4th Edition

Thought and Knowledge An Introduction to Critical Thinking

By Diane F. Halpern Copyright 2003
    315 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    This best-selling textbook, written by award-winning educator and past president of the APA, Diane Halpern, applies theory and research from the learning sciences to teach students the thinking skills they need to succeed in today's world. This new edition retains features from earlier editions that have helped its readers become better thinkers. A rigorous academic grounding based in cognitive psychology is presented in a clear writing style with a humorous tone and supported by numerous practical examples and anecdotes.

    Thought & Knowledge, Fourth Edition has been revised to help students meet the challenges of a global neighborhood and make meaningful conclusions form the overwhelming quantity of information now available at the click of a mouse. The skills learned with this text will help students learn more efficiently, research more productively, and present logical, informed arguments.

    New features include:
    *Template for Making Arguments. This is a crucial preparation tool for students in any subject area. For those planning on continuing to Graduate School, this feature is an essential reference. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) now requires that all test takers write an argument on a contemporary topic.
    *Concept Maps provide students with strategies to clarify complex information and retain long-term knowledge.
    *Contemporary Examples, throughout the text, relate current events to the book discussions.
    *Explanations on How to Evaluate Information found on Web sites.
    *Revised Student Workbook. Thinking Critically About Critical Thinking, Fourth Edition is filled with new exercises to reinforce learning and practice newly acquired skills. This workbook can be purchased in a student package with the text or as a separate item.

    Thought & Knowledge, Fourth Edition is appropriate for use as a textbook in critical thinking courses offered in departments of psychology, philosophy, English, humanities, or as a supplement in any course where critical thinking is emphasized.

    Contents: Preface. Thinking: An Introduction. Memory: The Acquisition, Retention, and Retrieval of Knowledge. The Relationship Between Thought and Language. Reasoning: Drawing Deductively Valid Conclusions. Analyzing Arguments. Thinking as Hypothesis Testing. Likelihood and Uncertainty: Understanding Probabilities. Decision Making. Development of Problem-Solving Skills. Creative Thinking. The Last Word.

    Biography

    Diane F. Halpern

    "The author applies theory and research from learning theory to teach students the thinking skills they need in today's world. An academic grounding based in cognitive psychology is presented supported by numerous practical examples and anecdotes. This text has been revised to help students make meaningful conclusions from the overwhelming quantity of information now available to them from the Web."
    Zentralblatt fr Didaktik der Mathematik

    Praise for the third edition:
    "This text is appropriate even for students who lack a background in psychology. Students who work through the text and workbook should leave the course with a solid understanding of both the psychological processes involved in thinking and how to apply them."

    Applied Cognitive Psychology

    Praise for the third edition:
    "Diane Halpern's thinking about thinking emerges as a one-of-a-kind multifaceted gem, sparkling in its substance, style, and sensibility. It is just what the doctor ordered for anyone seeking to develop skills in quantitative reasoning, evidence-based argumentation, or simply 'good' thinking. And, despite the formidable challenges presented by such topics, the book triumphs in the 'fireside companion' domain--a sheer delight to read!"

    Joel R. Levin
    University of Wisconsin