Analysis of the relationship between the understanding of the dimensions of the nature of science and the tendency to think critically among the students of Tabriz city

 The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between understanding the nature of science and its dimensions with the tendency to critical thinking among students in Tabriz in 1398.

 The present study is analytical-correlational. The statistical sample consisted of 262 mathematics and experimental students in Tabriz who were selected by cluster sampling. Data collection tools were two critical questionnaires of Ritex (2003) and the questionnaire of the nature of science، Roba and Anderson (1978).

Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The research findings showed that there is no significant difference between students of mathematics and experimental departments in terms of critical thinking and the nature of science. Also، Pearson correlation test showed: among the components of the dimensions of the nature of science and its relationship with critical thinking، three components (commitment، creativity and integration) have a significant relationship with critical thinking; But the other 3 components (recommendation، simplicity and measurement) do not have a significant relationship.

The result of the regression analysis also showed that out of 6 components of the dimensions of scientific nature، only the component of creativity explains about 5% of the variance of critical thinking. Considering the findings of this study، planners and officials in their educational programs should pay more attention to critical thinking skills and understanding the nature of science