Evaluation of health management department students' attitudes towards scientific research and critical thinking

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the critical thinking dispositions of health management students in terms of various variables and to examine the relationship between their attitudes towards scientific research. Within the scope of this cross-sectional and descriptive study, 239 students studying in the health management department of a foundation university were reached. The data were collected through a questionnaire using the "Attitude Towards Scientific Research Scale" and "Critical Thinking Disposition Scale" and it was determined that the scales used were reliable and normally distributed. It was determined that there was a significant relationship between the critical thinking dispositions of health management students and the sub-dimensions of their attitudes towards scientific research. In addition, in the difference analysis, it was determined that there was a significant difference between the critical thinking dispositions of the students according to the gender variable and there was no significant difference between the variables of class level, taking scientific research courses, reading scientific publications and the purpose of using the internet. Studies aimed at developing students' critical thinking skills can also positively increase attitudes towards scientific research. In this direction, it is important to use strategic tools such as socratic inquiry, collaborative learning, concept mapping, case studies and problem-based learning, to encourage students' active participation in research projects, and to actively implement mentoring programs throughout their education life to raise mindsets focused on scientific research and critical thinking.