Critical thinking dispositions of nursing students and influencing factors in Turkey

Objectives: To evaluate the critical thinking dispositions of undergraduate, master and doctoral students of nursing and to examine the influencing factors. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in the nursing departments of the Faculty and Health Science Institute at a university. The population of the study included 362 students. A question form and California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory were used as data collection tools. Means, percentages, student-t test, variance analysis and Cronbach's Alfa coefficient calculation were used for data analysis. Results: Critical thinking levels were found to be low among undergraduate and master students and medium among doctoral students, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant. It was also determined that critical thinking levels were higher in female students and those who were 28 years of age and older, married, living in the city centre, participating in social and scientific activities and who had nursing experience. According to these variables, the difference between the students' critical thinking levels was statistically significant. Conclusions: It was an expected result that the highest level was observed in doctoral students; yet, critical thinking dispositions of students in all three programs were below the desired level. Reorganizing the curriculum in a way to improve students' critical thinking skills may be helpful. In addition, young and single male students who live in towns and villages, who do not participate in social and scientific activities and who do not have nursing experience should be provided with more support to improve their critical thinking skills and they should be encouraged to participate in activities.