Factors Associated with Critical Thinking Disposition in Postgraduate Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cognitive Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Critical thinking is essential for medical decision-making and innovation.
• This study assesses critical thinking disposition in postgraduate medical students.
• It identifies factors influencing this disposition in future medical leaders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the critical thinking disposition of Chinese postgraduate medical students.
• To identify demographic, academic, and training factors associated with critical thinking disposition.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey using the Short-Form Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version (SF-CTDI-CV).
• Convenience and snowball sampling of postgraduate students from 16 Chinese universities.
• Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• The mean SF-CTDI-CV score was 81.8, indicating a generally positive disposition.
• Extracurricular reading, academic ranking, research involvement, and conference attendance were significant factors.
• Students with research experience and a science background scored higher.

Conclusions:

• The Chinese SF-CTDI-CV effectively measured critical thinking disposition.
• Positive disposition observed, influenced by reading habits and research engagement.
• Educational strategies should promote reading and research to enhance critical thinking.