Predicting real-world outcomes: Critical thinking ability is a better predictor of life decisions than intelligence.
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| Title: | Predicting real-world outcomes: Critical thinking ability is a better predictor of life decisions than intelligence. |
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| Authors: | Butler, Heather A.1 hbutler@csudh.edu, Pentoney, Christopher2, Bong, Mabelle P.3 |
| Source: | Thinking Skills & Creativity. Sep2017, Vol. 25, p38-46. 9p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Critical thinking, *Thought & thinking, *Analytical skills, *Reflective learning, *Decision making, *Cognitive ability |
| Abstract: | We all probably know someone who is very intelligent, but does blatantly stupid things. Despite evidence that intelligence predicts a variety of life outcomes, the relationship between intelligence and good thinking is less clear. This research explored whether critical thinking ability or intelligence was the better predictor of real life events. Community adults and college students ( n = 244) completed a critical thinking assessment, an intelligence test, and an inventory of life events. Individuals with higher critical thinking scores and higher IQs reported fewer negative life events. Critical thinking more strongly predicted life events than intelligence and significantly added to the variance explained by IQ. There is ample evidence that critical thinking can be taught, so there is hope that teaching critical thinking skills might prevent the occurrence of negative life events. We advocate for critical thinking instruction as a way to create a better future for everyone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Thinking Skills & Creativity is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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