Critical Framework Research Articles

A Model for Understanding and Expanding the Scope of Critical Thinking

Abstract In this article I draw on existing theory in a project of synthesis and integration to develop a terminological, conceptual, and graphic model for understanding the scope of critical thinking. I begin by showing why the idea of critical scope matters. I then develop a model that maps the scope of critical thinking across individual, sociocultural, and existential domains, in conjunction with the ontological, epistemological, emotional, and political dimensions. Building on this, I outline the relationships between contexts, critical frameworks, and metacritique as essential to understanding the scope of critical thinking. The model also includes a means for organising the attributes (character traits) of critical thinkers. This project provides resources to encourage and guide critical thinking at a more expansive scope in education, society, and daily life by helping people to understand the contours and potential confines of criticality. This has profound implications for education and society, helping to improve the rigour, reach, and diversity of critical thinking. This model is far from complete, and designed to invite ongoing engagement, including critique. It is intended as a rubric to prompt and inspire, not as a device to ‘measure’ or ‘assess’ critical thinking. Educationally, the intention is to provide resources for understanding, negotiating, and facilitating critical thinking at an expansive scope.

Shaping sustainable perceptions: The role of metaphors in Olympic news discourse.

The dissemination of sustainable development concepts in large international events like the Olympics has garnered great attention. As a major international sports event, the Beijing Winter Olympics served as an important platform for showcasing China's sustainable development philosophy through its official news coverage. In this context, metaphor, as a powerful cognitive tool, plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and facilitating the dissemination of values by mapping concrete source domains onto abstract target domains. This paper constructs a critical metaphor analysis framework for sustainable development, analyzing the mechanisms by which metaphors map the concepts of social, economic, and ecological sustainability, and their multifaceted roles in conveying policy proposals, ideologies, cultural values, and social group behaviors. The findings indicate that metaphors effectively facilitate public understanding of sustainability by concretizing abstract concepts. In the social dimension, metaphors emphasize fairness, cultural diversity, and social solidarity; in the economic dimension, they highlight resource recycling, technological innovation, and industrial upgrading; while in the ecological dimension, the focus is on environmental protection and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature. Metaphors play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of policy, reflecting specific values and socio-cultural contexts, facilitating cultural communication and understanding, and enhancing public responsibility and participation awareness.

Do Performance-Based Funding Policies Promote Prestige Ambitions? An Interest-Convergence Analysis

ABSTRACT Through engagement in theory and analysis of institutional data, this study advances a critical organizational framework that integrates concepts from institutional logics and critical race theory – the hybridity of institutional logics of divergence framework – as an explicit centering of critical perspectives to advance our understanding of how multiple systems work to the disadvantage of students of color. We apply the framework to understanding the relationship between prestige seeking and PBF within an institutional case of an urban-serving research university within a state with recently implemented PBF policies, to examine the implications of the convergence of prestige seeking and pbf and its impacts on students of color. The study finds that within the logics dominating the confluence of prestige and PBF, divergence from interests of people of color is the preferred and rationalized approach. The analytical framework developed provides an alternative framing to capture the intersections and interactions of oppressive systems, policies, and practices, and pushes for greater attention to these interactions through critical lenses that center the self-serving aspects of compliance to them..

A REFLECTION OF A STUDENT-LED VIRTUAL REALITY ADOPTION PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN LONG-TERM CARE

