Özet:

Critical thinking is an essential skill and many authors have decried the lack of critical thinking development among students and adults. Many strategies have been implemented to ameliorate the problem, but no consensus has been reached on the most effective methods. Because meditation enhances the ability to focus inward on ones’ experiences and thoughts, and a key component of critical thinking is the ability to identify and evaluate one’s own thinking, this study proceeded from the hypotheses that the longevity, frequency, and type of meditation may be correlated with the ability to think critically. The California Critical Thinking Skills Test - Numeracy (CCTST-N) and a survey with questions about demographics and type, longevity, and frequency of meditation were administered to 49 college students and faculty at several post-secondary institutions in the US. A significant positive correlation was found between frequency of meditation, for those who practice focused attention types of meditation, and critical thinking skills.  The results may be used as the basis for further research, and as partial justification for encouraging meditation practices for those who wish to improve their critical thinking. 

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