Evaluation of critical thinking skills in higher education students in the region of Atacama Chile

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study conducted among 141 students pursuing a degree in Law in a state university in the north of Chile. The investigation was of a quantitative-descriptive nature and sought to evaluate the following abilities for problem solving: verbal reasoning, argumentative reasoning, hypothesis testing, use of probability and doubt and decision making. The results revealed a deficient level in every factor. Therefore, there is an urgent necessity in higher education to implement programs and methodologies that promote the development of critical thinking skills for the resolution of academic and social problems.