The Library holds a wide range of academic information in a variety of formats. This Library Guide brings together key resources and support materials for information and literature searching.
Use the menu items on the left for help with searching the databases, clinical summaries, journals, books and grey literature sources. The Recommended Resources section below highlights the key resources for each subject area. The Guide to Literature Searching outlines step-by-step how to do a literature search and how to write up your search strategy. The Databases section has handouts on how to search the key databases. The Open Resources section provides resources that do not require a login.
What exactly is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking (awareness or engagement) means to analyse information we encounter. In a basic sense, it means to ask questions about the information resources we read, to not accept what you read or hear at face value, but to be skeptical and inquisitive. This extends from what we read online, or in books, to the library databases.
Why is it important?
It is a skill for life as we are surrounded by information and sometimes, misinformation. You can demonstrate you have the ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives and use evidence to help you form your own opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
It also supports your learning at university, allowing you to really analyse information, form your own conclusions, and even write about your own understanding and application. This can be called the critical process. See the image below (credit to Learning & Development, Uni of Plymouth).
How should I apply critical thinking?
From a library perspective we encourage learners to ask practical questions about a text or piece of research. For example, who is the author/publisher? When was it published? Is the argument clear? Does it appear accurate? Is it will referenced? The below worksheet can assist you in asking more effective questions about what you read.
More resources
There is an interactive activity on our library Moodle page for learners who wish to know more about critical thinking (requires Moodle login). This can be followed up with a quiz completion to test your knowledge.
Learn how to apply the RADAR framework (requires Moodle login) - Rationale, Authority, Date, Accuracy, Relevance
Click here to read more about the importance of critical thinking in the era of AI on our library guide.