Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

10:26
Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Cross-cultural perspectives on critical thinking.
1Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61761, USA. sjenkin@ilstu.edu
The Journal of Nursing Education
|March 4, 2011
Summary
This study explored critical thinking in nursing among scholars in Thailand and the US. Findings reveal cultural nuances and highlight the importance of a consensus definition for critical thinking in nursing education.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Cross-Cultural Studies
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Critical thinking is vital in nursing practice.
- Understanding cultural perspectives on critical thinking is essential for effective education.
- Previous research has not fully explored cross-cultural differences in nursing critical thinking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore critical thinking among nurse scholars in Thailand and the United States.
- To examine how nurse scholars describe critical thinking in nursing.
- To identify commonalities and cultural specifics in critical thinking.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative methodology was employed.
- Nurse educators from Thailand and the United States were interviewed.
- Content analysis was used to analyze participants' statements.
Main Results:
- Common and culturally specific aspects of critical thinking were identified.
- New themes emerged: the link between calmness and critical thinking, and happiness as a component.
- Participants strongly supported a consensus definition for critical thinking in nursing.
Conclusions:
- Cultural factors influence the description of critical thinking in nursing.
- Incorporating themes like calmness and happiness may enhance critical thinking development.
- A consensus definition for critical thinking in nursing is highly desired by educators.
Related Concept Videos
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking involves reflective and productive thinking and the evaluation of evidence. Critical thinkers seek to understand the deeper meaning of ideas, question assumptions, and make independent decisions about what to believe or do. Scientists, for instance, are often critical thinkers. Critical thinking also requires humility about what we know and don't know and the motivation to look beyond the obvious. It is essential for effective problem-solving.
Colleges and universities are...
Colleges and universities are...
Critical Thinking II
Critical thinking is a cognitive process with several attributes. The attributes of critical thinking include the following:
Critical Thinking I
Critical thinking helps decision-making and allows nurses to recognize barriers to success and find solutions to possible issues. It helps to brainstorm and implement ideas to achieve goals. Critical thinking helps acknowledge and state workflow inefficiencies while improving management techniques. Nurses understand the value of critical thinking and look for fellow nurses with critical thinking skills to upgrade their professional standards. Critical thinking can advance a nurse's career with...
Patient-centered Care
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
The Role of Culture
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping self-identity and influencing thought and behavior, a foundational interest within social psychology. The multicultural perspective recognizes that individuals do not exist in a vacuum; instead, their experiences, perceptions, and actions are deeply influenced by the intersecting dimensions of their cultural, ethnic, and social group affiliations.Cultural Influence on Self-Identity and Social PerceptionCultural frameworks inform how individuals define...
Cognitive Learning
Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...

