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Cognitive Skills

2009, December 11 - 23:40 — PatParslow

 Analysis

1 Critically analyses and evaluates own findings and those of others. (A5)

Validates datasets of others.

 I certainly hope so.  I certainly double check the datasets of others, and I believe my analysis and evaluation of my findings and others' is sufficiently critical. 
2 Analytical in approach, with knowledge of a range of methods  Yes - I generally feel my repertoire of methods may not be as extensive as it could be.
3 Has skilled and sharp analytical abilities.

Develops the analytical understanding of junior researchers and staff

  Again, I hope so.  I am fortunate enough to have clear insights into data sets, and the mathematical and analytical skills to back these up.  I have delivered tutorial sessions to undergraduates and MSc students in analytical skills.
4,5 Has outstanding analytical abilities  I think that may be pushing it a little far - I get by.

 Critical Thinking

1 Able to understand argument and explicate assumptions; developing independent and critical thinking.

Has the ability to recognise and validate problems. (A1)

 Yes
2 Original, independent and critical thinking, and the ability to develop theoretical concepts. (A2) Yes
3 Stimulates critical thinking in junior researchers I believe so - I certainly aim to encourage critical thinking and the questioning of assumptions at all levels.
4,5 Stimulates critical thinking at policy level I hope so, at least to some extent.  From feedback I have had, I would say that this is not always as welcome as one might hope it would be.

Synthesis

1 Sees connections between sections of own data and the literature. Yes - how can anyone work in research if they don't do this?
2 Critically synthesises new and complex information from diverse sources Yes - the work on This Is Me and discussions on CCK08 are examples of this, as well as adaptation of Activity Theory specifically to Web2.0 and collaborative online systems 
3 Draws together strands/threads from multiple sources I think this should be level 2, not level 3.  Yes - again, how can you do research without doing this?
4 Has broad vision, recognises patterns and connections beyond own discipline. Yes, I have a holistic approach to research, and look for the bigger picture which requires taking a view across a broad range of disciplines and recognising the patterns and connections between them and my own discipline.  For instance, work on the concept of artificial consciousness.
5 Makes imaginative leaps of understanding across disciplines Yes, although I am quite convinced that this is generally considered a very bad thing, unless backed up by solid analysis and theoretical consideration (which I do)

Evaluation

1 Summarises, documents, reports and reflects on progress. (A6)

Evaluates the impact and outcomes of own research activities.

Receives feedback professionally.

Yes.  I hope I receive feedback professionally.  Sometimes the way it is delivered makes it hard to take (i.e. it can be delivered in a less than professional manner), but in general, I believe I am accepting of reasonable criticism.

I work reflectively, and engage in summarising and progress analysis.
2 Evaluates progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers’ activities.

Gives and receives feedback professionally

 Yes, informally.
3 Monitors and evaluates progress, impact and outcomes of other researchers’ activities, large research projects and teams. Not formally, but I do like to keep tabs on what other teams are up to when possible, and offer feedback where I think it will be well received.
4 Creates evaluation processes and evaluates progress, impact and outcomes for organisations In the past, yes.  
5 Creates evaluation processes and evaluates progress, impact and outcomes for national/international organisations and/or projects No, but only really because I have more important things to be getting on with in my projects ;-)

Problem solving

1 Isolates basic themes of own research; formulates basic research questions and hypotheses Not entirely sure that I habitually isolate basic themes of own research, although I certainly do it from time to time.  Generally I aggregate themes of research in order to look at the holistic view and recognise common patterns.  Definitely formulate basic research questions and hypotheses.
2 Formulates and applies solutions to a range of research problems and effectively interprets research results Yes, I believe so.
3 Challenges hypotheses and refines them in the light of results.

Identifies new trends and rich questions; designs substantial projects.

If I do nothing else, I certainly hope people recognise that these are things that I do.
4 Asks the questions and designs projects that challenge traditional thinking and take the discipline forward Again, if I am not doing these, I am surprised.
5 Leads the research agenda of the discipline by making major contributions to understanding of the context. I would like to say yes, but I am not sure enough people listen to me for it to be the case.

I think I have a fairly solid level 3 over all here, possibly pushing on a 4.

Comments

2009, December 12 - 09:33 — Anonymous

Synthesis

I particularly agree with point 5 comment. This reaction is widespread in the Research universe in my experience