Critical Thinking Process Test
Development & Technical Report
Evolution of Concept by Nursing
In 1992, the National League for Nursing's accreditation guidelines listed critical thinking as a mandatory criteria (NLN, 1992). Over time, nurse educators have evolved the definition of critical thinking to mean:
" . . . an intellectually disciplined process of conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from or generated by observation, experience, reflection, or communication as a guide to belief or action . . . manifested in reading, listening, writing, and/or speaking." (Alexander & Giguere, 1996, page 16).
This holistic approach to critical thinking offers a conducive fit to nursing's practice discipline where making sound professional judgments is ultimately grounded in a concern for the health and welfare of the clients and communities served (Facione & Facione, 1996).
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