
Critical Thinking Criteria

Skill | Subskills | Level 1 Consistently does all or almost all of the following: |
Level 2 Does most or many of the following: |
Level 3 Does most or many of the following: |
Level 4 Consistently does all or almost all of the following: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Interpretation |
Categorization |
Offers biased interpretations of evidence, statements, graphics, questions, information, or the points of view of others | Misinterprets evidence, statements, graphics, questions, etc. | Accurately interprets evidence, statements, graphics, questions, etc. and determines significance | Accurately interprets evidence, statements, graphics, questions, etc. and determines significance |
Analysis |
Examining Ideas |
Fails to identify or hastily dismisses strong, relevant counter-arguments | Fails to identify strong, relevant counter-arguments | Identifies relevant arguments (reasons and claims) pro and con within the problem context | Identifies the salient arguments (reasons and claims) pro and con within the problem context |
Evaluation |
Assessing Claims |
Ignores or superficially evaluates obvious alternative points of view | Ignores or superficially evaluates obvious alternative points of view | Offers analyses and evaluations of obvious alternative points of view | Thoughtfully analyzes and evaluates major alternative points of view |
Inference |
Querying Evidence |
Argues using fallacious or irrelevant reasons, and unwarranted claims | Draws unwarranted or fallacious conclusions | Draws warranted, non-fallacious conclusions by querying evidence or conjecturing alternatives | Draws warranted, judicious, non-fallacious conclusions by querying evidence and conjecturing alternatives |
Explanation |
Stating Results |
Does not justify results or procedures, nor explain reasons |
Justifies few results or procedures, seldom explains reasons |
Justifies some results or procedures, explains reasons | Justifies key results and procedures, explains assumptions |
Self-Regulation (Objectivity) |
Self-examination |
Regardless of the evidence or reasons, maintains or defends views based on self-interest or preconceptions | Regardless of the evidence or reasons, maintains or defends views based on self-interest or preconceptions | Fair-mindedly follows where evidence and reasons lead | Fair-mindedly follows where evidence and reasons lead |
Adapted from Peter A. Facione, Norren Facione, and The California Academic Press, 1994.