{"id":612,"date":"2017-08-02T21:20:29","date_gmt":"2017-08-02T21:20:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=612"},"modified":"2024-04-24T22:20:38","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T22:20:38","slug":"critical-analysis","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/chapter\/critical-analysis\/","title":{"raw":"Critical Analysis","rendered":"Critical Analysis"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Identify different types of analytic processes<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Apply different types of analytic processes<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\nCritical analysis is probably what you think of first when you hear the word <em>analysis<\/em>. You probably wrote analyses of poems or stories in high school, or you may have even analyzed films or advertisements. Analysis of a specific artifact is called <strong>critical analysis<\/strong> or critique.\r\n\r\nFor this section, we\u2019ll use analysis of ads for our examples. However, you can apply critical analysis to any artifact.\r\n\r\nTake a look at the old cigarette ad, below. How would you start to analyze it?\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-613\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/08\/02211611\/Lucky-Strike-Doctor-Cigarette-Ad.jpg\" alt=\"Lucky Strike cigarette ad featuring a picture of a doctor holding a pack of cigarettes. It reads, &quot;20,679 physicians say 'Luckies are less irritating.'&quot;\" width=\"500\" height=\"337\" \/>\r\n\r\nThere are three possible structures you might use for a critical analysis paper.\r\n<div>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Description followed by analysis<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Thematic<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Part by Part<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Introduction with thesis addressing composer\u2019s choices and motivations (how and why)\r\n\r\nDescription of artifact\r\n\r\nAnalysis of artifact\r\n\r\nConclusion examining larger significance (so what)<\/td>\r\n<td>Introduction with summary description and thesis (how and why)\r\n\r\nIdentify a theme or pattern\r\n\r\nProvide examples\r\n\r\n(Continue this as needed)\r\n\r\nConclude with larger significance (so what)<\/td>\r\n<td>Introduction with summary description and thesis (how and why)\r\n\r\nAnalyze first section of artifact\r\n\r\nAnalyze next section of artifact\r\n\r\n(Continue this as needed)\r\n\r\nConclude with larger significance (so what)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\nAnalytic paragraphs generally follow the claim, evidence, explanation model. A writer establishes a claim, then supports that claim with evidence, and then explains how the evidence supports the claim. In a critical analysis, the details of the artifact serve as the evidence supporting the claim.\r\n\r\nIn the example below, explore the hotspots to learn about how the writer of this analysis of the Lucky Strike ad uses a claim, evidence, and support of evidence in a paragraph.\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>explore the hotspots<\/h3>\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/h5p.org\/h5p\/embed\/133512\" width=\"688\" height=\"359\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"226191\"]View Accessible Version[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"226191\"][1] The Lucky Strikes ad uses the perceived authority of a respectable physician to sell (what we now know as) unhealthy products. [2] The physician depicted is somewhat anachronistic, even for the time period of the ad (with the glasses especially). [3] The appearance of the physician evokes associations with wisdom and respect. The design of this ad works to reassure the consumer that the Lucky Strikes brand of cigarette is \"less\" irritating than other brands. Thus, the ad uses language to imply that other brands of cigarettes may be damaging to the throat, but Lucky Strikes are the exception. All of the language in this ad strikes a negative tone about other brands: in fact, other than \"it's toasted,\" all of the adjectives describe the brand in relation to other brands.\r\n\r\n[1] The claim of this analysis paragraph is that the image of the physician is being used to sell unhealthy products. The rest of the analysis, including the supporting evidence about the language choices, are in service to this claim.\r\n\r\n[2] The description of the physician in the ad and the explanation of his depiction is the central evidence for the claim.\r\n\r\n[3] The rest of the paragraph provides support and further explanation of the central evidence in the claim. The analysis of the language choices complement the evidence about the physician. [\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nSo what does a typical critical analysis assignment look like? Consider the example, below:\r\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\r\n<h3>Example assignment<\/h3>\r\nFor this essay, you will identify and work with an advertisement. The ad you choose may be print or online, but it must be static (i.e., no television or radio commercials). Your purpose is to analyze how and why the ad goes about reaching an audience and to construct and support an original thesis that guides your essay. You should be moving your thinking beyond the obvious, not necessarily to conclusions no one else has ever considered, but at least to conclusions that many people do not consider upon first glance of the ad. Your final product should include brief summary of the ad you have chosen, analysis of how the ad works to appeal to an audience, and then any conclusions you reach about the advertising strategies, including context.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nAnswer the following questions to help you develop a plan for responding to this critical analysis assignment.\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>practice<\/h3>\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/56b8bbca-81be-483c-a4a5-66e8912424e9\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Identify different types of analytic processes<\/li>\n<li>Apply different types of analytic processes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Critical analysis is probably what you think of first when you hear the word <em>analysis<\/em>. You probably wrote analyses of poems or stories in high school, or you may have even analyzed films or advertisements. Analysis of a specific artifact is called <strong>critical analysis<\/strong> or critique.<\/p>\n<p>For this section, we\u2019ll use analysis of ads for our examples. However, you can apply critical analysis to any artifact.<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at the old cigarette ad, below. How would you start to analyze it?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-613\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/08\/02211611\/Lucky-Strike-Doctor-Cigarette-Ad.jpg\" alt=\"Lucky Strike cigarette ad featuring a picture of a doctor holding a pack of cigarettes. It reads, &quot;20,679 physicians say 'Luckies are less irritating.'