2009 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY IN RESPIRATORY CARE STUDENTS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH AGE, EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, AND PERFORMANCE ON NATIONAL BOARD EXAMINATIONS
Richard Wettstein, Robert Wilkins, Donna Gardner; UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX
Critical thinking (CT) has been deemed an important characteristic to develop in respiratory care students. This study used the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal â Short Form to measure the CT ability of senior respiratory care students (n = 55) enrolled in a baccalaureate program. The Pearson Correlation was utilized to assess the potential relationships between CT score and age, and CT score and outcomes on the clinical simulation examination (CSE). Chi-Square was used to assess the potential association between CT score and the subjects’ educational background. The study did not identify a significant relationship between CT score and age, or between CT score and outcomes on the CSE. A significant (p<0.04) positive association was found between a strong educational background in science and CT ability. This positive correlation between a strong background in science and CT ability might be useful in the student selection process for respiratory care programs. Key words: critical thinking, Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, educational background. Sponsored Research - None