Testing a predictive model of what makes a critical thinker.

The goal of nursing education is to help individuals become self-determining, independent thinkers. Cognitive development may be the outcome that best characterizes such a thinker. The purpose of this study was to test a model of cognitive development in which four independent variables--knowledge base, critical thinking skills, critical thinking dispositions, and experience--were used to predict cognitive development. Data were analyzed from 232 practicing registered nurses. Three hierarchical levels of cognitive development were examined: dualism, relativism, and commitment. Critical thinking skill was a significant contributor only to the dualistic level of cognitive development. Critical thinking dispositions contributed to all three levels of cognitive development. Experience contributed only to the commitment level. The results of this study suggest that the development of a critical thinker may require time and experience. These findings can be used to examine current policy regarding the criteria used to evaluate nursing education.