Thinking critically
Academic Writing and Critical Thinking
Critical thinking means asking how we know something: Is the sample representative? Are there other explanations? Does the conclusion go further than the data?
Being critical is not being negative. Acknowledge strengths, then explain limitations and their consequences.
Example
“The study’s large sample is a strength, but self-reported data may overstate study hours, so the effect size should be read cautiously.”
Exercise
Ask the mentor to “check logical coherence” on one section, then decide which suggestions you agree with.