Task Description:

The purpose of this task is for you to demonstrate your ability to critically analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and present that information in a written format. A list of articles will be available on the unit's Moodle site for you to choose from. You will then write a critical article review based around your responses to the following questions.

Critical Analysis
o What is the background of the research? (Background)
o What is the research problem? What do we know about the research problem? What do we not know? (Research objective and literature review)
o What are the core research questions the article addresses? Why are they important to address? (Research questions)
o How was the research conducted? (Methodology)
o What where the major findings? (Findings)
o What are the significance of the findings for future research or management practice? (Significance/implications)

Critical evaluation
o In your view, are there any limitations with this research?
o What are some of the assumptions that the authors have made in this research? Do you agree with them?
o What is your overall evaluation of the article's effectiveness and credibility?
Please do not simply list the questions and your response to them. The questions are to be used simply as a means for you to critically think about your chosen article. Your review needs to contain answers to these questions, but they need to be in essay format, that is, containing introduction section, body paragraphs and a conclusion section.

Assessment Criteria

Introduction
Clearly outlines the purpose, scope, structure of the essay

Body-critical analysis
The following list of questions are effectively addressed: o What is the background of the research? o What is the research problem? What do we know about the research problem? What do we not know? o What are the core research questions the article addresses? Why are they important to address? o How was the research conducted? o What where the major findings? o What are the significance of the findings for future research or management practice? Demonstrate ability to critically analyze, synthesize and present information in a written format

Body-critical evaluation
The following list of questions are effectively addressed: o In your view, are there any limitations with this research? o What are some of the assumptions that the authors have made in this research? Do you agree with them? o What is your overall evaluation of the article's effectiveness and credibility? Demonstrate ability to critically evaluate information and present argument in a convincing manner

Conclusion
All aspects drawn together in a brief, concise summary. Consistent with findings, no new material introduced but highlights implications or a comment on the future of the issue.

Presentation
High quality of expression, grammar, spelling, punctuation and proofreading. Format and layout in professional manner ( i.e. 1.5 spacing, 12-size font, Times New Roman). Assessment cover page included, within the word count.

Referencing
Use of APA referencing system in a consistent and correct manner in the essay itself. Inclusion of an accurate reference list on a separate page listing only the sources that actually have been used. The reference list is arranged in alphabetical order according to the authors' last names.

Further breakdown of each criterion (From Fail to High Distinction) is available on Moodle.

Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate and reflect on the importance of critical thinking and the benefits of using decision-making processes to assess and solve business, managerial and organisational problems
- Critically analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply creative decision-making approaches to address business issues and problems
- Communicate complex concepts, ideas and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences with the aim to influence and persuade others to adopt new positions.

Referencing Style

American Psychological Association (APA)

Article 1 - Improving critical thinking: Effects of dispositions and instructions on economics students' reasoning skills by Anita Heijltjes, Tamara van Gog, Jimmie Leppink, Fred Paas

Article 2 - Understanding and teaching critical thinking-A new approach by Kristoffer Larsson

Article 3 - How might language affect critical thinking performance? by Emmanuel Manaloa, Chris Sheppard

Article 4 - Epistemic beliefs and critical thinking of Chinese students by Ngai-Man Chan, Irene T., Kelly Y.L.

Article 5 - A meta-analysis on critical thinking and community college student achievement by Carlton J. Fonga, Yughi Kima, Coreen W. Davisa, Theresa Hoanga, Young Won Kimb

Article 6 - Exploring cultural differences in critical thinking: Is it about my thinking style or the language I speak? by Vivian Miu-Chi Lun, Ronald Fischer, Colleen Ward