You Are A Training Specialist Hired By Universal Medi 335586

You Are A Training Specialist Hired By Universal Medical Supplies Inc

You are a Training Specialist hired by Universal Medical Supplies, Inc. This organization has been experiencing low productivity and errors in communication in the workplace. As part of an ongoing professional development series, the Vice President of the Human Resources department has tasked you with creating Critical Thinking training materials. The materials will be presented in many forms and by various means to help improve productivity and communication in the organization. For a company training webinar, you will create an infographic using text and images that illustrate the concepts associated with cogent reasoning skills. Images and text that illustrate valid arguments. Images and text that illustrate invalid arguments. Images and text that illustrate cogent reasoning. An example of using evidence in defending an argument. An example of using evidence in refuting an argument. Include a space for references for the images and ideas used in the infographic. Use your own words when adding text to the infographic, and create your own charts and diagrams . Do not copy/paste text, charts, diagrams, etc. directly into your infographic. Submit your infographic in a Word or PDF document.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Effective critical thinking is a vital component in enhancing workplace productivity and communication, especially in environments like Universal Medical Supplies Inc., where errors and communication lapses can have significant consequences. Developing cogent reasoning skills empowers employees to analyze information logically, build valid arguments, and evaluate evidence critically. This paper explores the concepts related to cogent reasoning, including valid and invalid arguments, the use of evidence, and how these elements can improve decision-making and communication in a professional setting.

Understanding Valid and Invalid Arguments

A fundamental aspect of cogent reasoning is understanding what constitutes a valid argument. Valid arguments have a logical structure where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises. For instance, consider the statement: "All medical supplies require proper storage; this item is a medical supply; therefore, it requires proper storage." This syllogism is valid because the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

In contrast, invalid arguments lack logical consistency, and their conclusions do not necessarily follow from their premises. An example of an invalid argument is: "Most medical supplies are stored properly; this item is stored properly; therefore, it is a medical supply." Although the statement may seem plausible, its structure is flawed, and the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises.

Visual diagrams like Venn diagrams can be helpful in illustrating valid and invalid arguments. Valid arguments often display overlapping circles indicating logical inclusion, whereas invalid arguments show disjointed or incomplete overlaps, indicating weak logical connections.

Cogent Reasoning in Practice

Cogent reasoning involves not just logical structure but also clarity, relevance, and sufficiency of evidence. A cogent argument employs relevant evidence convincingly to support its conclusion. In a professional environment, such reasoning enables staff to make informed decisions and communicate effectively.

For example, defending an argument with evidence might involve stating: “Based on recent audits, 95% of medical supplies stored in the warehouse comply with safety standards, supporting the need to maintain current storage protocols.” This evidence substantiates the claim, making the argument more persuasive.

Conversely, refuting an argument requires demonstrating that evidence contradicts or undermines the claim. For instance, if someone claims, “All communication errors are due to employee negligence,” presenting evidence such as an incident report showing procedural system failures would refute this simplistic attribution, leading toward a more nuanced understanding.

Using Evidence Effectively

Employing evidence in reasoning is crucial for persuasion, clarification, and decision-making. Evidence should be credible, relevant, and sufficient to support claims. Visual aids like charts comparing compliance rates over time or diagrams illustrating the flow of information can enhance understanding and demonstrate the strength of evidence.

An example of supporting a claim with evidence: “Our customer complaint rates decreased by 20% after implementing the new communication training module,” backed by data charts depicting the improvement.

Refuting false claims involves presenting contradicting evidence. For example: “The claim that the new inventory system caused delays is false,” supported by analysis showing no significant increase in processing times post-implementation.

Conclusion

In summary, fostering cogent reasoning skills in the workplace leads to better communication, fewer errors, and increased productivity. Understanding the nature of valid and invalid arguments, using relevant evidence effectively, and critically evaluating information are essential components of professional decision-making. Training employees in these skills through engaging visual tools like infographics can significantly impact organizational performance, ensuring clearer communication and more logical, evidence-based conclusions.

References

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2. Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts & Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking.
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10. Toulmin, S. (2003). The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press.