Artificial Intelligence and Critical Thinking in University Students

The objective of this research was to explore the Critical Thinking (CT) skills of university students and the terms related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) that this population reports knowing. A three-part instrument was administered: analysis variables, a scale to assess Critical Thinking [1] and a scale for Artificial Intelligence, created by the authors. A total of 236 students from various universities, both public and private, located in Choluteca, Honduras, participated. The CT results reveal critical judgment skills, such as questioning information, but a low level of argumentation based on statistical or scientific evidence. Although general knowledge of AI is reported, in-depth knowledge of its constituent elements and its evolution is lacking. Certain skills are identified in the use of these technologies, such as writing academic papers and using automated assistants, among others. It is concluded that the surveyed population is not unfamiliar with AI, and that critical judgment should be fostered in educational processes from secondary education to university.