Critical thinking dispositions of baccalaureate nursing students and their educators: A cross-sectional analytical study

Background: Critical thinking is an imperative outcome of nursing education. However, several factors contribute to the development of critical being including critical thinking dispositions (CTDs). Objective: This study aimed to assess the critical thinking dispositions and factors affecting critical thinking dispositions of BScN students and their educators in twin city Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross- sectional analytical design was used in this study. A consecutive sample of 215 BScN students and 63 educators participated in the study. Data were collected via Pakistan-Critical Thinking Dispositions Scale (P-CTDS) comprising 54 items under the seven constructs; responses were measured on 5-points Likert scale. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 22. Results: The findings showed that 52% of the educators were at the developed level of CTDs and nearly 48% at the developing level; whereas 76% students were inclined towards CTD and only 23% were found at the developed level of CTDs. Although with considerable difference in the scores of the 7 constructs, both, students and educators obtained highest scores on inquisitiveness and contextual perspective. Similarly, students and educators obtained low score on open-mindedness. The difference between students and their teachers was statistically significant for the total scores of CTDs as well as for the scores of six of seven constructs. Conclusion: Although educators exhibited stronger CTDs than their students, both have room for improvement, specifically their open mindedness. If educators are willing to challenge their personal assumptions, students will also emulate them.