Abstract Previous research suggests that virtual reality (VR) holds promise in improving residents’ well-being in long-term care (LTC). With ongoing staff shortages, there is a critical need to explore, evaluate and share learnings on innovative approaches for adopting technologies, including VR, in LTC. In our research study conducted at two LTC homes in Vancouver, Canada, undergraduate students supported staff members in VR adoption. This study reflects on the opportunities and challenges of VR adoption from the students’ perspectives. Utilizing a critical reflection framework, our interdisciplinary team engaged in extensive discussions and reflections via Zoom meetings, resulting in the following five themes: (1) Challenging the stigma towards dementia in LTC, (2) Addressing ageism in older adults’ technology usage, (3) Building relationships through consistent and repeated visits to facilitate technology adoption, (4) Recognizing students’ value in technology implementation and their potential impact on LTC’s future workforce, and (5) Recognizing the importance of emotional and organizational support. Based on these reflections, our team devised the “ENRICH” framework, offering six practical tips to support student involvement in enhancing technology adoption in LTC. The team’s insights highlight the potential of engaging university students in promoting technology adoption in LTC settings. The “ENRICH” framework provides a practical approach to fostering technology uptake while offering valuable learning experiences for students. This study encourages further exploration of student participation in LTC research to advance future initiatives in this field.

2022 개정 기술과 교육과정에 대한 비판적 담론 분석

This study critically analyzes the main discourses within the 2022 Revised Technology Curriculum, exploring how these discourses are constructed and identifying the underlying ideologies to offer insights into the curriculum. Employing Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis framework, the study analyzes the framework, guidebook, and Technology Curriculum documents of the 2022 Revised Curriculum. The analysis reveals two main discourses. First, the “Subject-Centered and Subjectification of Technology” discourse integrates elements of subject-centered, student-centered, and competency-centered ideologies, emphasizing the academic identity of technology in alignment with holistic education. Second, the “Future-Oriented Image” discourse portrays technology as a driver of positive change for the future, highlighting its role in problem-solving and social progress while revealing underlying ideologies of technocentrism and neoliberalism. The findings suggest the curriculum should further emphasize the active roles of both teachers and students, encouraging diverse approaches and greater agency from subjects engaging with the curriculum discourse. Furthermore, rather than focusing on efficiency, which is rooted in neoliberal ideology, the curriculum should emphasize cooperation and integration. By fostering close cooperation within educational communities based on a sense of community rather than competition, the curriculum’s practical effectiveness and sustainability can be enhanced.

A shift towards super-critical brain dynamics predicts Alzheimer’s disease progression

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia with continuum of disease progression of increasing severity from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and lastly to AD. The transition from MCI to AD has been linked to brain hyper-synchronization, but the underlying mechanisms leading to this are unknown. Here, we hypothesized that excessive excitation in AD disease progression would shift brain dynamics towards supercriticality across an extended regime of critical-like dynamics. In this framework, healthy brain activity during aging preserves operation at near the critical phase transition at balanced excitation-inhibition (E/I). To test this hypothesis, we used source-reconstructed resting-state MEG data from a cross-sectional cohort (N=343) of individuals with SCD, MCI and healthy controls (HC) as well as from a longitudinal cohort (N=45) of MCI patients. We then assessed brain criticality by quantifying long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs) and functional EI (fE/I) of neuronal oscillations. LRTCs were attenuated in SCD in spectrally and anatomically constrained regions while this breakdown was progressively more widespread in MC. In parallel, fE/I was increased in the MCI but not in the SC cohort. Both observations also predicted the disease progression in the longitudinal cohort. Finally, using machine learning trained on functional (LRTCs, fE/I) and structural (MTL volumes) features, we show that LRTCs and f/EI are the most informative features for accurate classification of individuals with SCD while structural changes accurate classify the individuals with MCI. These findings establish that a shift towards super-critical brain dynamics reflects early AD disease progression.Significance StatementThe neuronal mechanisms underlying progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not well understood. One characteristic feature of AD is brain hyper-synchronization, but the mechanisms leading to this hyper-synchronization have remained unclear. We investigated whether AD dementia progression can be explained in the framework of brain criticality by the shift in individual brain states along an extended regime of critical-like dynamics. We analysed brain criticality with measures of long-range temporal correlations and functional excitation-inhibition balance from source-reconstructed resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) data. We show that AD dementia progression is associated with a gradual increase in excitability and a progressive shift towards super-critical brain dynamics.

