J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2007 Nov;14(4):412-419.

The Relationship of Core Competencies(Problem Solving Ability, Communication Ability, Self-directed Learning Ability) to Critical Thinking

• Choi E
• Kim J

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was done to analyze core competencies affecting critical thinking ability of student nurses. Core competencies investigated in this study were problem solving ability, communication ability and self-directed learning ability. METHOD: Data were collected from a convenience sample of 322 student nurses in 2 provinces during the period from May 21 to June 8, 2007. Critical thinking, problem solving ability, communication ability and self-directed learning ability were measured using the Disposition towards Critical Thinking Scale by Park (1999-a) and the Core Competencies Scale by Lee (2003). Descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients with the SPSS WIN 12.0 program were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in the critical thinking according to grade, type of high school, experience with PBL, preference for lecture-based learning, preference for discussion and perceived logicality. The score for critical thinking showed significantly positive correlations with scores for problem solving ability (r=0.54, p=0.00), communication ability (r=0.56, p=0.00) and self-directed learning ability (r=0.54, p=0.00).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that problem solving ability, communication ability and self-directed learning ability are significant factors affecting critical thinking in student nurses.

Keyword

Thinking; Problem solving; Communication; Learning

MeSH Terms

Communication*
Humans
Learning*
Logic
Problem Solving
Thinking*