Across disciplines, critical thinking is praised, taught, and put into practice. But what does it actually mean to think critically? In this brief volume, sociologist Joel Best examines how to evaluate arguments and the evidence used to support them as he hones in on how to think in the field of sociology and beyond.

With inimitable style that melds ethnographic verve with dry humor, Best examines the ways in which sociologists engage in fuzzy thinking through bias, faddish cultural waves, spurious reasoning, and implicit bias. The short chapters cover:

• A general introduction to critical thinking and logic in the social sciences
• Sociology as an enterprise
• Key issues in thinking critically about sociological research
• Challenging questions that confront sociologists and a call for the discipline to meet those challenges.

Students across disciplines will learn the building blocks of critical thinking in a sociological context and come away with key concepts to put into practice.

About the Author

Joel Best is Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware. He is the author of the best-selling Damned Lies and Statistics, Stat-Spotting, and American Nightmares.

Book Information
ISBN 9780520381407
Author Joel Best
Format Paperback
Page Count 184
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 227g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 20mm