| This study investigated the relationship between media literacy and critical thinking skills. To date media literacy advocates have not developed a quantitative means of measuring media literacy. While numerous claims that media literacy and critical thinking are related, a review of the existing literature has not revealed any academic support for the assertion. As a result, a demographic survey and test to measure each skill set respectfully was administered to a sample of undergraduate college students. For this study, a new media literacy measure was developed. Statistical analysis of the test results did show a statistically significant correlation between the scores recorded on each measure (r(34) = 0.322, p < 0.05). The results did not provide support for statistically significant correlations between college students' self-reported level of media literacy education or self-reported media consumption and their critical thinking scores. This study provides a starting point for the quantitative measurement of media literacy and makes an argument for the inclusion of media literacy education at institutions of higher education. |
