The Mediating Role of Critical Thinking in the Relationship between Creative Thinking and Reflective Thinking

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Mediating Role of Critical Thinking in the Relationship between Creative Thinking and Reflective Thinking
Language: English
Authors: Burcu Karafil (ORCID 0000-0001-7297-7871), Akin Karakuyu (ORCID 0000-0001-7370-5464)
Source: European Journal of Education. 2026 61(1).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Reflection, Preservice Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Correlation, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Turkey
DOI: 10.1111/ejed.70360
ISSN: 0141-8211
1465-3435
Abstract: This study explores the mediating role of critical thinking (Cri-T) in the relationship between creative thinking (Cre-T) and reflective thinking (RT) among pre-service teachers. Within this scope, the structural equation model (SEM) was employed, involving a total of 504 pre-service teachers from four faculties of education in Türkiye, selected through convenience sampling. The 'Critical Thinking Scale', the 'Reflective Thinking Scale' and the 'Creative Thinking Scale' were used as data collection tools. In the data analysis, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression-based mediation analysis via Hayes' PROCESS macro were used. In addition, bootstrap estimates of the indirect effect, beta coefficients, 95% confidence intervals and effect sizes were also calculated. The results indicated strong positive correlations between Cre-T and both RT and Cri-T, and a moderate positive correlation between Cri-T and RT. Furthermore, Cri-T was found to fully mediate the relationship between Cre-T and RT.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1497710
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study explores the mediating role of critical thinking (Cri-T) in the relationship between creative thinking (Cre-T) and reflective thinking (RT) among pre-service teachers. Within this scope, the structural equation model (SEM) was employed, involving a total of 504 pre-service teachers from four faculties of education in Türkiye, selected through convenience sampling. The 'Critical Thinking Scale', the 'Reflective Thinking Scale' and the 'Creative Thinking Scale' were used as data collection tools. In the data analysis, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression-based mediation analysis via Hayes' PROCESS macro were used. In addition, bootstrap estimates of the indirect effect, beta coefficients, 95% confidence intervals and effect sizes were also calculated. The results indicated strong positive correlations between Cre-T and both RT and Cri-T, and a moderate positive correlation between Cri-T and RT. Furthermore, Cri-T was found to fully mediate the relationship between Cre-T and RT.
ISSN:0141-8211
1465-3435
DOI:10.1111/ejed.70360