
Question 3
Which sentence best fits the definition of a thesis statement?A. By discussing curriculum components, I will
show how revisions will improve student achievement.
B. My purpose in this paper is to discuss curriculum components.
C. This paper discusses curriculum components.
2525
Analysis
Your own interpretation of other authors’ ideas
Ensures that you’re not just summarizing your research, but using it to support your argument
How you’ll support your thesis statement throughout your paper
Important to include in every paragraph
2626
Analysis
MEAL plan:Main idea: topic sentenceEvidence: information from your sources to
support your main ideaAnalysis: explanation of the
evidence/discussion of its relevance in light of your thesis statement
Lead out: conclusion(Duke University's Thompson Writing Program, n.d.)
2727
Analysis
I. Examples of sexual objectification in The Real World.
Main idea: Many examples of sexual objectification
Evidence: List of examples (e.g., scenes, images, and quotes from the show)
Analysis: Discussion of how these examples demonstrate objectification; interpretation of these examples for your reader
Lead out: Hint at the significance of those examples
2828
Question 4
How might does the MEAL plan help you as you writing? Select all that apply.A. It helps ensure my paragraphs are well
developed.B. It helps me revise my writing.C. It helps me see where I need to add
analysis of my evidence.
2929
Synthesis
Combining independent elements to form a cohesive whole
Involves• Critical analysis of sources• Comparing and contrasting what the authors have
to say• Evaluating and interpreting that information
3030
Synthesis
Not synthesis: “X argued A. Y said B. Z suggested C.” Synthesis: “X argued A. Y supported X’s argument by stating B. Z, however, offered an opposing view, noting that, while A may be true, B does not necessarily follow. Rather, C.” Like a dinner party
3131
Not Synthesis
Synthesis is NOT:Organization based solely on authorsA summary of your sources
Author AAuthor C
Author B
3232
Not Synthesis
According to Peterson (2008), 83% of teenagers claimed that reality television had no impact on their perception of sexuality or gender. Carol (2010) noted that teenagers who watched an hour or more of reality television per day reported a higher dissatisfaction in their relationships with the opposite gender than did teenagers who watch little or no reality television.
3333
Synthesis
Synthesis is:Organized thematicallyFocused on the relationships between authors
censorship
Sexual objectificationReality TV
B C
A
A
B
A
BC
C
3434
Synthesis
While Peterson (2008) noted that the vast majority of teenagers do not believe that reality television affects their perception of sexuality or gender, Carol (2010) found contrasting evidence that frequently watching reality television can negatively affect relationships with the opposite gender. These conflicting views suggest the possibility that teenagers are simply not aware of the negative influences of reality television.
3535
Question 5
Synthesis involves which of the following? Select all that apply.A. Presenting one source per paragraph.B. Comparing and contrasting information
from sources.C. Integrating source information together.D. Summarizing sources.
3636
Paraphrasing
Placing ideas or information from a source in your own words
Always preferable to directly quoting• Your author wants to read your words,
not someone else’s• Condense, reframe, restructure, and
reinterpret the author’s idea to fit your own purpose
3737
Red FlagsUse of sources of questionable credibility.
• Websites• Opinion pieces• Sources or studies sponsored by an organization
with a vested interest.Restatement of a study’s findings.Lack of argumentIdeas supported with a single source.Extensive quotes.
3838
Recap
Don’t be a penguin! Interact with your research by asking critical
questionsYour thesis should be specific, arguable, and
capable of advancementUse analysis to advance your central argument
throughout your paperUse synthesis and paraphrasing to demonstrate
critical thinking throughout your writing
3939
Resources
On our website: Critical reading Thesis statements Paragraphs Paraphrasing Webinars
