Problems in Testing Informal Logic Critical Thinking Reasoning Ability

Abstract

Assuming that 'informal logic', 'critical thinking', and 'reasoning' mean roughly the same in current discussions and texts, ennis notes and suggests ways of dealing with some problems in testing for some aspects of the topic. problems discussed are the inclusion of items that test for a student's value judgments, the importance of background knowledge and beliefs in answering induction items, and treating assumptions as "necessarily made." items from current leading tests are examined and criticized. ennis also explains and criticizes current psychometric doctrine regarding reliability and validity, as applied to critical thinking tests.