Developing a Causal Model of Media Literacy based on Metacognitive Skills, Self-Regulation Learning Strategies and Self-Efficacy with the Mediation of Critical Thinking in Students

The purpose of the current research is to develop a causal model of media literacy based on metacognitive skills, self-regulation learning strategies and self-efficacy with the mediation of critical thinking in students.

For this purpose, in a research project, 318 students of Tehran-North branch of Azad University were selected as subjects by available sampling method. Data were collected using questionnaires of media literacy, metacognitive skills of Wells, self-regulation learning strategies of Pintrich and de Groot, Schwartz's self-efficacy and Rajaei's critical thinking. The collected information was analyzed by structural equation modeling method and AMOSgraphic software.

The results showed that the fit of the proposed conceptual model was confirmed. Also, the results of the research showed that metacognitive skills with the mediation of critical thinking do not affect students' media literacy. Another result obtained in this research is that self-regulated learning strategies with the mediation of critical thinking have an effect on students' media literacy. Another part of the research findings shows the confirmation of this hypothesis that self-efficacy has an effect on students' media literacy through the mediation of critical thinking.

The findings of this research can be used by universities, educational centers, radio and television organizations, cultural centers and other related professionals and play a role in the development and improvement of media literacy.