Application: Critical Thinking in Action Project

To begin this week's Assignment, you will read some new specific information about the company you selected in Week 2. Refer to Day 7 of this week to find the document for the company that you selected and take some time to review the information.

With this new information about your company, consider any questions or problem areas that come to mind. Think about what data will be needed to answer them and from what resources such data can be obtained. To help with this process, you will create a mind map, or a diagram that illustrates relationships among ideas. You might want to refer to the "Mind Map Example" (located in Day 7 of this week), which describes the use of a mind map.

To begin your mind map, select what you consider to be the most essential question or problem and write that in the center of the page. Next, draw a line from the main idea and write the purpose for addressing the topic. Once you have written in the purpose, add further questions concerning the problem and/or purpose. Include these questions as additional branches in your mind map. Some of your questions may even raise other questions; include these as well. Once you have included all your questions, draw branches that identify information that is still needed and note where this information might be found.

Note: Thoughtful consideration in the creation of your mind map will help you get the most out of this tool. Do not be hesitant to put some thought into the overall organization of your mind map (i.e., the placement of ideas, the links between ideas, etc.). You may want to consider using mind-mapping software to make it easier to edit your map.

Now that you have identified areas where further information is needed, locate an article or website that might be useful for your Critical Thinking in Action Project. Evaluate the credibility of the source using the elements of motive, expertise, ability to perceive, neutrality, reputation, and corroboration detailed in Chapter 9 of your van den Brink-Budgen text.

In a 1-paragraph response, comment on the following:

• Is a source still valid if all elements are not of equal strength?
• What if an element is not present or is negative? How would you justify using that source?