Apply Critical Thinking

Start Here
In this project, you will review a case study and apply critical thinking skills to reach
conclusions based on the process of exploration, questioning, analyzing facts, and
identifying what you know and what you do not know. This exercises problem-
solving skills.   

In this project, you will address a case study that intentionally does not give you
enough detail for you to quickly resolve the issue. This is meant to enable you to use
the processes of critical thinking to reach conclusions. Given the gaps in information
provided to you, you will identify what you know, what you don’t know, and what
questions you need to ask as you start your investigation of the facts of the case. The
process is designed to encourage clear thinking and to help you to identify potential
cognitive traps that could derail well-reasoned conclusions.
There are six steps that will lead you through this project. Most steps of this project
should take no more than two hours to complete. Step 1: Prepare to Think Critically.
Competencies
Your work will be evaluated using the competencies listed below.
 1.1: Organize document or presentation clearly in a manner that promotes
understanding and meets the requirements of the assignment.
 1.2: Develop coherent paragraphs or points so that each is internally unified
and so that each functions as part of the whole document or presentation.
 1.4: Tailor communications to the audience.
 1.5: Use sentence structure appropriate to the task, message and audience.
 1.6: Follow conventions of Standard Written English.
 2.1: Identify and clearly explain the issue, question, or problem under critical
consideration.
 2.2: Locate and access sufficient information to investigate the issue or
problem.
 2.4: Consider and analyze information in context to the issue or problem.
 2.5: Develop well-reasoned ideas, conclusions or decisions, checking them
against relevant criteria and benchmarks.

Step 2: Identify the Problem

 Now that you’re prepared to think critically, it’s time to
analyze the situation. Remember the direction from your CEO
is to analyze the situation and advise on the two lawsuits.
Review the video or transcript in Start Here as needed.
  A suggested area of focus is to determine if a conflict of
interest would exist in handling the two cases that might be
related, and advise how to proceed.
 Outline the points that you want to make in the first two
sections of your paper (introduction, explanation) and draft
those sections.
 Next, it’s time to analyze the information.

 Step 3: Analyze the Information

 Now that you have some understanding of the nature of the
breach and the parties involved, it’s time to gather and
analyze information. The problem analysis resources will
further aid your analysis and development of the third section
of the paper.
 Outline the points that you want to make in Section 3: Analysis
of the Information of your paper, and draft that section.
 In the following step, you will consider other viewpoints,
conclusions, and solutions.

Problem Analysis
Problem analysis involves framing the issue by defining its boundaries,
establishing criteria with which to select from alternatives, and
developing conclusions based on available information. Analyzing a
problem may not result in a decision, although the results are an
important ingredient in all decision making.

Another way to consider problem analysis is a process that includes

identifying and defining the problem, gathering information about the
problem, and deciding if one or a group will begin work to solve the
problem. A decision to solve the problem leads to analysis of the
problem, in this model, asking the what, why, how, and other basic
questions. From this point, the group can revisit the decision to solve
and refine any issues (risk, cost, feasibility, for example.)
References

Defining decision making. (n.d.). Boundless Management. Retrieved

from https://www.boundless.com/management/textbooks/boundless-
management-textbook/decision-making-10/decision-making-in-
management-75/defining-decision-making-366-3930/

Nagy, J. (n.d.). Defining and analyzing the problem. Community

Toolbox. Retrieved from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-
contents/analyze/analyze-community-problems-and-solutions/define-
analyze-problem/main

Step 4: Consider and Analyze Other Viewpoints, Conclusions, and

Solutions

Once you have completed your analysis of the incident, the next step is
to analyze alternative viewpoints, conclusions, and solutions. To do
this, you will need to apply ethical decision-making and reasoning.
Also, read the highly recommended  Randolph Pherson's "The Five
Habits of the Master Thinker," a paper written for intelligence analysts,
but applicable to all analytical thinking and reasoning.

Outline the points that you want to make in Section 4: Analysis of

Alternative Viewpoints, Conclusions, or Solutions of your paper, and
draft that section.

When you are finished, move to the next step, which involves
developing conclusions.

Ethical Decision-Making and Reasoning

What are the different viewpoints? There are often different

interpretations of the facts. This may be one of the more challenging
aspects of critical thinking. You will also employ ethical reasoning and
decision-making, carefully considering all points of view and
recommendations to maintain a critical thinking mindset.
Step 5: Develop Well-Reasoned Conclusions

You considered alternative viewpoints in the last step. Now you’re ready to develop
personal conclusions and suggest remedies so that your boss is well-equipped to brief 
leadership about the situation.
Remember, you may need to consult outside references, but this is not a research
paper. It is more investigative in nature about the facts of the case. Cite outside sources
carefully.
Now, outline your argument and draft Section 5: Conclusions and Recommendations, the
final sections. Your boss is expecting to receive a concise, focused paper to prepare  for
further meetings. Stay to the main points, although you may have more facts to answer
any questions. You will submit your paper in the final step.

Submit the Critical Thinking Paper

The final paper should be no more than five double-spaced pages, excluding the cover
page and references page(s). Organize the paper in accordance with your preparatory
steps, using these subheadings:
1. Introduction
2. Explanation of the Issue
3. Analysis of the Information
4. Consideration of Alternative Viewpoints and Conclusions
5. Conclusions and Recommendations
Here are some tips for success:
 Consider outside sources if they inform your case. However, stay on task.
 Use APA style for “in text” and reference citations. At this point, your citations
should be error-free.
Consider these best practices for a paper:
 An effective introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone and
direction for the rest of the paper;
 Supporting paragraphs that move the reader from the general introduction to
the more specific aspects of your analysis;
 Body paragraphs that provide support; and,
 A conclusion that leads to a natural close to what you have presented.