Critical Thinking For Computing Students

By thecourseranch | Updated: Sept. 30, 2024, 5:44 p.m.

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Learn all about critical evaluation with this video! Dive into essential techniques for assessing sources, analyzing arguments, and developing well-rounded perspectives. This video is perfect for university students (both Post- Graduate and Undergraduate) tackling assignments and wanting to enhance their critical thinking skills. Paired with a comprehensive worksheet, you'll be able to apply these concepts directly to your studies and improve your academic performance. Watch now and elevate your critical evaluation abilities! #CriticalThinking #UniversitySkills #AcademicSuccess #StudyTips #EvaluateSources #CriticalEvaluation #HigherEducation #StudentLife #Learning #Education

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How to critically evaluate a source
When writing your literature review, it can be very difficult to know how to "critically evaluate" a source. 
We firstly need to change our perception that because articles have been published, they must be 'perfectly correct'. 
This may feel quite strange at first as journal articles often look so professional with so many citations and statistics.  
To start this process, we need to look at two specific areas: 
the methodology and 
the results
For this lesson, we will focus on the methodology section.
How much time would you need to do research to answer this question?
How could you ensure the data was accurate?
Where would you get your data from?
Have you read any articles about the topic area? what do you already know?
1
Step one - Think about the hypothesis and imagine you were going to do the research. 
Now think of any issues that you can foresee in your answers to those previous questions . 
Step two - Consider the 
complications! 
2
Is their sample size large enough?
Was the timescale of the project plausible? 
Is their sample diverse enough?
Is there a clear justification for their choice of 
methodology?
3
Step Three - Now look at the methodology
Now pause the video while you look at Task 1 on the accompanying sheet. 
Listen to Professor York
and follow her instructions. 
Let's now explore the methodology shown in the worksheet. 
Task 
three
Pause the video here and complete Task Three
Here are some observations when critically evaluating this source, looking specifically at the methodology...
potential Weaknesses
The methodology's focus on high-profile cases may not represent the broader spectrum of E2EE use among different terrorist groups, potentially leading to skewed conclusions.
Heavy reliance on secondary sources like government reports can introduce bias, as these documents might have their own limitations and perspectives.
The methodology lacks a clear process for verifying the accuracy of the intelligence reports and government documents used, which could affect the reliability of the findings.
The absence of quantitative analysis limits the study's statistical validation, which could strengthen the reliability of its conclusions.
In sum, arguably no research is perfect. It is your job to look at the methodology and results and question every claim, assumption and 'fact' presented. Your lecturer will now conclude the lesson.