needed in making decision, solving problems or evaluating some issues that cannot be separated from human life. Critical thinking skill is obviously
indispensable used in many fields such as in education, research, finance, social, politics, management or other aspects of life.
Moreover, critical thinking is valuable for two main reasons as stated by David Hunter. First, thinking critically increases knowledge. Second, thinking
critically is essential to being autonomous. It means that by thinking critically can make up someone
‟s own mind about what to believe or what to do, which is essential to.
13
According to Paul and Elder, there are some benefits of critical thinking as mentioned below:
a. Bringing a clear and accurate formulation of vital questions and problems
b. Having an effective interpretation of ideas and information
c. Making reasonable conclusions and solutions which are in accordance
with relevant criteria and standards d.
Thinking inclusively or open minded e.
Having an effective communication with others in coping with complex problem.
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Meanwhile, Cottrell quoted some benefits of critical thinking ability as stated below:
a. The work can be conducted accurately and carefully
b. The ability to determine something which is relavant in writing nothing
can be more accurate and specific c.
The ability to conduct the problem solving and project management can be done accurately
d. It can raise feeling of confident of succesful outcome in complex
problems and project. e.
The work and academic attainment can be better improved.
15
13
Hunter, op. cit., p. 6.
14
Paul and Elder, loc. cit.
15
Stella Cottrell, Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument, New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005, p. 4.
To sum up, the ability of critical thinking is obviously beneficial for the people because it is used in many aspects of people life such as in workplace,
education, politic or social life. Having critical thinking ability can help people solve the problem carefully and accurately. Most importantly, people can make
reasonable conclusions and solutions from the issues arise.
5. Critical Thinking Test
Critical thinking is an ability or skill that can be assessed by CT test instruments. The test instrument used depends on which type of thinking skills
are to be tested. CT test instruments will measure different thinking skills and will categorize each of these tests into multiple test categories. Each test is vary,
depending on the type of categories that being tested. There are many exmples of CT test instruments, namely:
1. Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal W-GCTA
The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal W-GCTA is a psychometric test of critical thinking and reasoning. It was developed by
Watson and Glaser. It measures skills related to problem solving and decision making in a variety question types. The W-GCTA measures the
fundamental cognitive ability of critical thinking. It tests for five critical thinking skills: inference, recognition of assumptions, deduction,
interpretation, and evaluation of arguments.
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2. Cornell Critical Thinking Test
The Cornell Critical Thinking Test CCTT is an exam that helps teachers to determine the critical thinking abilities of their students. First developed in
1985 by Robert Ennis. The Cornell Critical Thinking Test series offers two levels of testing: level X is used for grades five through twelve and level Z
is used for grades ten through twelve. The tests may also be used at the college level as well. Level X includes the following skills: induction,
deduction, credibility, identification of assumptions. Level Z includes the skills in Level X induction, deduction, credibility, identification of
16
Watson and Glaser, op. cit., p. 1 —6.
assumptions, plus; semantics, definition, prediction in planning experiments.
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3. California Critical Thinking Skills Test CCTST
The California Critical Thinking Test CCTST is administered by Insight Assessment. The CCTST has been used in many countries such as USA and
in authorized translations worldwide countries. The CCTST targets the core critical thinking skills: analysis, interpretation, inference, evaluation, and
explanation. Several scores are generated by the CCTST as follows: total score; inductive and deductive reasoning, and sub-scale scores; sub-scale
scores relating to the categories of analysis, inference, and evaluation. The CCTST can be used for learning outcomes assessment, performance
funding, program evaluation, professional development, training, and as an element in application, admissions, and personnel evaluation processes.
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4. The Ennis-Weir Critical Thinking Essay Test
The test was created by R. H. Ennis and E. Weir from Midwest Publications. It is aimed to measure CT skill at grades 7 through college.
Also intended to be used as a teaching material. Incorporates getting the point, seeing the reasons and
assumptions, stating one‟s point, offering good reasons, seeing other possibilities including other possible explanations,
and responding to and avoiding irrelevance, reversal of in a relationship, overgeneralization, credibility problems, and the use of emotive language to
persuade.
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Test instruments that are used to measure critical thinking skills typically require the student to read and evaluate statements that measure
various aspects of thinking ability include investigation, analysis, evaluation
17
R. H. Ennis, Millman, J. Tomko, T. N., Cornell Critical Thinking Tests Level X and Level Z Manual, CA: Midwest Publications, 1985, 3
rd
ed., p. 3 —10.
18
www.insightassessment.com
19
R. H. Ennis, Suplement to the TestEnnis Critical Thinking Test. Retrieved from: http:faculty.education.illinois.edurhennissupplewmanual1105.htm
