2012 Alumni Survey
College Comparisons of Undergraduate Educational Goals
(Critical and Creative Thinking Frequency Distributions)

This document reports frequency distributions of critical and creative thinking goals by college. Comparisons of mean ratings are available on the web.

Importance | Preparation

Importance

Problem solving skills overall	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	88.3%	90.0%	80.7%	83.2%	84.0%	93.9%	88.2%	91.9%	95.6%	84.8%
3: Somewhat important	10.9%	9.4%	15.9%	16.0%	14.2%	5.5%	11.8%	8.1%	4.4%	14.3%
2: Not very important	0.7%	0.6%	2.3%	0.8%	1.2%	0.4%	.	.	.	1.0%
1: Not at all important	0.1%	.	1.1%	.	0.6%	0.1%	.	.	.	.
Total (N)	2,777	508	88	620	162	674	119	62	137	407

Back to Top

Defining problems	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	78.6%	78.9%	69.0%	74.4%	70.4%	86.2%	75.4%	77.4%	84.7%	76.6%
3: Somewhat important	19.3%	19.5%	26.4%	23.5%	24.1%	12.9%	20.3%	19.4%	14.6%	20.7%
2: Not very important	1.8%	1.4%	2.3%	1.9%	4.9%	0.6%	4.2%	3.2%	0.7%	2.5%
1: Not at all important	0.3%	0.2%	2.3%	0.2%	0.6%	0.3%	.	.	.	0.2%
Total (N)	2,774	508	87	620	162	674	118	62	137	406

Back to Top

Examining problems from multiple perspectives	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	75.5%	75.9%	67.8%	78.4%	67.3%	79.0%	68.1%	80.6%	70.1%	72.7%
3: Somewhat important	21.4%	20.9%	27.6%	18.6%	24.7%	19.5%	29.4%	16.1%	28.5%	23.1%
2: Not very important	2.7%	3.2%	3.4%	2.6%	6.8%	1.2%	2.5%	3.2%	1.5%	3.7%
1: Not at all important	0.4%	.	1.1%	0.5%	1.2%	0.3%	.	.	.	0.5%
Total (N)	2,772	507	87	619	162	672	119	62	137	407

Back to Top

Breaking down complex topics to enhance understanding	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	68.9%	72.2%	72.4%	65.5%	58.0%	73.7%	63.6%	58.1%	77.4%	66.1%
3: Somewhat important	24.7%	21.5%	24.1%	26.0%	28.4%	22.5%	31.4%	40.3%	16.8%	27.5%
2: Not very important	5.7%	5.9%	2.3%	7.7%	11.1%	3.6%	4.2%	1.6%	5.8%	5.7%
1: Not at all important	0.6%	0.4%	1.1%	0.8%	2.5%	0.3%	0.8%	.	.	0.7%
Total (N)	2,773	508	87	620	162	672	118	62	137	407

Back to Top

Identifying relevant ideas/information	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	72.7%	76.4%	72.1%	72.5%	67.1%	73.1%	73.9%	72.6%	72.3%	69.7%
3: Somewhat important	24.5%	21.3%	24.4%	24.4%	23.6%	25.0%	26.1%	25.8%	24.8%	27.8%
2: Not very important	2.3%	2.4%	2.3%	2.6%	8.1%	1.5%	.	1.6%	2.2%	2.0%
1: Not at all important	0.4%	.	1.2%	0.5%	1.2%	0.4%	.	.	0.7%	0.5%
Total (N)	2,767	508	86	619	161	669	119	62	137	406

