Training of Critical Thinking Skills in Teacher Candidates and Placebo Effect: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Problem Statement: In recent years many different studies have examined critical thinking disposition; however, these studies focus on investigating the variables that are related to this subject. There are actually few empirical studies in the literature. It is clear that there is a need for experimental research in order to comprehend the process of critical thinking in-depth. Purpose of the Study:This study investigates the contrastive effect of an experimental program and the placebo effect on the improvement of critical thinking disposition of university students.Method: Sixty-three participants from the students of Arabic Language Education in the Faculty of Education in Adiyaman University were divided into three classes as experiment, placebo, and control groups, each of which consisted of 21 participants. As the placement was on an already existing class system, the study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design. In the experiment group, an eight-week program, which was developed by researchers, was applied. The study was carried out in the last 10 to 15 minutes of Educational Psychology lessons. In the placebo group a positive atmosphere was provided in the class and the students were motivated toward critical thinking by being informed about the necessities of it, and in the control group no applications were used. California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory, which was adapted

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