Abstract:

This research aims to investigate factors affecting Malaysian Generation Y undergraduates’ critical thinking ability. Albeit being acknowledged that this generation will become future leaders, recent employer surveys have indicated that this generation is most lacking in critical thinking ability. Knowing the reasons can significantly help universities to imbue this skillset in undergraduates.

The literature suggests that four factors could affect the Generation Y undergraduates’ critical thinking ability.

They are:
(1) educators’ teaching methods;
(2) parental influence;
(3) technology; and
(4) emotional intelligence.

The first three are considered as external factors, while emotional intelligence is categorized as an internal factor.

While the constructs for educator’s teaching methods, parental influence, and technology are self-developed, emotional intelligence is measured by using the Assessing Emotions Scale (AES), while critical thinking ability is measured by using Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT), Level X.

Data was collected from 85 university students who willingly participated in the study. The results reveal that the respondents exhibit low critical thinking ability and an average emotional intelligence level. However, educators’ teaching methods is significantly correlated with their critical thinking ability. Parental influence, technology, and emotional intelligence level are found to be insignificant.

The implications are discussed and recommendations are provided in light of the findings.

Keywords:

Critical thinking, Generation Y, Malaysian undergraduates, educators’ teaching methods, influence of parents, technology, emotional intelligence.