The first AS Critical Thinking unit concerns the credibility of evidence.

The vast majority of our information comes to us second-hand. How can we decide which sources of information to trust? When several sources tell us difference things, how can we decide which to believe?

The core material for this module concerns criteria of credibility, how we evaluate the credibility of sources of information. The exam tests your ability to apply these criteria to contexts, documents, and individual witnesses.

You are also expected to be able to apply a particular methodology to resolve a dispute between various parties. This methodology involves first looking for points of corroboration and conflict, then assessing the balance and weight of evidence, and finally assessing the quality of evidence on either side of the dispute and so reaching a reasoned judgement.

The exam for this module follows a predictable format, for the most part, so students should go in knowing exactly what to expect. The exam guide is designed to help with this.