Legal System Resilience in Afghanistan: Dynamics of Pluralism and Political Transformation

Afghanistan is a multiethnic country with a complex legal system characterized by intricate interactions between Islamic law, customary law, and modern legal frameworks. This research critically examines the resilience mechanisms of Afghanistan's legal and judicial systems within the context of persistent political uncertainty and societal pluralism. Employing a descriptive qualitative methodology and comprehensive literature review, the study analyzes legal documents, international reports, and academic literature spanning the post-Taliban period from 2001 to the present. The research investigates the dynamic challenges confronting Afghanistan's legal infrastructure, particularly its capacity to integrate diverse normative systems while maintaining institutional legitimacy. Key findings reveal significant complexities in Afghanistan's legal landscape. The system encounters substantial obstacles in harmonizing Islamic legal principles, traditional customary practices, and contemporary legal standards. Family law reforms emerge as a critical focal point, demonstrating progressive attempts to enhance women's rights while simultaneously navigating conservative societal resistance. The research illuminates the intricate interplay between legal pluralism, political transformation, and institutional adaptation. It highlights how Afghanistan's judicial system continuously negotiates between preserving traditional legitimacy, accommodating societal diversity, and meeting international normative standards. The study recommends a comprehensive, nuanced approach to judicial reform that holistically considers cultural diversity, respects traditional values, and aligns with international human rights principles. By exploring the mechanisms of legal resilience in a conflict-affected context, this research contributes valuable insights into understanding adaptive strategies within complex, multi-layered legal systems. The findings provide a critical framework for comprehending how legal institutions can maintain functionality and relevance amid profound political and social transformations.

Critical Thinking in Engineering Education

The need to enhance critical thinking skills has been identified by employers but if often lacking clarity in engineering education. This paper reflects on the development and delivery of a workshop aimed to explore instructors' perceptions and integration of critical thinking in their teaching. The workshop encompassed discussions on critical thinking models and frameworks, the application of a specific framework consisting of five action terms and the sharing of two examples of the integration of critical thinking in courses. The format included a combination of short presentations with small group discussions. The workshop format and content were beneficial in demystifying critical thinking, increased awareness of its presence in teaching and emphasized the benefits of reflective teaching and of a workshop format combining context, examples, tools, and group discussions.

Proposing an Individual-in-Contexts Model for Reimagining Suicide Screening, Assessment, and Intervention in Black Communities

Suicidality affects millions of people in the United States every year. Despite its pervasiveness, suicidality often impacts minoritized communities disproportionately. For example, Black communities, with historically low suicidality rates, have experienced significant increases in deaths by suicide in the last two decades. Such increases have occurred in unique and complex individual and contextual relationships such as historical trauma, racialized ecological injustices, structural and institutional racism, resource-deprived communities, forced family separation through over-incarceration, interpersonal discrimination, and internalized shame. While traditional psychiatric, psychological, and public health approaches have undoubtedly prevented some suicides, these fields of study often overlook or obscure the interconnections between upstream, oppressive systemic dynamics and downstream, individual-level factors that uniquely contribute to suicidality in Black communities. To address these oversights and limitations, and to re-imagine human services professionals’ suicide screening, assessment, and intervention with Black communities, The Individual-in-Contexts Model (ICM) is offered. This model integrates critical, ecological, contextual, and Black feminist scholarship frameworks, and provides rationale for specific human services research, practice, and policy recommendations.

Conservative Traditions in Polish Art History

This article investigates the persistence of adherence to traditional approaches in Polish art history and the challenges faced in attempting to challenge it. The analysis reveals how art historians in Poland have adhered to notions of ‘objective’ and apolitical science, perpetuating earlier methodologies based on a factographic-object approach. This prevailing mindset inhibits the acceptance of newer, critical frameworks. The paper explores significant historical figures, institutional structures, and movements that have contributed to these conservative trends, while advocating for a more self-reflective approach in line with global methodological developments. By confronting resistance to change, the discipline can broaden its academic and cultural relevance.

