The primary elements of critical thinking are analyzing, applying standards, logical reasoning, information seeking, and predicting. Conducting a proper analysis of a given phenomenon is crucial for critical thinking, as it allows separating the information into distinct parts for discovering the underlying relationships between them (Scheffer & Rubenfeld, 2001). After that, applying particular professional or scholarly standards is also vital for establishing the framework within which the obtained evidence will be evaluated and structured. Logical reasoning must also be adhered to, as it allows creating conclusions based on the gathered knowledge and supported by facts. Similarly, information seeking is also connected to the study of evidence; however, this element of critical thinking suggests that objective information about the phenomenon must be properly identified (Scheffer & Rubenfeld, 2001). Finally, prediction is a vital part of critical thinking due to its connection to outlining the consequences of the investigation, which is necessary for preparing the structure of the plan and envisioning possible outcomes.
A perfect example of a logically structured source that demonstrated good critical thinking skills is the article on food and water security issues written by Anna Tengberg. Tengberg (2020) discusses the United Nations (UN) report, critically evaluating its contributions and predictions for the food and water insecurity developments. The author appropriately examines the UN assessment, integrating relevant statistics and research data to support the reliability of its conclusions. Thus, as Tengberg clearly outlines available evidence, including objective information, and predicts the outcomes of the UN’s findings, it is evident that she demonstrates excellent critical thinking skills.
Contrastingly, an article by Kyla Peterson appears to lack the critical thinking elements, incorporating ideas that are not supported by relevant academic sources. While Peterson (2019) reports on the issues of food production and water distribution emergent in developing countries, the claims regarding the connection between water insecurity and malnutrition are not based on specific research. In addition, the article does not critically evaluate the sources used for creating the content and does not transform the current knowledge on food and water security. From this perspective, it is possible that the author lacks good critical thinking skills.
References
Peterson, K. (2019). Better water security translates into better food security. New Security Beat. Web.
Scheffer, B. K., & Rubenfeld, M. G. (2001). Critical thinking: What is it and how do we teach it? In J. M. Dochterman & H. K. Grace (Eds.), Current issues in nursing (6th ed., pp. 125-132). Mosby.
Tengberg, A. (2020). Water scarcity threatens food security for billions. SIWI. Web.