Back to Top

Using information technologies and search strategies to access information	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	65.4%	67.9%	70.1%	64.7%	52.5%	64.6%	64.7%	66.1%	68.4%	67.7%
3: Somewhat important	26.8%	27.8%	27.6%	24.0%	33.3%	27.7%	25.2%	25.8%	25.0%	26.6%
2: Not very important	6.5%	3.5%	1.1%	9.2%	10.5%	6.6%	8.4%	8.1%	5.9%	5.2%
1: Not at all important	1.3%	0.8%	1.1%	2.1%	3.7%	1.0%	1.7%	.	0.7%	0.5%
Total (N)	2,767	508	87	620	162	667	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Critically analyzing and evaluating ideas/information	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	76.3%	79.3%	70.1%	73.1%	63.6%	80.1%	77.3%	66.1%	81.6%	77.3%
3: Somewhat important	20.1%	17.7%	24.1%	20.6%	29.6%	18.6%	20.2%	29.0%	16.2%	20.2%
2: Not very important	3.0%	3.0%	4.6%	5.5%	4.9%	0.9%	2.5%	3.2%	2.2%	2.2%
1: Not at all important	0.5%	.	1.1%	0.8%	1.9%	0.4%	.	1.6%	.	0.2%
Total (N)	2,768	508	87	620	162	668	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Integrating ideas/information from multiple sources	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	66.9%	69.1%	65.5%	65.9%	61.5%	67.8%	72.3%	77.4%	71.3%	62.1%
3: Somewhat important	26.8%	25.6%	27.6%	26.5%	28.6%	27.1%	21.8%	17.7%	21.3%	32.3%
2: Not very important	5.5%	4.7%	4.6%	6.6%	8.1%	4.8%	5.9%	4.8%	6.6%	4.9%
1: Not at all important	0.7%	0.6%	2.3%	1.0%	1.9%	0.3%	.	.	0.7%	0.7%
Total (N)	2,766	508	87	619	161	668	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Constructing clear, precise, and accurate arguments	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	62.5%	61.0%	51.1%	66.0%	54.7%	62.7%	65.5%	41.9%	61.8%	66.7%
3: Somewhat important	27.6%	28.5%	36.4%	23.4%	28.0%	29.8%	24.4%	46.8%	26.5%	25.9%
2: Not very important	8.7%	8.9%	11.4%	9.2%	14.3%	7.2%	9.2%	9.7%	10.3%	6.9%
1: Not at all important	1.1%	1.6%	1.1%	1.5%	3.1%	0.3%	0.8%	1.6%	1.5%	0.5%
Total (N)	2,768	508	88	620	161	668	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Combining/synthesizing existing ideas/information in original ways	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	52.3%	48.8%	51.7%	58.2%	46.0%	49.4%	60.5%	77.4%	54.4%	48.3%
3: Somewhat important	34.4%	37.2%	36.8%	30.0%	36.6%	36.2%	30.3%	17.7%	33.1%	37.7%
2: Not very important	11.6%	12.4%	8.0%	10.2%	14.9%	13.7%	9.2%	1.6%	11.0%	11.3%
1: Not at all important	1.6%	1.6%	3.4%	1.6%	2.5%	0.8%	.	3.2%	1.5%	2.7%
Total (N)	2,765	508	87	620	161	666	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Generating innovative solutions	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very important	59.8%	55.5%	56.8%	55.6%	58.4%	64.8%	68.9%	77.4%	64.0%	57.6%
3: Somewhat important	31.1%	34.1%	33.0%	34.6%	31.7%	27.7%	24.4%	19.4%	27.9%	32.0%
2: Not very important	8.0%	9.4%	9.1%	8.4%	8.7%	6.9%	6.7%	3.2%	7.4%	8.4%
1: Not at all important	1.1%	1.0%	1.1%	1.5%	1.2%	0.6%	.	.	0.7%	2.0%
Total (N)	2,767	508	88	619	161	668	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Preparation

Problem solving skills overall	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	52.5%	48.5%	42.0%	40.0%	47.8%	69.4%	56.3%	66.1%	61.0%	46.8%
3: Somewhat	42.0%	46.7%	48.9%	52.3%	46.0%	27.9%	40.3%	27.4%	33.8%	46.3%
2: Very little	4.6%	4.3%	5.7%	6.6%	5.0%	2.1%	2.5%	3.2%	4.4%	6.4%
1: Not at all	0.9%	0.4%	3.4%	1.1%	1.2%	0.6%	0.8%	3.2%	0.7%	0.5%
Total (N)	2,764	507	88	618	161	667	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Defining problems	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	44.2%	41.2%	31.0%	37.4%	39.1%	57.4%	48.3%	48.4%	40.4%	40.9%
3: Somewhat	46.9%	49.7%	56.3%	53.6%	50.9%	35.9%	41.5%	38.7%	50.0%	49.5%
2: Very little	7.8%	7.9%	8.0%	7.9%	8.7%	6.5%	7.6%	11.3%	8.1%	8.4%
1: Not at all	1.2%	1.2%	4.6%	1.1%	1.2%	0.3%	2.5%	1.6%	1.5%	1.2%
Total (N)	2,761	507	87	618	161	666	118	62	136	406

Back to Top

Examining problems from multiple perspectives	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	41.9%	41.2%	36.4%	44.8%	41.6%	39.9%	43.7%	59.7%	41.2%	40.1%
3: Somewhat	47.4%	47.3%	52.3%	47.7%	46.6%	47.6%	47.9%	33.9%	43.4%	49.3%
2: Very little	9.3%	10.3%	8.0%	6.5%	11.2%	11.1%	6.7%	3.2%	13.2%	9.4%
1: Not at all	1.3%	1.2%	3.4%	1.0%	0.6%	1.4%	1.7%	3.2%	2.2%	1.2%
Total (N)	2,763	507	88	618	161	666	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Breaking down complex topics to enhance understanding	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	42.0%	46.0%	33.3%	37.1%	37.9%	46.7%	43.7%	37.1%	48.5%	38.7%
3: Somewhat	48.2%	45.4%	56.3%	53.2%	44.7%	44.7%	48.7%	51.6%	40.4%	51.7%
2: Very little	8.5%	8.1%	6.9%	8.6%	16.1%	7.7%	5.0%	8.1%	8.8%	8.9%
1: Not at all	1.2%	0.6%	3.4%	1.1%	1.2%	0.9%	2.5%	3.2%	2.2%	0.7%
Total (N)	2,761	507	87	617	161	666	119	62	136	406

