An Analysis of Preservice Teachers' Dispositions Toward Critical Thinking: A cross-cultural perspective

This study examined and compared the critical thinking dispositions (CT) of 218 American and 234 Chinese preservice physical education teachers. All were juniors or seniors and enrolled in physical education secondary teaching methods classes at the time of the study. Results provided evidence of a positive endorsement toward CT by the American sample, and a slight resistance by the Chinese participants on two of the four subscales from the California Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory (CCTDI). The American sample scored significantly higher on two of the four subscales. Some of the differences between the two populations may stem from the duality of individualism-collectivism represented in Western and Asian cultures, respectively. Similarities noted between the two populations in CT dispositions, however, appear to transcend cultural differences and may serve as the basis for future research.