Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Critical Thinking
Module Code NS146
School School of Nursing and Human Sciences
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Lorraine Boran
Semester 2: Lorraine Boran
Autumn: Lorraine Boran
Module TeacherLorraine Boran
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to key cognitive and study skills necessary to engage in independent learning and research at level 8. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing cognitive skills including critical reasoning and argument analysis, intelligent information search and source analysis, mental heuristics, identification and evaluation of cognitive biases and flaws in reasoning. Additionally, application of cognitive skills to study and research, including preparation for assessments, academic writing, time and stress management will also feature in this module.

Learning Outcomes
1. Describe and evaluate key factors influencing critical reasoning and argument analysis.
2. Identify factors that affect information search and source analysis.
3. Demonstrate effective argument analysis, including analysis of information search and source.
4. Identify and evaluate flaws in reasoning
5. Identify and evaluate cognitive biases and heuristics in reasoning
6. Develop and reflect on self -management (time and stress) and study plan
7. Draft and edit a piece of academic writing and rubric



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture12No Description
Seminars12No Description
Directed learning12Online Activities
Independent learning89No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Critical Reasoning.
Argument Analysis and Mapping Software.

Information search and source analysis.
Cognitive biases and heuristics.

Logical Fallacies and Flaws in Reasoning.
Study Skills – Critical reading and note taking.

Learning Plan and Time Management.
Academic Writing, referencing using APA and rubric.

Reflective Learning.
Resilience and Stress Management.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentOn line Activities: Argument Analysis, Information Search, Source Analysis40%n/a
AssignmentCase Study: Cognitive Biases, Heuristics10%n/a
AssignmentLearning Plan: Develop Learning and Self-Management Plan10%n/a
AssignmentDevelop and edit a piece of academic writing, and rubric40%n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Matthew Allen: 2004, Smart thinking, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 9780195517330
  • M. Neil Browne, Stuart M. Keeley: 2011, Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking, Pearson, London, 9780132846165
  • Stella Cottrell,: 2011, Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument, Palgrave McMillan, Basingstoke, 9780230285293
  • Carol Dweck,: 2012, Mindset, Robinson, USA, 9781780332000
  • Mark Forshaw,: 2012, Critical Thinking For Psychology, John Wiley & Sons, London, 9781405191173
  • edited by Thomas Gilovich, Dale Griffin, Daniel Kahneman: 2002, Heuristics and biases, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 9780521796798
  • Barbara Minto: 2008, The pyramid principle, Prentice Hall, London, 9780273710516
  • Tony Buzan, Barry Buzan,: 2006, The Mind Map Book, BBC Archive, London, 9781406610208
  • Stephen D. Brookfield: 1987, Developing critical thinkers, Open University Press, Milton Keynes, 9780335155514
  • John Chaffee,: 2003, Thinking Critically, Houghton Mifflin, London, 9780618536481
  • Edward De Bono,: 2006, De Bono's Thinking Course, BBC Archive, Harlow, 9781406612028
  • John Dewey: 2011, How we think, Martino Fine Books, Eastford, 9781614272205
  • Alan Garnham, Jane Oakhill: 1994, Thinking and reasoning, Blackwell, Oxford, 9780631170037
  • Robert Hanna: 2006, Rationality and logic, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 9780262083492
  • David Hardman (Editor), Laura Macchi (Editor): 2005, Thinking: Psychological Perspectives on Reasoning, Judgment and Decision Making, Wiley, Chichester, 9780470025727
  • Keith J. Holyoak Ph.D. (Editor), Robert G. Morrison Ph.D. (Editor): 2012, The Oxford Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning, Oxford University Press, USA, 9780199734689
  • David A. Levy,: 2003, Tools of Critical Thinking: Metathoughts for Psychology, Waveland Press, Longrove, 978-1577666295
  • Ken Manktelow: 2012, Reasoning and Thinking, Psychology Press, Hove, 9781841697413
  • Andrew Northedge: 2005, The good study guide, Open University, Milton Keynes, 9780749259747
  • Keith Stenning: 2002, Seeing reason, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 9780198507741
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
BPYBSc (Honours) in Psychology
Timetable this semester: Timetable for NS146
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