EVIDENCE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMICS AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS |
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| Authors: | MARY O BORG HARRIET A STRANAHAN |
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| Institution: | Borg:;Professor of Political Economy, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32224. Phone 904-620-1095, Fax 904-620-1096, E-mail
Stranahan:;Associate Professor of Economics, Department of Economics and Geography, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32224. Phone 904-620-1219, Fax 904-620-1300, E-mail |
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| Abstract: | This research provides empirical support for the hypothesis that learning economics increases a student's critical thinking skills. Using the short form of the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA-S) as our measure of critical thinking skills, we find that students who gain a high level of economic understanding in their introductory economics class, as measured by the Test of Understanding College Economics (TUCE), have statistically significant gains in their WGCTA-S scores. Students who spend more time taking classes and are more fully engaged in the university experience also have greater gains in critical thinking. These results lend support to the idea that introductory economics courses can work in concert with other university level courses, especially within the context of a full-time curriculum, to enhance critical thinking skills. ( JEL A22) |
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