FOUNDATIONS

Critical Analysis (updated 8-16-02)

Category

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Knowledge base

Demonstrates elementary understanding of the basic knowledge base appropriate to the analysis in question

Demonstrates solid understanding of the knowledge base appropriate to the analysis in question

Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of both detail and context in the knowledge base appropriate to the analysis in question

Analysis

Recognizes and explains an argument prepared by somebody else or prepares an interpretation incorporating such elements as the following:

1. inductive reasoning

2. deductive reasoning

3. comparison

4. cause and effect

5. judgment referenced to established criteria

Prepares a more sophisticated analysis containing one or more of the following to make a sound, logical argument:

1. inductive reasoning

2. deductive reasoning

3. comparison

4. cause and effect

5. measure against established criteria

6. recognition and explanation of fallacy in others' reasoning process

Employs with ease and sophistication at least three of the methods of analysis listed in Level 2

Evaluation

Recognizes that valid assertions or arguments are built on evidence

Demonstrates ability to judge the quality, credibility, worth, or practicality of ideas presented, based on command of the knowledge base and/or analytical process, as listed above; recognizes that evaluation includes judgment of the argument itself as well as the assumptions (often unstated) on which it is based

Demonstrates superior ability to judge the quality, credibility, worth, or practicality of ideas presented; uses established criteria (rules of evidence, logic, or shared values) and in an unusually convincing manner explains how these criteria are met or not met with regard both to the argument itself and explicit or implicit assumptions on which it is based

Insight or Creativity

After demonstrating command of Knowledge Base, Analysis, and Evaluation, as listed above, develops an insight or hypothesis and offers support for its relevance; where appropriate, this may include an indication of the process by which the hypothesis or insight may be tested