Abstract:

Theoretical studies on active citizenship and critical thinking show that these two variables are conceptually related and mutually supportive. Critical thinking and active citizenship are two of the most important characteristics of democratic citizenship. For this reason, both skills have long been one of the main objectives of educational programs in all democratic countries. Despite this close relationship, no practical study has been found in these national and international literature. It is expected that the study will contribute to fill the gap in the related literature. The aim of this study is to research and examine the relationship between these two variables quantitatively. In this context, the active citizenship status of the participants was researched through the sub-dimensions of knowledge, skill, value and participation. Similarly, the critical thinking levels of the participants were examined through the sub-dimensions of participation, cognitive maturity and innovation. In the study, quantitative research technique was used. Active Citizenship Measurement Tool (ACMT) and UF / EMI Critical Thinking Tendency Scale were used for data collection. The sample of the study included 338 people (207 male, 131 female) living in Ankara, İstanbul, Hatay and Çankırı provinces. According to the findings, it was determined that there was a moderate level (424 **) statistical relationship between critical thinking and active citizenship. A similar relationship is also available in other three sub-dimensions (Information: 361 **; Value: 359 **; Skill:, 386 **), except for participation (088). On the other hand, no statistical relation was found between the three sub-dimensions of critical thinking and civic participation. This finding was one of the interesting results of the study. Some evaluations were made about the findings of the study in the conclusion section.

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