Overview

A new look for one of our best-selling communication titlesSmart Thinking, second edition, is a practical, step-by-step guide to improving skills in analysis, critical thinking, and the effective communication of arguments and explanations. It combines an accessible and straightforward style, with a strong foundation of knowledge. This edition treats reasoning as an aspect of communication, not as an abstract exercise in logic. It not only provides detailed advice on how to practice better analytical skills, but also demonstrates how these skills can be used in research and writing. Smart Thinking emphasises how to develop arguments that are coherent and take account of their audience and context.

Full Product Details

Author:   Matthew Allen (, Professor, Curtin University)
Publisher:   Oxford University Press Australia
Imprint:   OUP Australia and New Zealand
Edition:   2nd Revised edition
Dimensions:   Width: 19.10cm , Height: 1.10cm , Length: 25.50cm
Weight:   0.456kg
ISBN:  

9780195524055

ISBN 10:   0195524055
Pages:   208
Publication Date:   28 November 2012
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   To order  
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.

Table of Contents

How to Use this Book1. Smart ThinkingWhat is smart thinking?How do we study smart thinking?Why do we need to ‘think smart’?2. Claims: The Key Elements of ReadingUnderstanding languageMore about claimsClaims and reasoning3. Linking: The Key Process in ReasoningLinks between claimsThe analytical structure of reasoningLearning more about the analytical structure4. Understanding the Link between ClaimsDependent premisesSpecial functions of premisesThe link from premises to conclusion5. More Effective Reasoning I: Better ClaimsWell-formed claimsWell-founded claims6. More Effective Reasoning II: Better LinksEffective use of dependent premisesRelevanceStrength of support7. What Kinds of Reasoning are There?Deductive and inductive reasoningCategorical and propositional logicFive types of reasoning8. Research, Reasoning, and AnalysisReasoning and analysisInformation understood by where we find itInformation as it relates to other informationInformation classified by the topic under investigationInformation as it relates to how we are using itDirect and indirect sources9. Planning and Creating Your ReasoningThe key analytical questionsUsing the analytical structure for planning10. Bringing It All Together: Narrative and StructureExample textCasting and notes on each paragraphCapturing the essence of the textOverall narrative flow of the textAnswers, Discussion, and Further AdviceGlossary of Key Terms and ConceptsFurther ReadingGuide to Important Skills

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Author Information

Matthew is Professor of Internet Studies. He joined Curtin University of Technology in 1994, working in the then-School of Social Sciences and Asian Languages. In 1999 Matthew established the Internet Studies program and is now the foundation Head of the Department of Internet Studies and the university's first Professor of Internet Studies. He has also served as Associate Dean Teaching and Learning for the Division of Humanities (2003-2005). Matthew has been President of the Association of Internet Researchers (2005-2007), was awarded an Australian Learning and Teaching Council Fellowship in 2008 and was also awarded an Australian Award for University Teaching in 2000. He is currently Chairman of the Library Board of Western Australia, having served on the Board since 2003.

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