From the first two modules of this course, we have learned that explicit strategies are crucial for us to solve problems, reach conclusion, and become generally stronger in critical thinking. In contrast, there is a wealth of research showing the human capacity of "thinking without explicitly thinking." The Science article by Bechara, Damasio, Tranel, and Damasio (1997) was a seminal contribution to this line of work. In the paper, you will compare the approach of critical thinking (as learned so far in this course) with the idea proposed in Bechara et al. (1997) and then reconcile the two. Bechara, A., Damasio, H., Tranel, D., & Damasio, A. R. (1997). Deciding advantageously before knowing the advantageous strategy. Science, 275(5304), 1293-1295.
Instruction:
1. Find the article cited above and read it.
2. Summarize the main idea proposed by the authors of that article.
3. Contrast the main idea of that article with the approaches we have learned to clarify and analyze information in the first two modules in this course.
4. How would you reconcile the two approaches in your quest to become a strong critical thinker?
5. At least one additional scholarly article should be cited along with Bechara et al. (1997) and the textbook (Facione & Gittens, 2016).
6. The paper should be between 800 to 1000 words, and meets the standards of APA style. You may find this template to be helpful in constructing an APA-styled paper.
Grading Rubric:
Not present 0% Insufficient 30% Sufficient 60% Good 80% Excellent 100% Points
Summarize the main idea from article
(0) No clear summary
(3) Does not present the idea clearly or completely
(6) Presents a clear idea but it may not be complete
(8) Idea is presented clearly and completely
(10) Idea is presented in a way that shows in-depth understanding of the article
10
Contrast the main idea with strategies from textbook
(0) No mention of textbook strategies or the article idea
(3) Presents either or both sources without comparison
(6) Presents at least 1 similarity and/or difference between the two sources
(8) Presents the differences and similarities between the two sources thoroughly
(10) Presents the differences and similarities between the two and highlight the critical aspects
10
Reconcile the main idea from the article with textbook strategies
(0) No integration of the two sources
(3) An attempt to integrate the two but no clear conclusion
(6) Integrate the two with a clear conclusion but it may not be complete
(8) Integrate the two with a clear and complete conclusion
(10) Integrate the two with a conclusion that is sophisticated (for example, considering different contexts)
10
Support arguments with 1 scholarly reference in addition to textbook and assigned article
(0) No additional scholarly reference
(1.5) The reference is not scholarly
(3) The reference is somewhat relevant to the arguments
(4) The reference is relevant to the arguments
(5) The reference significantly enhances the arguments
5
Organization and logic flow of paper
basic elements like introduction, main body, conclusion
transitions between elements
logical flow of ideas
(0) Missing important elemens like introduction, proper transition, conclusion… etc. and the information is not logically sequenced
(1.5) A certain element of the paper (like introduction, conclusion… etc.) is not clear or logic flow is flawed
(3) The basic structure is sound and the logic flow is adequate but transitions may not be optimal
(4) The basic structure and logic flow are sound, with generally effective transitions
(5) The structure and logic flow are tight and precise with no unnecessary details or weak links
5
Writing mechanics:
spelling
word choice
sentence structure
overall length
(0) Typos and grammatical errors are pervasive and impede on comprehension of the text
(1.5) Typos and grammatical errors are numerous but the gist of the paper is discernible; or length is shorter than 800 words
(3) There are a few typos or grammatical errors but the ideas of the paper are clear, length is at least 800 words
(4) There is no (or almost no) typo or grammatical error, length is at least 800 words
(5) Superb and precise word selections and effective use of sentence structures, length is at least 800 words
5
APA format
margins, font size, font type, headings, spacing, title page
in-text citation, reference section
(0) No attempt at adopting APA format
(1.5) Missing in-text citations or reference section
(3) Some minor APA format errors are present but in-text citations and reference section are present and accurate
(4) No APA format or reference errors are present
(5) No APA format or reference errors are present and the paper is esthetically pleasing (for example, consistent use of spacing… etc.)
5
Total 50