Evaluating the Environmental and Economic Impacts of MARPOL Compliance in the Global Shipping Industry

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) serves as a critical regulatory framework aimed at mitigating marine pollution caused by shipping activities. This study systematically evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of MARPOL compliance within the global shipping industry, focusing on its effectiveness in reducing pollution and enhancing sustainability. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we collected and analyzed quantitative data from a diverse sample of 50 shipping companies, alongside qualitative insights from industry experts and environmental reports. Our findings indicate a significant correlation between MARPOL compliance and a reduction in key environmental indicators, including a 30% decrease in oil spills and a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the past decade. Moreover, while the initial compliance costs—averaging a 15% increase in operational expenses—pose challenges, the long-term economic benefits, such as a 20% increase in operational efficiency and enhanced market competitiveness, are noteworthy. The study underscores the necessity for ongoing regulatory support and financial incentives to facilitate compliance, particularly for smaller operators. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptation of MARPOL regulations to address emerging environmental challenges, including the impacts of climate change. Ultimately, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the dual impact of MARPOL compliance, presenting valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers aiming to foster a more sustainable shipping industry.

Gastritis over Gastrisus Sharp (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Xanthopygina): Resolving a major taxonomic impediment with phylogenomics

AbstractWith 334 species, the subtribe Xanthopygina forms a diverse and ecologically dominant component of the Neotropical beetle fauna, ranging from the southern United States south to Argentina. Species can be abundant in a variety of microhabitats and are frequently encountered in tropical forests. Although a number of morphologically distinct genera are now well defined and identifiable, the subtribe still suffers from several poorly defined genera with relatively generalized morphology. The worst of these is the genus Gastrisus Sharp, which has never had a morphological definition per se and has, over time, accumulated many morphologically disparate species. This nebulous concept of Gastrisus has further made it difficult to generically assign and describe new species. Here we assembled a phylogenomic dataset using anchored hybrid enrichment across a broad sample of Xanthopygina, including nearly all described genera, a representation of morphological variation within Gastrisus and a number of undescribed taxa we were unable to assign to a genus. Both maximum likelihood and coalescent analyses converged on a well resolved and stable topology for the subtribe, which will serve as a critical framework for continued taxonomic progress in Xanthopygina. Nine major lineages were identified, most congruent with previous work. The limits of Gastrisus were successfully identified, and the monophyletic core of the genus was recovered as sister to a redefined Nausicotus Sharp, which included Torobus syn. n. Several large species of Gastrisus were resolved as a clade of the Xanthopygus group and are here placed in Drepanagrios gen. n. An additional six new genera were discovered but will be described and treated in detail in future papers. In addition to Gastrisus, Phanolinus Sharp, Xenopygus Bernhauer, Phanolinopsis Scheerpeltz and Ocyolinus Sharp were recovered as paraphyletic, resulting in Elecatopselaphus syn. n. (=Phanolinus), the re‐validation of Leptodiastemus Bernhauer stat. ressur. and the redefinition of Xenopygus, Phanolinopsis and Ocyolinus. We propose Phanolinus scheerpeltzi nom. n. as a replacement name for Phanolinus peruvianus (Scheerpeltz 1972, nec Bernhauer 1917) (previously Elecatopselaphus).

Civil wars as critical junctures: Conceptual grounding and empirical potential

Abstract Civil wars are not only destructive: they can also generate new, long-lasting social, political, and economic structures and processes. To account for this productive potential and analyse post-conflict outcomes, I argue that we should analyse civil wars as critical junctures. Civil wars can relax structural constraints, opening opportunities for wartime processes to generate changes or to reinforce, rather than transform, the status quo. Changes or stasis may then be locked in by conflict outcomes, creating path dependencies. Studying civil wars as critical junctures allows for a clearer understanding of what variables mattered and interacted at different points in the conflict process, and the varying roles of structure and agency in producing institutional change or reinforcing pre-existing conditions. I explore the potential benefits of a critical juncture approach in the civil wars literature on different aspects of post-conflict politics and illustrate them in analysing the literature on women’s empowerment during and after civil wars. Applying the critical junctures framework to civil wars’ effects on institutions and socio-behavioural patterns can provide analytical clarity about complex processes and contexts, can facilitate comparison across cases and studies, and draws critical attention both to what civil wars change and to potential pathways not taken.

