• Gives a clear and confident account that refuses simply to accept what has been said

•  Gives a balanced account of the pros & cons of ideas 

• Avoids unsubstantiated assertions  – Asserts or assumes something is simply true 

• Uses paragraphs to develop and expand ideas 

• ALWAYS gives a clear and precise account of the relevant      evidence and arguments 

• ALWAYS backs up argument with evidence 

• ALWAYS gives reasons for conclusion 

• ALWAYS recognizes limitations (tends, suggests..) 

• ALWAYS avoid simplistic conclusions 

Choosing a Critical Report Topic

Selecting a critical report topic involves thoughtful considerations such as personal motivation, potential impacts on theoretical and practical studies, and the ability to fulfill assignment outcomes. It is crucial to identify the audience and purpose of the report, break down the assignment into main questions, and plan the investigation to find answers. The chosen topic, serving as the research question, should connect to the field of art, design, and visual culture, maintaining the student’s interest throughout the research process, while ensuring it is focused, intellectually challenging, and realistically researchable.

Critical Thinking

Good critical thinking is like being a detective. You thoroughly investigate the problem, argue for and against ideas, question the information (like literature), sum up and think about theories, and then make an informed decision based on the evidence.

• It is not just a statement -> need something to prove your words
• Gives a balanced account of the pros and cons of ideas.
• assume something is simply true.
• It can be presumed that it had some potential to be true.
• Always backs up argument with evidence
• Give reasons for the conclusion

Descriptive & Critical Approaches

• Summarize important ideas, books, theories, concepts
• Describe the research method and process
You should include SOME personal reflection:
• Formal tone: third person perspective (“it was found that…”)
• Tentative tone: (“it has been suggested,” “it could..”)

Key:

• Read it
• Understand it
• Your perspective
• Balance
• Writing an outline is important!

Notes