7
CHAPTER II THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
In order to sharpen the theoretical framework of this study, this chapter is devoted to review some relevant theories and studies concerning with some
references about the concept of critical thinking ability and the concept of reading comprehension skills. In this chapter also reveals some previous related studies
that have been done by other researchers as well as the hypotheses of the research.
A. Concept of Critical Thinking
1. Definition of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking can be defined from multiple perspectives such as philosophical, psychological and educational. Critical thinking is “the ability to
identify and analyze problems as well as seek and evaluate relevant information in order to reach an appropriate
conclusion”.
1
Therefore, before dragging a conclusion a critical thinker should identify the information from the issue so that
they can analyze and make a good conclusion from the issue. Freely and Steinberg describe critical thinking as “the ability to analyze,
criticize, and advocate ideas; to reason inductively and deductively; and to reach factual or judgmental conclusions based on sound inferences drawn from
unambiguous statements of knowledge or belief”.
2
In line with Freely and Steinberg opinion,
Paul and Elder define critical thinking as “the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it”.
3
Meanwhile, Ennis points out that critical thinking is thinking logically, reasonably and reflectively in order to decide what to believe and what to do.
Another definition was given by Washburn, he claims that critical thinking relates
1
Watson and Glaser, The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal W-GCTA, London: Pearson Education Ltd., 2012, p. 11.
2
Austin J. Freeley and David L. Steinberg, Argumentation and Debate: Critical Thinking for Reasoned Decision Making, London: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2007, 12
th
ed., p. 2.
3
Paul, R. W. Elder, L., The Miniature Guide to Critical thinking: Concept and Tool, Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 5
th
ed., 2008, p. 2.
to the activity to criticize people or things both in terms of negative side of them that may lead to the comprehension and best judgment about them.
4
From the explanation above, it can be interpreted that critical thinking is the ability to think critically, rationally, logically about a matter issue in order to
draw a good conclusion. someone with critical thinking skill is able to understand the logical connection.
To sum up, based on the explanation and the definition above, critical thinking can be regarded as the ability to conceptualling, analyzing, criticizing
and evaluating some information to draw conclusion in order to generate ideas on possible
solution to problem. İt is the process of analyzing some information about problem or some matter of issue before deciding what to believe and what
to do.
2. Characteristic of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to think critically. İt is a process of conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and or evaluating information
to draw conclusion in order to generate ideas on possible solution to problem. Therefore, a critical thinker should have those kinds of ability. Paul and Elder, one
of the leading researchers on critical thinking, mentioned some characteristic of a critical thinker as cited below:
5
1. Find out the crucial questions and problems, and clearly formulating them;
2. Collect and evaluate relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it
effectively; 3.
After finding well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, then testing them against relevant criteria and standards;
4. Having open minded thought by recognizing and assessing with their
assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
4
Phil Washburn, Vocabulary of Critical Thinking, New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2010, p. 3.
5
Paul and Elder, op. cit., The Miniature Guide to The Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2006 p. 2.
5. Find out the solutions of the complex problems by effectively discussing it
with other. Meanwhile, a popular educator, S. Ferrett, in his article about critical
thinking, suggests the following fifteen characteristics of a critical thinker:
6
1. Ask related questions of the issues.
2. Assess statements and arguments.
3. Able to admit a lack of understanding or information.
4. Have a sense of curiosity.
5. Interested in finding new solutions.
6. Able to define clearly a set of criteria for analyzing ideas.
7. Willing to examine beliefs, assumptions, and opinions and weigh them
against facts. 8. Listen carefully to others and are able to give feedback.
9. Suspend judgment until all facts have been gathered and considered 10. Look for evidence to support assumptions and beliefs.
11. Able to adjust opinions when new facts are found. 12. Look for evidence.
13. Examine problems closely. 14. Are able to reject information that is incorrect or irrelevant.
15. See that critical thinking is a lifelong process of self-assessment. To sum up, a critical thinker is person who can draw a conclusion from
the issue with some thought, identifying, analyzing it. A good critical thinker must have the ability to evaluate information, examine and analyze the evidence as well
as think open mindedly. Therefore, to become a critical thinker people must be able to decide whether the opinions are true or false, whether certain
recommendations are practical, as well as whether particular solutions will be effective.
6
S. Ferrett. Peak Performance. Cited in GED 20902: Online Professional Development, 2008, retrieved from: http:www.ket.orgged2002criticalcr3. htm.
Kategori