Graduation Year

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Granting Department

Psychology

Major Professor

Michael D. Coovert, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Carnot E. Nelson, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Doug Rohrer, Ph.D.

Keywords

behavioral ratings, expert ratings, collaboration, problem-solving, MANCOVA, mental models, Delphi technique, intelligence

Abstract

This study attempts to increase critical thinking among teams by making them cognizant of seven critical thinking dimensions. Forty three-person teams of undergraduates worked together on a complex decision-making task. Each team received training in and was asked to ensure their group exhibited the characteristics of cognitive skills, affective dispositions, both of these or neither. Critical thinking was assessed using self-report, behavioral observation rating, and expert outcome analysis. The findings suggest training in affective dispositions increases the exhibition of at least one dimensions of critical thinking. A behavioral measurement is presented and evaluated with respect to established critical thinking methods.

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