An Investigation of Prospective Teachers’ Critical Thinking Attitudes and Locus of Control

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the prospective teachers’ critical thinking attitudes and locus of control. In this research, survey method was used. The population consisted of prospective teachers who are student at Mugla University, Pamukkale University and Adnan Menderes University. Sample consisted of 155 first grade and 151 fourth grade students. Data were collected by “Critical Thinking Scale” that was developing by researchers and “Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale”. In the study, correlation coefficient and independent samples t-test were made use of as statistical techniques. Findings show that positive and low
correlation between critical thinking and locus of control scores and students’ critical thinking scale total scores and subscale scores are low out of “decide based upon evidence” subscale. At the end of the study, it was seen that students are external oriented. Fourth grade male students’ locus of control scores is higher than the female students’. External oriented students’ critical thinking scores are higher than internal oriented students’ scores.