Critical Thinking Skills

This report discusses the importance of critical thinking skills and their application in a case study. It explores the purposes of critical thinking, evaluates claims and statements made in the case study, and develops valid arguments based on the understanding of the topic. The report emphasizes the benefits of critical thinking and its impact on personal and professional development.

Critical Thinking Skills

INTRODUCTION
Critical thinking is the intellectual process which involves discipline in the process for
actively and efficiently conceptualizing, analysing, applying, synthesizing, and examining the
presented data or the information gathered or generated form different sources like by observing,
reading, experiencing, reasoning and communicating (Cottrell, 2017). It is referred as a basis
professional skill which makes an individual employable and skilful for the respective job roles
and the duties assigned. Critical thinking skills holds significant importance in an individuals life
on personal and professional degrees. The present report reflects upon the same with referencing
to a case study. Initially purpose of applying the critical thinking concept is evaluated and then it
is thoroughly examined claims, assertions and statements. Lastly, the ideas and thoughts
expressed in the case study are evaluated by using valid arguments presented.
MAIN BODY
Purposes of applying critical thinking to the case study.
Critical thinking is considered as an ability one have which enables them in developing
a clearly picture of what is being said or observed by them in their heads with appropriate
rationales (What Is Critical Thinking, 2020). The critical thinking ability or skill renders the
individual a unique platform for expressing their interpretations and opinions on certain topics
which are being discussed and being evaluated. There are number of benefits which are offered
by critical thinking skills like enabling to develop a logical connection in between ideas, render
solutions for the problems in a systematic manner, determine relevance and connection in
separate ideas by effectual and rational thinking and many more.
The notion behind gaining critical thinking skills is related to with having more
systematic approaches to process information and then presenting their opinions. Persons with
good memory and factual information can become a critical thinker but it is not compulsory that
they are critical thinkers. A critical thinker have a good and proportionate idea about what needs
to be done for making or bringing the best solution for certain problems or how they can lead the
way to effectual resolutions.
Main purpose of critical thinking ability is to ensure that the value of an individual are
used and reflected for making judgements and subjecting them in the most appropriate manner
while making decisions in life and ensuring the best efforts made for making the best possible

decision for longer term benefits and success. Another aspects or purpose of critical thinking
which is justified is it allows individuals to develop their own separate personalities. Basically,
critical thinking skills enables the person to stand aside form the group and stay apart from being
an echo of someone else by accepting their opinions and values and neglecting personal believes,
ideologies and most importantly skill sets (Fuad and et. al., 2017).
The skill of critical thinking is comparatively difficult to develop and cultivate as it is a
fundamental ability which hides in the background most often but plays a active role in making
the person most productive and potential with their own ideas, notions and thinking aspects. The
uniqueness of critical thinking offers the value of proving a fact to other and effectually
recognizing it. As well as, another important purpose served by the notion is of developing a
economic value and backing up point views with asserted and proven facts.
Demonstrate an understanding of critical thinking skills by examining claims, assertions and
statements made in the given case study.
The first statement of the case study “Some experts and political leader think Universal
Basic Income could be the solution to a lot of our difficulty in social group. As a country, we are
in trouble” this is an assertion made by politicians and democrats of United Kingdom once the
country struck by the coronavirus pandemic (Universal Basic Income: the scheme where the
Government would give you free money every month, 2020). The politicians stated the down
falling economy and of the UK due to COVID19 and thus, its impacts are going to be long term.
For bringing in the solution for various problems of the society and the population of United
Kingdom the Universal Basic Income (UBI) is suggested and though to be the efficient and
effective resolution temporarily (Duran and Dökme, 2016).
According to the article of case study “Only yesterday it was revealed that the aerospace
industry in Wales was facing up to 8,000 job losses from which it could never fully recover.
However, there were challenges facing our society long before Covid-19 sent us all indoors
which have not gone away. Mental health issues, climate change, increased working” this is
claim made on factual information and resources (Universal Basic Income: the scheme where the
Government would give you free money every month, 2020). This is a claim was made for
showcasing a support in favour over the solution of Universal Basic Income suggested for
uplifting the society as it seem that the economy of United Kingdom is suffering from long
enough even before the outbreak of COVID19 amongst the whole world.