Theoretical Origins and Implications of the Western Linear Development Models in Contemporary International Relations and Development Economics

Beginning with Lenin's criticism of imperialism and working through the modernization theory presented by academics such as Walt Rostow, this study attempts to investigate these development theories' theoretical roots and consequences. This paper examines the theoretical origin and contemporary implications of Imperialism, neocolonialism, neoliberalism, and trade liberalization, focusing on applying linear development models in international relations and development economics. Using critical theoretical frameworks, including Lenin's theory on imperialism, dependency theory, and modernization theory, analyzed the transformation of economic control from colonialism to the neocolonial practice perpetuated by transnational corporations and international monetary institutions. Cases including the reconstruction of the Haitian earthquake in 2010, President Trumans inaugural address, and Chiles neoliberal economic reforms under Pinochet provide an empirical examination of how trade liberalization and neoliberal policy strengthen the economic reliance of developing countries and increase their internal inequality. By challenging the traditional Western linear development model, this paper criticized how the global economic system perpetuates a hierarchical relationship between the Global South and North.

“I am a Shape now Suddenly Long and Scaly”: Abject Physical Transformations and Dimensions of Monstrosity in Beth Yahp’s The Crocodile Fury

Abstract This article examines Beth Yahp’s novel The Crocodile Fury (1992) to explore how the novel’s fusion of conventions of the literary gothic and elements from indigenous folklore respond to the conditions of gendered and colonised oppression in the marginalised subject. By situating the many iterations of the titular “crocodile” as a quasi-mythic animal in Malay lore against the three major instances of physical transformations from the human to the grotesque non-human in the narrative, this article seeks to analyse how such transformations participate in a dialectic of oppression and liberation for such marginalised characters. At the same time, it explores how the multiplicity of interpretative possibilities in the novel open up the space for the subjugated female characters such as the lover and the young narrator to resist being appropriated within a critical framework that locates their agencies in the binaries of their victimhood and rebellion alone.

Main Themes of Charles Dickens’ Works And Different Critical Approaches To Them

This article explores the central themes that pervade the works of Charles Dickens and examines various critical approaches to understanding his literary contributions. It identifies key motifs such as social inequality, the impact of industrialization, the struggles of the poor, and the complexities of human nature. The article delves into Dickens’ portrayal of moral development, justice, and redemption, alongside his critique of Victorian society. By analyzing these thematic and critical frameworks, the article offers a comprehensive view of Dickens as both a social commentator and a master storyteller, revealing the enduring relevance of his works in contemporary literary discourse. This article analyses the main themes of the works of Charles Dickens, focusing on recurring topics such as social injustice, the effects of industrialization, class struggles, and human complexity. It highlights Dickens' exploration of moral growth, redemption, and the harsh realities faced by the impoverished in Victorian society. Additionally, the article surveys various critical approaches—including historical, feminist, Marxist, and psychoanalytic perspectives—that offer diverse interpretations of Dickens’ works. By engaging with these themes and critical lenses, the article underscores the continued relevance of Dickens’ works and their significance in understanding both the past and contemporary social issues.

