The relationship and predictive power of critical thinking skills scores to NATABOC certification examination for athletic training performance scores

Abstract

The purpose of this non-experimental descriptive study was to examine the relationship and predictive power of critical thinking skills scores to National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification examination for athletic training (CE) performance scores. The California Critical Thinking Skills Test form 2000 (CCTST-2000) was used as the measure of critical thinking skills to determine if differences existed in athletic training certification candidate critical thinking skills when compared to passing and not passing the CE. Data were analyzed and Cronbach's Alpha revealed the reliability of the CCTST-2000 with a satisfactory level of internal consistency. Independent t testing determined that those candidates passing the CE had higher overall critical thinking skills and higher scores in the subscale areas of inference and deductive reasoning. It was determined by Pearson Correlation that several correlations existed. Multiple stepwise regression showed written and practical section scores increased when deductive reasoning scores increased while written simulation scores increased when inference subscale scores increased. Finally, discriminant analysis generated one significant function that predicted success in passing the CE by having higher inference subscale scores and lower inductive reasoning scores. Conversely, lower inference subscale scores and higher inductive reasoning score predicted not passing the CE.