The next claim which is showcased in the case study is “Finland has just proclaimed the
outcomes of its two year Universal Basic Income study, where 2,000 fired people aged 25 to 57
were given an absolute, non-means-tested 560 Euros per month” (Universal Basic Income: the
scheme where the Government would give you free money every month, 2020). This is factual
data and information on which the claims is developed as the government presented the
outcomes form their two years of study about the population and their happiness due to
allowances being enjoyed under Universal Basic Income. The government also stated that the
people are now more indulged into their work and better functioning is taking place in the
operations. Thus, the claim was made in favour of the UBI as the study also found out no
difference in people willingness to work and earn their livelihood rather then depending upon a
scheme of government developed for needy and lower sections of society (Widana and et. al.,
2018).
In the article a statement is also presented made by the economic expert and finance
manager “Milton Ezrati elevated concerns that it would take resources from those who needed it.
Some have pointed to the provisional trouble”. This is the statement presented by the economist
for raising concerns for misuse of the scheme of Universal Basic Income (UBI) (Universal Basic
Income: the scheme where the Government would give you free money every month, 2020). The
economist made use of his critical thinking abilities and presented his opinion in the form of a
statement. The concern raised was for who actually should get the benefit of the scheme and
other can not exploit it for their personal benefits (Doleck and et. al., 2017). The cost of the plan
will be entirely be deducted form the government resources and thus, the statement was made for
making some regulations and restrictions for rendering the maximum benefits to those who
really need it.
Thus, the case study is develops number of claims, assertions and statements which were
given by number of demonstrates, politicians, economist and professional experts. All made use
of their critical thinking skills and related aspects for presenting their opinions in respective
manner with the notion of UBI or in against it (Bustami, Syafruddin and Afriani, 2018).
Evaluate the ideas expressed in the case study and develop valid arguments based on your
understanding of the topic.
The first claim which was evaluated and made in the case was by politicians for
rendering solution for the regularly decreasing and suffering economy and its impacts being

placed on the society. The claim was based on a study which was going on for two years and
stated the concern and claims of government and politicians for offering UBI for those suffering
in the economy due to job losses and unemployment. The claim was supported by another claim
of “Only twenty-four hour period it was discovered that the regional industry in Wales was
facing up to 8,000 occupation losing from which it could never fully retrieve. However, there
were situation of difficulties facing our social group long before Covid-19 sent us all inside
which have not absented”. According to another article of BBC the claim was supported. The
article claimed that in April and June unemployment was decreased by 207% than in January and
March rate by 8000 people lost their jobs (Unemployment: Wales jobs not yet hit by Covid
lockdown, 2020). thus, the claim politicians in relation to suffering of economy and the society
form past years became evident and it can be long term and continue for more years than
expected from which its will be very difficult for the economy to recover as well (Hudha and
Batlolona, 2017).
Another claim which was established in the case study was “The study found people were
happier, had greater trust in others and higher levels of confidence in the future. They also
worked slightly more than those on unemployment benefits and reported better cognitive
functioning. It also didn’t find a significant reduction in employment - people still wanted to
work” (Universal Basic Income: the scheme where the Government would give you free money
every month, 2020). The claim was supported by another survey report that shows the results of
income experiment on well being showed that respondents were in more favour of positive
impacts being placed on their metal health (Asyari, Al Muhdhar and Susilo, 2016). People are
highly happy and satisfied with new living with to a lesser extent depression, strain, stress,
sadness and loneliness feelings. Also with this survey the another statement given by the
economist Milton Ezrati for concerns raised for the misuse of resources and unethical practices
being followed by the people to exploit the Universal Basic Income (UBI) pay was stated wrong.
The survey conducted showed the best use of resources of Universal Basic Income (UBI)
being made as the respondents were happy and positively responding (Stephenson and Sadler-
McKnight, 2016). Their mental health was better as they experienced less loneliness and
depressed feeling which led to higher willingness to work and well being in cognitive abilities
for memory, learning and ability to concentrate more in their respective jobs and other aspects.
According to the survey the respondents also said “the responder who accepted a basic income

