Critical approaches to information

Guidance on developing your critical thinking by questioning information and challenging any existing assumptions, and then synthesising sources into a clear perspective.

Four students looking over the city of Sheffield

How to think critically

Apply critical thinking to interpret and evaluate things we are told and our own ideas and opinions, forming balanced perspectives and arguments.

Thinking critically

Two people having a seated conversation in front of a window.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@linkedinsalesnavigator?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">LinkedIn Sales Solutions</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/conversation?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&

How to question information

Apply critical thinking to analyse, evaluate and interpret information.

Questioning information

Student browsing books in the Information Commons

How to synthesise information

Integrate different sources to show understanding and your own perspective.

Synthesising information

A hand writing into a notebook.

How to write critically

Evidence your critical analysis, unpack sources and justify their relevance to the reader.

Writing critically

Student sitting around a laptop

How to use Generative AI critically

Appraise the biases, accuracy and reliability of GenAI outputs.

Using GenAI critically

Skills development opportunities

Academic Skills (301)

Attend our  workshops, and 1:1 appointments for study skills, maths and statistics.

Study skills, maths and statistics

English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC)

Access our wide range of English language support and development services for students and staff.
English Language Support

University Library

Develop your questioning skills to analyse, evaluate, interpret and think critically about information with our workshops and online tutorials.
Resources, workshops and tutorials

Get help

StudySkills@Sheffield A to Z

Use our A to Z list of pages to quickly find the information you need.

A to Z

Can't find what you're looking for?

Use this form to suggest a new piece of guidance, or an edit to an existing page.

Make a suggestion

Contact us

Get in touch with us with any queries about critical approaches to information.

Contact us