This document outlines lessons learned for critical reasoning. It recommends using process of elimination as the best approach for most question types and avoiding absolutes. It emphasizes adhering strictly to the specificity and context provided in the text when evaluating inferences, arguments, surveys, and studies. Paying attention to why conclusions are drawn and looking for gaps in reasoning involving statistics are also highlighted.
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Critical Reasoning Lessons Learned
This document outlines lessons learned for critical reasoning. It recommends using process of elimination as the best approach for most question types and avoiding absolutes. It emphasizes adhering strictly to the specificity and context provided in the text when evaluating inferences, arguments, surveys, and studies. Paying attention to why conclusions are drawn and looking for gaps in reasoning involving statistics are also highlighted.
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CRITICAL REASONING LESSONS LEARNED
Process of Elimination is the Best Approach 9 times out of 10!
In most question types, absolutes are too extreme (e.g. all, never, none, always, etc.). Identify those that are absolutes and eliminate as necessary The only logical relationship/inference between X and Y: o If X, then Y. If not Y, then not X. No other conclusions can be reached! For inference questions, strictly adhere to the specificity of the text Weaken the Conclusion: Find another reason/piece of evidence that supports the conclusion Resolve a Paradox: Stick to what specific information is given o Answer may bring about new information Pay attention to the why in the conclusion; this drives the answer! For evaluating arguments, it is imperative to know the current context for the basis of the argument (e.g. current bankruptcy failures/# of people in the area) o Usually applies when the question discusses % change Keep an eye out for statistics and numbers in questions. There is usually a gap in reasoning; stats are often used incorrectly in the real world For surveys and studies, representation is key