&quot;\" width=\"500\" height=\"337\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are three possible structures you might use for a critical analysis paper.<\/p>\n<div>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Description followed by analysis<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Thematic<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Part by Part<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Introduction with thesis addressing composer\u2019s choices and motivations (how and why)<\/p>\n<p>Description of artifact<\/p>\n<p>Analysis of artifact<\/p>\n<p>Conclusion examining larger significance (so what)<\/td>\n<td>Introduction with summary description and thesis (how and why)<\/p>\n<p>Identify a theme or pattern<\/p>\n<p>Provide examples<\/p>\n<p>(Continue this as needed)<\/p>\n<p>Conclude with larger significance (so what)<\/td>\n<td>Introduction with summary description and thesis (how and why)<\/p>\n<p>Analyze first section of artifact<\/p>\n<p>Analyze next section of artifact<\/p>\n<p>(Continue this as needed)<\/p>\n<p>Conclude with larger significance (so what)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Analytic paragraphs generally follow the claim, evidence, explanation model. A writer establishes a claim, then supports that claim with evidence, and then explains how the evidence supports the claim. In a critical analysis, the details of the artifact serve as the evidence supporting the claim.<\/p>\n<p>In the example below, explore the hotspots to learn about how the writer of this analysis of the Lucky Strike ad uses a claim, evidence, and support of evidence in a paragraph.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>explore the hotspots<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/h5p.org\/h5p\/embed\/133512\" width=\"688\" height=\"359\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q226191\">View Accessible Version<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q226191\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">[1] The Lucky Strikes ad uses the perceived authority of a respectable physician to sell (what we now know as) unhealthy products. [2] The physician depicted is somewhat anachronistic, even for the time period of the ad (with the glasses especially). [3] The appearance of the physician evokes associations with wisdom and respect. The design of this ad works to reassure the consumer that the Lucky Strikes brand of cigarette is &#8220;less&#8221; irritating than other brands. Thus, the ad uses language to imply that other brands of cigarettes may be damaging to the throat, but Lucky Strikes are the exception. All of the language in this ad strikes a negative tone about other brands: in fact, other than &#8220;it&#8217;s toasted,&#8221; all of the adjectives describe the brand in relation to other brands.<\/p>\n<p>[1] The claim of this analysis paragraph is that the image of the physician is being used to sell unhealthy products. The rest of the analysis, including the supporting evidence about the language choices, are in service to this claim.<\/p>\n<p>[2] The description of the physician in the ad and the explanation of his depiction is the central evidence for the claim.<\/p>\n<p>[3] The rest of the paragraph provides support and further explanation of the central evidence in the claim. The analysis of the language choices complement the evidence about the physician. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>So what does a typical critical analysis assignment look like? Consider the example, below:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\n<h3>Example assignment<\/h3>\n<p>For this essay, you will identify and work with an advertisement. The ad you choose may be print or online, but it must be static (i.e., no television or radio commercials). Your purpose is to analyze how and why the ad goes about reaching an audience and to construct and support an original thesis that guides your essay. You should be moving your thinking beyond the obvious, not necessarily to conclusions no one else has ever considered, but at least to conclusions that many people do not consider upon first glance of the ad. Your final product should include brief summary of the ad you have chosen, analysis of how the ad works to appeal to an audience, and then any conclusions you reach about the advertising strategies, including context.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Answer the following questions to help you develop a plan for responding to this critical analysis assignment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>practice<\/h3>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_56b8bbca-81be-483c-a4a5-66e8912424e9\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/56b8bbca-81be-483c-a4a5-66e8912424e9?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_56b8bbca-81be-483c-a4a5-66e8912424e9\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-612\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Lucky-Strike-Doctor-Cigarette-Ad. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Silberio77. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Lucky-Strike-Doctor-Cigarette-Ad.jpg\">https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Lucky-Strike-Doctor-Cigarette-Ad.jpg<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Ad Analysis . <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Andrew Davis, Karen Forgette, Guy Krueger. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: APLU-PLC. <strong>Project<\/strong>: APLU-PLC EC Grant . <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":15005,"menu_order":13,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Lucky-Strike-Doctor-Cigarette-Ad\",\"author\":\"Silberio77\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Lucky-Strike-Doctor-Cigarette-Ad.jpg\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Ad Analysis \",\"author\":\"Andrew Davis, Karen Forgette, Guy Krueger\",\"organization\":\"APLU-PLC\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"APLU-PLC EC Grant \",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"a026c16e-ef0f-4d07-99bc-f67f6eabc51f, 9926c136-4097-40c0-a227-51cb92938607, d475b114-3675-446d-a27a-f1301520a885","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-612","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":589,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15005"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1635,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/612\/revisions\/1635"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/589"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/612\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=612"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=612"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-writingskillslab-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}