Critical edge: shaping the future of skills management for organizational success

Purpose Organizations face increasing pressure to optimize their human capital management strategies in today’s competitive business environment. As the nature of work evolves, the ability to identify, develop and leverage critical thinking skills has become paramount for organizational success. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Critical Edge Skills Framework (CESF), a novel approach to skills management that focuses on the cognitive demands of various roles within an organization. Design/methodology/approach The CESF provides a structured method for categorizing skills based on the level of critical thinking required and the nature of the work involved. By adopting this framework, organizations can better align their talent acquisition, development and succession planning strategies with the cognitive demands of different roles, ultimately driving strategy execution, innovation and competitive advantage. Findings The CESF represents a significant advancement in how organizations approach talent acquisition, development and succession planning. By adopting this framework, organizations can better understand the cognitive demands of various roles, align talent with the appropriate level of critical thinking and ensure that employees are well-suited to the nature of their work, whether it involves designing or executing tasks. Originality/value This paper’s skills taxonomy: provides a clear progression of cognitive abilities, from foundational skills to leadership and transformational thinking, allowing organizations to better understand critical thinking development; helps organizations identify the cognitive abilities required for different job roles, enabling more targeted and cost-effective talent acquisition, training and development; emphasizes the importance of higher-order thinking skills, which are crucial for driving innovation and organizational success; aligns with common educational frameworks, ensuring that graduates possess the critical thinking skills required by the modern workforce; and clarifies skill requirements, making it more manageable to determine the most suitable production resource for specific tasks. This optimizes the use of organizational resources and enhances productivity.

“Todos precisam despertar”

The article explores Malcom Ferdinand's contribution to ecopolitical and decolonial studies, based on the notion of a “double fracture” that articulates the colonial and environmental dimensions of the ecological crisis. The problem analyzed is how the colonial fracture, which is configured as ontological, can be applied to the Brazilian ecopolitical context. The aim is to demonstrate how Ferdinand's decolonial ecology, by questioning the Anthropocene and problematizing the knowledge of the Global South, provides another perspective for understanding the intersections between colonialism and the ecological crisis. The research uses a theoretical approach, dialoguing with thinkers such as Ailton Krenak, Sueli Carneiro and Bispo dos Santos, in relation to Brazilian thought. The results indicate that decolonial ecology provides a critical framework for rethinking the relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the need to include anti-colonial struggles in environmental discussions. The articulation between these fractures offers a worldview that integrates global ecological challenges with the struggles of contemporary social and political movements.

We have the technology

This discussion reflects on obsolescence as a hauntology through the lens of an interdisciplinary, critical-creative, artistic practice of improvisation. The practice is grounded in contemporary dance, choreographic thinking, experimental sound and is distracted by relationships between the body and technology. The writing offers further exposition, speculating on and generating insights about improvisation in relation to dance and technologically mediated sound in live performance. Informed by cultural theorist Mark Fisher’s perspectives (2012) and French philosopher Jacques Derrida’s notion of hauntology (1994), this article reflects on relationships between hyper-capitalism and obsolescence. Those relationships are considered a terroir of affect acting constantly upon both practice and practitioner. Notions of improvision (not to be confused with the word ‘improvisation’ in this writing) are explored in relation to hyper-capitalism and obsolescence, revealing challenges around ageing, futurity and artistic production. Improvisation is itself proposed as a meta-resource for responding to issues that can emerge through improvising a dance–sound art form. From these reflections, a critical framework is developed, which at times threatens to overshadow the practice. Within that critical framework, a process of renovation emerges along with novel perspectives and discoveries about pre-existing materials, skills, practitioner knowledge and hope.

Understanding Risk Communication Through a Postcolonial Theory Perspective: Lessons from Three Studies on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

This article uses postcolonial theory to examine optimal risk communication practices of new risks and scientific information to non-indigenous communities. The article calls on risk communication scholars and health practitioners to embrace postcolonial theory as it provides a critical and reflective framework to examine ontological beliefs and methodological and structural aspects in the communication of public health messages. The article draws on insight from three studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy within Scotland’s African, Caribbean, and Black communities between March 2021 and April 2022. The article offers new insight into why some communities hesitate to respond to public health messages such as vaccine uptake advice. Therefore, risk communication scholars should use the postcolonial lens to examine their assumptions, thinking, and perspectives on communicating new science and risk information in emergencies. Postcolonial theory enables risk communication scholars to address power imbalances, representation, and inclusion challenges in public health communication and trust-building efforts.