How 15 Dimensions of Consciousness Quotient Associate with the Critical Thinking of University Students

Abstract

Background and aim: In today's highly competitive world, individuals exhibit a great curiosity to explore novel concepts, engage in new endeavors, and approach their challenges in innovative ways. To navigate students' educational journeys and prepare for the challenges of the modern world, human consciousness offers major opportunities to accelerate thinking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between consciousness quotient and critical thinking, and how components of consciousness contribute to the prediction of critical thinking

Method: This study was cross-sectional correlation research. Consciousness quotient was measured using the Consciousness Quotient Inventory (2020) and critical thinking was assessed using the Critical Thinking Murthy Scale (2017). Pearson’s Correlation and Multiple regression analysis were applied.203 university students were enrolled in the study (N =143, 90 females, M age = 19.34). The participants completed 268 items of (CQ-i) and 20 items of (MCTS). The responses on these two scales were taken in 6 sessions of one hour each.

Results: The result showed that the total mean score for consciousness quotient was 88.36 (19.04) and the mean score for critical thinking was 39.16 (8.81). Data analysis showed a positive correlation between university students' consciousness quotient and critical thinking (Pearson’s r = 0.321, p<0.01). A multiple linear regression analysis was performed using critical thinking as a dependent variable and consciousness quotient and the dimensions of consciousness quotient as independent variables. Of these 15 variables, no variables were identified as significant predictors of critical thinking. The coefficient of determination R square of the regression model showed that input variables can explain 17% of the total score of critical thinking. These findings provide a preliminary account of how human critical thinking associates with the consciousness quotient of university students. Results indicated that there exists a significant relationship between the consciousness quotient and critical thinking of university students. The study also shows that consciousness quotient has a significant role in predicting critical thinking.