Development of an assessment instrument for critical thinking skills in Physics: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Abstract Critical thinking ability is one of the higher-order thinking skills. Assessing critical thinking ability requires a valid and reliable instrument. The assessment instrument for critical thinking ability is a measurement tool used to test critical thinking skills based on predefined indicators. This research aims to examine the development of research on critical thinking ability instruments, including methods of development, instrument forms, indicators, analysis, and instrument validity. The research utilizes the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. Data is 72 articles collected by documenting and reviewing articles in journals related to the development of instruments for assessing critical thinking ability using the Publish or Perish with the Google Scholar and Scopus databases from 2017 to 2023. The results of the study show that the assessment instrument for critical thinking ability can be developed through the R&D development model. The forms of the instruments used to measure critical thinking ability include Two-Tier Tests, Four-Tier Tests, Open-Ended, and Multiple Choice. The indicators developed in these critical thinking assessment instruments refer to the theories proposed by Ennis and Facione. Additionally, the feasibility of the critical thinking assessment instruments is evaluated through validity and reliability testing. The more research is conducted in this field, the more the understanding of the best ways to measure and develop critical thinking skills in physics lessons grows, which can also enhance the quality of physics learning.