Critical thinking is a key indicator of success in both education and professional settings. In our latest video, Dr. Peter Facione examines trends in critical thinking performance across different sectors, with a particular focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside this discussion, we have updated four key reports that provide deeper insights into how critical thinking skills and mindset attributes are demonstrated across various contexts.
These findings offer valuable perspectives on how critical thinking is evolving in today’s world—from professional program applicants to business hiring practices, undergraduate education, and K-12 learning.
The COVID Notch: Professional Program Students
Dr. Facione begins by examining Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) data collected over multiple years, with particular attention to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data highlights a noticeable “COVID Notch”—a significant dip in critical thinking admissions scores for health sciences programs from mid-2021 to mid-2024.
The disruption caused by the pandemic—stress, fatigue, illness, and shifts in learning environments—negatively impacted cognitive performance across applicant pools for professional programs. This trend was observed in national samples of test-takers using the HSRT, CCTST, TER, and BCTST assessments across multiple industries.
However, as conditions stabilized, recent longitudinal data shows signs of recovery. Some applicant pools now demonstrate significant improvements in reasoning skills, indicating that while the pandemic disrupted skill development, cognitive performance is rebounding. This report provides a detailed analysis of these trends and what they mean for admissions officers and professional education programs.
Download the Report: Critical Thinking in Professional Program Students
Beyond the COVID Notch: Insights from Other Key Reports
While the pandemic’s impact on professional students is a major focal point, critical thinking plays a broader role in hiring, undergraduate education, and K-12 learning. The following findings provide insight into these crucial areas:
Critical Thinking in the Professional Workplace
Employers across various industries are increasingly using critical thinking assessments as a pre-screening tool before the interview stage. Why? Because modern workplaces require employees who can adapt, assess risks, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Organizations that prioritize problem-solving, risk management, and innovation recognize that strong reasoning skills are essential. Data from the INSIGHT Series of assessments—used in business, defense, law, and government sectors—illustrate how critical thinking ability correlates with workplace success.
Download the Report: Critical Thinking in the Professional Workplace
What the Data Tell Us About College-Level Learners
Higher education institutions frequently assess critical thinking as a core learning outcome, but how do students actually perform?
Data from the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) shows significant variation among college students, with some displaying strong analytical abilities while others struggle with fundamental reasoning tasks. Among undergraduate learners:
- Stronger scores appear in Analysis, Inference, and Explanation.
- Weaker scores are more common in Interpretation (difficulty identifying key details), Evaluation (struggles judging argument quality), Deduction (difficulty with logical precision), and Numeracy (challenges in reasoning with data, probability, and proportions).
This research underscores the importance of curriculum design that emphasizes critical thinking across disciplines, ensuring that students develop essential reasoning skills for academic and professional success.
Download the Report: What the CT Data Tell Us about College Level Learners
The Importance of Critical Thinking in K-12 Education
Developing strong critical thinking and numeracy skills begins early in a child’s education. Research by Dr. Carol Giddens highlights the importance of mental focus, creative problem-solving, and open-mindedness in building a strong foundation for future learning.
Teachers play a crucial role in modeling critical thinking, reinforcing skills by engaging students in analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating information. At the Young Women’s Leadership School of the Bronx, for example, educators use real-world applications—such as online search analysis and ChatGPT fact-checking—to teach students how to determine information credibility.
The research confirms that mindset attributes—like curiosity, truth-seeking, and creativity—are just as important as cognitive skills in helping students become independent, logical thinkers.
Download the Report: What the CT Data Tell Us about K-12 Education.
The Evolving Landscape of Critical Thinking
Across all sectors—professional programs, workplaces, higher education, and K-12 learning—critical thinking remains a defining skill for success. While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted skill development, emerging data suggests a recovery is underway. Strengthening reasoning ability at all stages of education and professional life remains an essential priority.
For a deeper dive into these insights, download our full reports and explore the latest research on critical thinking development.
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