Students’ Critical Thinking Dispositions in View of Cognitive Styles: Exhibiting Confidence in Reasoning and Inquisitive

The problem and the aim of the study. The underlying issue of this study is that although critical thinking skills are widely recognized as important in education, understanding how students demonstrate critical thinking dispositions such as confidence in reasoning and inquisitiveness based on their cognitive styles remains limited. Students with different cognitive styles, such as field-independent (FI) and field-dependent (FD), tend to exhibit varying levels of critical thinking abilities when faced with complex problems, particularly in the context of mathematical problem-solving.The purpose of this study is to describe students' critical thinking dispositions in the aspects of Confidence in Reasoning and Inquisitive in terms of cognitive style. The underlying problem of this study is that although the importance of critical thinking skills is widely recognized in education, how students demonstrate critical thinking dispositions such as confidence in reasoning and inquisitiveness based on their cognitive styles remains poorly understood. Students with different cognitive styles, such as field-independent (FI) and field-dependent (FD), may exhibit varying levels of critical thinking abilities when faced with complex problems, particularly in the context of mathematical problem-solving. This study aims to explore how students with different cognitive styles exhibit their critical thinking dispositions, specifically in terms of confidence in reasoning and inquisitiveness, to provide deeper insights into the role of cognitive styles in fostering critical thinking skills among students. Research methods. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method that focuses on two students with high mathematical abilities with field-independent (FI) and field-dependent (FD) cognitive styles, who were selected from a total of 30 participants. Their mathematical abilities were assessed through a mathematical ability test, while their cognitive styles were identified as field-independent (FI) and field-dependent (FD) using the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT). This study involves six main stages, namely 1) selection of research subjects; 2) problem-solving tasks; 3) observation and video recording; 4) in-depth interviews; 5) analysis of critical thinking dispositions; and 6) summarizing the results of the analysis. KEYWORDS Results. The results of the FI student analysis showed quite strong confidence in reasoning by following mathematical steps to solve problems systematically. However, the inquisitive aspect of critical thinking still needs to be improved because students do not question or explore alternatives to solve problems. Although students are able to solve problems, the ability to question assumptions, verify results, and explore different approaches still needs to be developed so that their critical thinking is more comprehensive. The results of the FD student analysis showed reasonable Confidence in Reasoning, with confidence in every step of the calculation carried out. However, the Inquisitive aspect of critical thinking is still underdeveloped because there is no attempt to question, re-analyze, or consider alternatives in the problem-solving process. To strengthen their critical thinking disposition, students need to be encouraged to be more reflective and critical of every step taken, question the assumptions made, and explore various possible solutions to problems. In conclusion, Students show quite strong Confidence in Reasoning by applying mathematical calculation steps systematically and precisely to solve problems. However, the Inquisitive aspect of critical thinking is still underdeveloped because students do not question or explore alternatives in their problem-solving process. They tend to follow procedures without verifying or re-checking the results, which are essential aspects of critical thinking. Encouraging students to be more reflective and explorative in every step taken can help strengthen their critical thinking disposition.