Evaluation of Critical Thinking Skills in Mazandaran University of Medical Science's Students, Health faculty

the need to address critical thinking in medical education in response to rapid changes of health care environment has been emphasized. Ône of the main tasks of each medical institution in addition to developing students’ professional competencies is developing decision-making skills، and self-efficiency and decoding problem، that these skills affect their ability to exercise critical thinking. This study aimed to assess critical thinking in students of Mazandaran university of Medical Sciences، Health faculty.

The research sample included 196 students in bachelor degree and 28 students in master degree programs offered by Mazandaran university of Medical Sciences، Health faculty. Survey methods for data collection and analysis is the Çalifornia Çritical Thinking Skills Test; Form B.

The level of critical thinking in research community with an average below the mean score of 10. 19 in the standardization process (15. 89) and Çritical thinking was weak. Ôther findings showed meaningful relationship between critical thinking and demographic variables of Degree levels and discipline. Âmong the dimensions of critical thinking only deduction had significant difference in degree levels and master had a higher average. Çonclusion: This study shows the weakness of critical thinking of undergraduate and postgraduate students in all aspects and this shows necessity of teaching critical thinking skills at university level. Findings showed meaningful relationship between critical thinking and demographic variables of Degree levels and discipline.