The Effect of Using a Socratic AI‑Based Cognitive Tool on Critical Thinking and Problem ‎Solving of University Students: A Quasi‑Experimental Study

This study investigated the effect of using a Socratic AI‑based cognitive tool (a chatbot that ‎asks questions instead of giving answers) on the critical thinking and problem‑solving skills of ‎university students. A quasi‑experimental design with pretest and posttest and a control group ‎was used. The sample consisted of ۶۴ undergraduate students in educational psychology at ‎Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, who were randomly assigned to experimental (n=۳۲) ‎and control (n=۳۲) groups. The experimental group interacted with the Socratic AI tool for eight ‎‎۹۰‑minute sessions, while the control group received regular instruction. Data were collected ‎using the Watson‑Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal and a researcher‑made problem‑solving test. ‎ANCOVA results showed that after controlling for pretest scores, the experimental group ‎significantly outperformed the control group in both critical thinking (F=۲۱.۴۷, p<۰.۰۰۱, ‎η²=۰.۲۶) and problem solving (F=۱۸.۹۳, p<۰.۰۰۱, η²=۰.۲۴). The findings suggest that Socratic ‎AI tools can be effective for enhancing higher‑order thinking skills when used with proper ‎instructional design.‎

کلیدواژه ها:

AI‑based cognitive tools ، Socratic questioning ، critical thinking ، problem solving ، ‎quasi‑experimental study