had a more constructive representation of their income and economic well being than the control
unit” (Results of Finland's basic income experiment: small employment effects, better perceived
economic security and mental well being, 2020). in views and according to research study of
Minna Ylikännö, The respondents said and felt that their financial situation is now more likely to
be managed properly and they feel safe and protected financially (Gholami and et. al., 2016).
Thus, through evaluation and examination of the claims and statements made in the case
study related to Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its effects on longer term on the society and
development of the economy form outsiders sources and resources showed the favourableness
for the notions. By related articles and surveys conducted for knowing the results of the study it
showed the positive impacts on the society and most specifically on the mental health of people.
CONCLUSION
The presented report concludes the effectiveness and importance of the fault finding
reasoning power and abilities to be held by the individuals for development of their personalities
and for making their place in the society by standing outside with their separated opinions. In
order to make analysis of critical thinking skills a case study is used for showcasing the ability to
make differences and evaluation in knowing the claims, assertions and statements.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Asyari, M., Al Muhdhar, M. H. I. and Susilo, H., 2016. Improving critical thinking skills through
the integration of problem based learning and group investigation. International Journal
for Lesson and Learning Studies.
Bustami, Y., Syafruddin, D. and Afriani, R., 2018. The implementation of contextual learning to
enhance biology students’ critical thinking skills. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA
Indonesia, 7(4), pp.451-457.
Cottrell, S., 2017. Critical thinking skills: Effective analysis, argument and reflection. Macmillan
International Higher Education.
Doleck, T. and et. al., 2017. Algorithmic thinking, cooperativity, creativity, critical thinking, and
problem solving: exploring the relationship between computational thinking skills and
academic performance. Journal of Computers in Education, 4(4), pp.355-369.
Duran, M. and Dökme, İ., 2016. The effect of the inquiry-based learning approach on student’s
critical thinking skills. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology
Education, 12(12), pp.2887-2908.
Fuad, N. M. and et. al., 2017. Improving Junior High Schools' Critical Thinking Skills Based on
Test Three Different Models of Learning. International Journal of Instruction, 10(1),
pp.101-116.
Gholami, M. and et. al., 2016. Comparing the effects of problem-based learning and the
traditional lecture method on critical thinking skills and metacognitive awareness in
nursing students in a critical care nursing course. Nurse education today, 45, pp.16-21.
Hudha, M. N. and Batlolona, J. R., 2017. How are the physics critical thinking skills of the
students taught by using inquiry-discovery through empirical and theorethical
overview?. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(2),
pp.691-697.
Stephenson, N. S. and Sadler-McKnight, N. P., 2016. Developing critical thinking skills using
the science writing heuristic in the chemistry laboratory. Chemistry Education Research
and Practice, 17(1), pp.72-79.
Widana, I. W. and et. al., 2018. Higher order thinking skills assessment towards critical thinking
on mathematics lesson. International journal of social sciences and humanities, 2(1),
pp.24-32.
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Results of Finland's basic income experiment: small employment effects, better perceived
economic security and mental well being, 2020. [Online] Available Through:
<https://www.kela.fi/web/en/news-archive/-/asset_publisher/lN08GY2nIrZo/content/
results-of-the-basic-income-experiment-small-employment-effects-better-perceived-
economic-security-and-mental-wellbeing/>
Unemployment: Wales jobs not yet hit by Covid lockdown, 2020. [Online] Available Through:
<https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-53733210/>
Universal Basic Income: the scheme where the Government would give you free money every
month, 2020. [Online] Available Through:
<https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/universal-basic-income-coronavirus-
government-18243181/>

What Is Critical Thinking, 2020. [Online] Available Through:
<https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-is-critical-thinking-important//>