Critical Analysis Forms

Fill out one form for each source.

Source 1 Title and Citation:

1
Identify the principal issue presented by the source.

2
Identify any examples of bias presented by the author. If none exist, explain how you determined this.

3
Identify any areas that are vague or ambiguous. If none exist, explain how you determined this.

4
Do you find the source credible? Explain your reasoning.

5
Identify and name any rhetorical devices used by the author. If none exist, explain how you determined this.

6
Identify and name any fallacies used by the author. If none exist, explain how you determined this.

7
State one argument made by the author.

8
Identify the premises and conclusion of the argument.

9
Is the author’s argument valid or invalid, sound or unsound, strong or weak? Explain how you determined this.

10
Does the author use moral reasoning? If not, explain how you determined this.

Incomplete post.

Things to keep in mind:
1. Please note that we don't do students' homework for them. Be sure to go back into your textbook or use a good search engine. http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/
Once YOU have come up with attempted answers to YOUR questions, please re-post and let us know what you think. Then someone here will be happy to comment on your thinking.

2. If you tried to copy and paste something (especially if it’s a numbered or bulleted list), it did not work. You’ll need to type it in by hand.

To fill out the critical analysis form for each source, follow these steps:

1. Identify the principal issue presented by the source:
Read the source carefully to determine the main topic or problem being discussed. This is usually presented in the introduction or the thesis statement of the source.

2. Identify any examples of bias presented by the author:
Look for any indications of favoritism, prejudice, or unfairness in the author's language or arguments. Check for any unbalanced presentation of facts, selective use of evidence, or personal opinions without supporting evidence.

3. Identify any areas that are vague or ambiguous:
Consider whether any statements or arguments in the source are unclear, open to interpretation, or lacking specific details. Look for any conflicting information or unclear language which could lead to confusion.

4. Do you find the source credible? Explain your reasoning:
Assess the reliability and credibility of the source by considering the author's qualifications, expertise, and reputation. Evaluate whether the source provides verifiable evidence and supports claims with logical reasoning. Refer to external sources or conduct further research if necessary.

5. Identify and name any rhetorical devices used by the author:
Look for any persuasive techniques used by the author, such as emotional appeal, repetition, exaggeration, or analogies. Note how these devices are used to influence the reader's perception or response.

6. Identify and name any fallacies used by the author:
Pay attention to any logical fallacies, errors in reasoning, or flawed arguments made by the author. Common fallacies include straw man arguments, ad hominem attacks, circular reasoning, or hasty generalizations.

7. State one argument made by the author:
Identify and paraphrase one main claim or argument the author presents in the source. This could be a thesis statement, a central idea, or a key point the author is asserting.

8. Identify the premises and conclusion of the argument:
Break down the argument into its premises (supporting reasons or evidence) and the conclusion (the main claim the author is trying to prove). Clearly identify and state each premise and the conclusion.

9. Is the author’s argument valid or invalid, sound or unsound, strong or weak? Explain how you determined this:
Assess the strength and validity of the argument by evaluating the logical connection between the premises and the conclusion. Determine whether the argument is logically consistent and whether the supporting evidence is sufficient and relevant.

10. Does the author use moral reasoning? If not, explain how you determined this:
Consider whether the author appeals to ethical principles or values in their argument. Look for any discussions of right and wrong, fairness, or justice. If the author does not include moral reasoning, provide a justification for this determination based on the content of the source.