Evaluation of Critical Thinking Skills in Medical Students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: According to the 21st Century Partnership Learning Framework, several competencies or skills should be possessed regarding critical thinking and problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills, creative and updating skills, information and communication technology literacy skills, contextual learning skills, and information and media literacy skills. Increasing critical thinking skills is necessary in modern and advanced educational systems. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the critical thinking skills of medical students. Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 271 medical students in the primary science section of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2023 who were selected by a convenient sampling method. The data were collected by demographic characteristics and the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the data using SPSS software version 21. Results: The total critical thinking skills score in the studied students was 8.89 ± 3.60, equivalent to 25% of the total score. The highest and lowest areas were related to comparative reasoning and inference, with an average of 4.35 ± 1.94 and 2.59 ± 1.56, respectively. There was no significant difference between the average critical thinking skills score regarding age, gender, academic semesters, and living or not in a dormitory. Conclusions: Based on the results, medical students’ critical thinking skills are weak and lower than the exam average. The educational system of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences should be reviewed in designing a curriculum to foster critical thinking.