ABSTRACT
Thinking critically about research involves the following steps: Step 1: Knowing methods; Step 2: Thinking critically about methods; Step 3: Thinking critically about how the evidence is presented. These steps have now been covered in detail to highlight a wide range of problems with research. These steps have also introduced the key terms that can be used to think critically about research and answer the questions: ‘What evidence is there’? and ‘How is the evidence presented’? This chapter will explore the final two components of thinking critically about research. The first is coherence and whether the conclusions are justified which can be assessed by using all the factors covered in this book so far. The second is the process of research synthesis and what happens when we combine different research studies. This chapter will then introduce the Critical Tool Kit in which I have pulled together the key terms used in this book. Finally, this chapter will look the role of critical thinking in everyday life in terms of dealing with facts, making logical decisions, and the role of uncertainty.
