Cognitive ability and personality characteristics as predictors of critical thinking

The two-factor theory defines critical thinking skills as a combined effect of cognitive abilities and personality dispositions. This research was conducted to study the relationship between cognitive ability and personality characteristics and critical thinking. The subjects were 135 undergraduate students، selected from students of different fields of psychology، educational sciences، physical education، and library and information sciences at School of Education and Psychology، University of Tabriz (Tabriz، Iran). Data was gathered through California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST)، NEO Personality Inventory، and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that verbal comprehension ability (β = 0. 340)، openness to experience (β = 0. 322)، and extroversion (β = -0. 255) were important predictive factors of critical thinking performance. In addition، 33% of the variance of critical thinking skills was explained by linear combination of verbal comprehension ability، openness to experience، and extroversion. The present results can be used in teaching critical thinking to students. These findings also provide clear evidence indicating the need for nurturing attitudes and skills related to critical thinking.