Critical thinking and analysis: a model for written assignments.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to propose a model for critical analysis which can be incorporated into nurse education to enhance nurses' understanding of the concepts and to assist students in undertaking academic assignments. It provides a definition and conceptualization of critical thinking and critical analysis, and highlights the differences, similarities and interrelationships between them. The model suggests that there are 10 components of critical analysis. This provides the first step for developing further research on the content of the model, i.e. certain components are accepted and those which are unsuitable are rejected. The model assists the development of educational strategies to promote critical analysis skills, which are an essential element of the autonomous, critical thinking nurse practitioner.