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NCT Number: NCT07538986

Effect of AI Critical Appraisal Training on Critical Thinking in Nursing Students

This study is a cluster randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the impact of the "AI Critical Thinking Training" teaching method on the critical thinking, AI literacy, and clinical reasoning abilities of undergraduate nursing students. Random allocation methods (such as the coin-tossing method) were used to randomly assign eligible classes as a whole to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group received AI critical thinking training (using AI to analyze cases and annotate their errors), while the control group received the same amount of time in traditional case-based teaching. The research tools included the Chinese version of the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory, the AI Literacy Scale, the Clinical Reasoning Scale, and a standardized case analysis scoring sheet. Data collection was conducted twice, before the experiment (pre-test) and after the experiment (post-test). The protocol was based on mature educational theories, with a clear process and extremely low risk, demonstrating good scientific and feasibility. During the research process, if the participants felt any discomfort, they could immediately request to stop the research and withdraw from the study.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • All full-time undergraduate nursing students currently enrolled, who are willing to participate in this study

Exclusion criteria

  • Did not complete the survey questionnaire and did not take the final exam.

Treatment and study plan

AI Critical Appraisal Training

Behavioral

Over 8 weeks, students complete 4 case assignments. For each case, they interact with an AI tool, screenshot the full dialogue, and then critically annotate the AI's responses: identify at least 3 errors or debatable points, provide corrected answers with evidence from textbooks, and write a brief reflection.

Traditional Case-Based Learning

Behavioral

Over the same 8 weeks, students analyze identical surgical nursing cases by consulting printed and electronic resources (excluding AI). They submit written answers to case questions and a personal reflection, and declare no AI use.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Critical Thinking Disposition

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    Measured by the Chinese version of the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CTDI-CV). The scale has 70 items, each rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 6=strongly agree). Total score ranges from 70 to 420. Higher scores indicate a stronger disposition toward critical thinking.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in AI Literacy

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    Measured by the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Scale for Chinese College Students (AILS-CCS). The scale has 15 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree). Total score ranges from 15 to 75. Higher scores indicate higher AI literacy.

  2. Changes in clinical reasoning ability

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    Measured by the Chinese version of the Clinical Reasoning and Reflection Self-Assessment Scale. The scale has 26 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree). Total score ranges from 26 to 130. Higher scores indicate better clinical reasoning ability.

  3. Case Analysis Performance

    Time frame: Week 8

    Assessed by a self-developed scoring rubric applied to the final case analysis report. Scores are evaluated by blinded assessors. The total score ranges from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate better case analysis performance.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Xi Cao

CONTACT

[email protected]

+8613808033721

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Xi Cao

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Study on How AI Critical Appraisal Training Enhances Critical Thinking in Nursing Students

Acronym: C-RCT

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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