Relationship Between Cognitive Flexibility and Critical Thinking Tendency: A Study on Sports Sciences Faculty Students

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between cognitive flexibility and critical thinking tendencies among 278 sports sciences students. Participants completed the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS) and the Florida Critical Thinking Tendencies Scale. The results showed a positive and moderate correlation between cognitive flexibility and critical thinking. Additionally, gender significantly affected these skills, with female students displaying higher cognitive flexibility and critical thinking levels than males. However, no significant difference was found based on age. The study highlights that cognitive flexibility and critical thinking are interrelated cognitive skills and suggests the importance of fostering these abilities within sports sciences education. The findings are expected to inform the development of educational programs and interventions to enhance students' cognitive flexibility and critical thinking skills.