Survey Design | Noah Heilveil

Exercising Critical Thinking in Higher Education through

Structured Gameplay

Measurement Collection

Instrument: California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI)

Methods of Information Gathering: Mass Student Survey, Specific Professorial Interviews

Interviews

Population: Educators in Higher Education. At Least 10.

Conducting Qualitative Research targeting professorial staff in Higher Education. The purpose of conducting these interviews is to identify the anecdotal claims and observations on the trend of decreasing critical thinking in Higher Education. Interviewers may seek to understand the importance of teacher habits and how broader classroom trends inform systematicity, Analyticity, and Inquisitiveness in their students. What sort of resources were offered to students? Were they encouraged to share their thoughts? Etc. Predominately Qualitative.

Surveys

Population: Students in Higher Education. At least 60 responses. Pre-Experimental.

Deals with the thesis population of interest. Initial screening questions help to filter responses that are not a part of the population we are interested in surveying. Serves as a self-assessment to inform broader student trends as they relate to the Indexes of our Measurement tool. Serves as pre and posttest.

Sample Survey Questions

Truth-seeking:

I seek as much information as possible before forming an opinion.
I try to identify the most reliable sources of information when investigating a problem.
I am willing to suspend my beliefs when new information challenges them.

Open-mindedness:

I am open to changing my mind when confronted with new information.
I listen to the opinions of others even when I disagree with them.
I am receptive to feedback about my own beliefs and ideas.

Analyticity:

I examine the evidence carefully before forming a conclusion.
I break complex problems into smaller parts to analyze them more effectively.
I consider multiple perspectives before making a judgment.

Systematicity:

I use a systematic approach when solving problems.
I follow a clear process when analyzing information.
I develop a detailed plan before taking action on a problem.

Critical thinking self-confidence:

I am confident in my ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
I am not afraid to admit when I don't know something.
I am willing to take risks in order to achieve my goals.

Inquisitiveness:

I ask questions when I want to know more about a topic.
I enjoy learning about new ideas and concepts.
I seek out opportunities to learn and grow.

Cognitive Maturity:

I recognize my own biases and try to compensate for them.
I am patient when dealing with complex or difficult problems.
I am willing to change my beliefs and opinions when presented with new evidence.

C.T. Disposition Panel Pre-Assesment