Increasing the Quality of University Studies Through the Development of Students' Scientific Thinking

Abstract

The paper examines theoretical perspectives of scientific thinking development in university students as an element of quality. Scientific thinking is a key element that serves as a base in scientific and professional formation of university students. The problem of its development in students was first raised in 20 th century. Students encounter the activities in line with their professional goals but there are no specific activities oriented specifically towards scientific thinking development. As a result of this study, a theoretical model of scientific thinking development is proposed. It is based on three components that suggest a solution to improve quality in university studies, and enable ways for students to explore the concepts of spinning across the science projects. It is also presented a psychological portrait of a student with high level of scientific thinking and the most important traits that emphasize cognitive dispositions are highlighted. This can engage and also help students to make a research and to be creative in their own scientific activity.

Psychometric Properties of Cognitive Behavioral Scientific Insight Questionnaire

“…e concept of "science" in its broad notion is generally defined as a systematic search for acquiring knowledge [1], searching for causes and laws [2,3], affirming certain things that humans believe in [4], searching and constructing knowledge [5], and explaining disconnected phenomena [6]. Although science might be considered as an institution for allocating talent and brain drain [7], its real main purpose is supposed to be rejecting dogma, mandating authority, processing thinking, finding the truth, and reflecting social interactions [8].…”