The Concept and Practice of Critical Thinking in Postgraduate Research: Writing the Literature Review

Abstract

Critical thinking constitutes an integral part of postgraduate research. The ability to implement a critical dimension and voice in writing the doctoral dissertation is perceived widely as an important feat required of doctoral students. Writing the literature review section of the dissertation, to a great extent, requires the writer to critically analyze and evaluate previous research and to argue and justify the need for expanding existing knowledge. This paper examines the concept and place of critical thought in postgraduate research focusing on the importance of critical thinking in writing the review of the literature of the doctoral dissertation.