Self-Report Measure

Overview

What it measures: Critical thinking dispositions—inclination to analyze, evaluate, and question information rather than accepting it at face value. Includes inquiry, analysis & evaluation, synthesis, curiosity, and intellectual humility.

Source: Sosu, E. M. (2013). The development and psychometric validation of a Critical Thinking Disposition Scale. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 9, 107-119.

When to use: Pre/post assessment in any course emphasizing analytical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, or reflective practice. Works well as endpoint measure across diverse pedagogies.

Completion time: 3-4 minutes

Items & Response Scale

Instructions to participants:

Please indicate how well each statement describes you as a learner and thinker.

Response scale: 1 = Strongly disagree … 5 = Strongly agree

CTDS Items (1-5 scale)

1. I often review my actions to see if I could have done them better.
2. I often re-examine my experiences to learn from them.
3. I am always willing to try a different way to accomplish a task.
4. I often reflect on my thinking processes.
5. I always make an effort to question my assumptions.
6. I often consider alternative solutions before making a decision.
7. I take time to understand what is happening before forming conclusions.
8. I actively seek information from different sources to understand a situation.