Critical Thinking Strategies in Everyday Life: Case Studies and Analysis

What is the first hint for critical thinking?

READ (or listen) carefully.

What should you look for when analyzing arguments?

HIDDEN assumptions.

What is the third hint for critical thinking?

Identify the REAL issue.

What should you understand in critical thinking?

All the OPTIONS.

What should you watch for that may not be obvious?

Fine print and MISSING information.

What is an important question to ask about conclusions?

Are other CONCLUSIONS possible?

What should you be cautious of when evaluating arguments?

Outright FAKERY.

What is the final hint for critical thinking?

Don't miss the BIG picture.

What is the stated premise in the argument for building more prisons?

If we incarcerate more criminals, then the crime rate will be reduced.

What is the conclusion of the argument for building more prisons?

We should build more prisons.

What is a hidden assumption in the prison argument?

If we build more prisons, then the crime rate will be reduced.

What is the core structure of the argument for banning concerts?

Premise: There is a PARKING PROBLEM for concerts; Conclusion: Future concerts must be BANNED.

What are two alternative solutions to the parking problem for concerts?

Create new parking lots and use shuttle buses.

What might the true motivation of the editorial writer be regarding concert bans?

Concealing a personal opinion about opposing concerts.

What was the unusual offer made in the safe investment case?

Certificates of deposit with the highest interest rates, more than double that of most banks.

What critical thinking breakdown did Marshall experience?

He did not question how one bank could offer such high interest rates.

What did the fine print in the investment offer indicate?

The investments were 'offshore', suggesting it was not a normal CD.

What crucial information was missing from the investment offer?

The CD was NOT insured by the F.D.I.C.