Back to Top

Identifying relevant ideas/information	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	41.5%	45.4%	31.4%	43.8%	38.5%	40.5%	42.0%	33.9%	37.3%	40.4%
3: Somewhat	51.4%	47.5%	58.1%	51.1%	50.9%	51.8%	50.4%	58.1%	52.2%	53.4%
2: Very little	6.2%	6.3%	5.8%	4.2%	9.9%	7.1%	5.9%	6.5%	9.7%	5.4%
1: Not at all	0.9%	0.8%	4.7%	0.8%	0.6%	0.6%	1.7%	1.6%	0.7%	0.7%
Total (N)	2,755	507	86	616	161	664	119	62	134	406

Back to Top

Using information technologies and search strategies to access information	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	44.6%	52.1%	37.9%	40.5%	49.1%	41.4%	63.0%	30.6%	38.8%	45.2%
3: Somewhat	42.6%	40.2%	48.3%	41.4%	41.6%	44.1%	31.1%	50.0%	44.8%	45.9%
2: Very little	11.0%	6.9%	11.5%	15.5%	8.7%	12.4%	4.2%	12.9%	14.2%	8.1%
1: Not at all	1.8%	0.8%	2.3%	2.6%	0.6%	2.1%	1.7%	6.5%	2.2%	0.7%
Total (N)	2,755	507	87	618	161	662	119	62	134	405

Back to Top

Critically analyzing and evaluating ideas/information	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	48.8%	49.3%	37.9%	48.9%	42.6%	51.4%	53.8%	54.8%	52.2%	44.9%
3: Somewhat	45.8%	45.6%	55.2%	45.5%	50.6%	44.6%	39.5%	38.7%	43.3%	48.6%
2: Very little	4.7%	4.9%	4.6%	5.2%	6.2%	3.2%	5.0%	3.2%	3.7%	6.2%
1: Not at all	0.7%	0.2%	2.3%	0.5%	0.6%	0.9%	1.7%	3.2%	0.7%	0.2%
Total (N)	2,758	507	87	618	162	664	119	62	134	405

Back to Top

Integrating ideas/information from multiple sources	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	42.8%	46.4%	41.4%	47.2%	41.9%	37.6%	55.5%	37.1%	37.3%	39.5%
3: Somewhat	49.5%	47.5%	51.7%	46.0%	50.0%	52.9%	39.5%	56.5%	53.0%	52.1%
2: Very little	6.7%	5.9%	4.6%	6.5%	6.9%	7.8%	3.4%	3.2%	9.0%	7.4%
1: Not at all	1.0%	0.2%	2.3%	0.3%	1.3%	1.7%	1.7%	3.2%	0.7%	1.0%
Total (N)	2,755	507	87	618	160	663	119	62	134	405

Back to Top

Constructing clear, precise, and accurate arguments	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	35.7%	35.7%	26.1%	45.1%	33.8%	30.3%	37.8%	37.1%	34.3%	32.3%
3: Somewhat	50.8%	48.7%	62.5%	44.7%	53.1%	53.6%	51.3%	40.3%	47.8%	57.0%
2: Very little	11.4%	13.4%	9.1%	9.5%	11.9%	13.1%	6.7%	19.4%	14.2%	8.6%
1: Not at all	2.1%	2.2%	2.3%	0.6%	1.3%	3.0%	4.2%	3.2%	3.7%	2.0%
Total (N)	2,757	507	88	618	160	664	119	62	134	405

Back to Top

Combining/synthesizing existing ideas/information in original ways	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	31.4%	33.5%	28.7%	34.5%	25.0%	27.0%	43.7%	59.7%	26.9%	27.9%
3: Somewhat	52.9%	52.1%	55.2%	52.0%	56.9%	53.2%	47.1%	33.9%	50.0%	58.0%
2: Very little	13.4%	12.0%	12.6%	11.8%	16.9%	16.7%	6.7%	6.5%	17.2%	12.6%
1: Not at all	2.3%	2.4%	3.4%	1.6%	1.3%	3.0%	2.5%	.	6.0%	1.5%
Total (N)	2,754	507	87	617	160	663	119	62	134	405

Back to Top

Generating innovative solutions	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COT	Design	PAMS	PCOM
4: Very much	31.6%	32.0%	22.7%	26.9%	29.8%	34.3%	52.1%	62.9%	23.9%	28.4%
3: Somewhat	50.8%	48.1%	59.1%	54.5%	55.9%	48.0%	40.3%	32.3%	49.3%	55.6%
2: Very little	14.8%	17.0%	14.8%	16.0%	11.8%	14.5%	5.0%	4.8%	20.9%	14.3%
1: Not at all	2.8%	3.0%	3.4%	2.6%	2.5%	3.2%	2.5%	.	6.0%	1.7%
Total (N)	2,758	507	88	618	161	664	119	62	134	405

Back to Means Ratings
Back to Top

For more information on the 2012 Alumni Survey contact:
Dr. Nancy Whelchel, Associate Director for Survey Research
Office of Institutional Planning and Research
Box 7002
NCSU
Phone: (919) 515-4184
Email: Nancy_Whelchel@ncsu.edu

Posted: July, 2012

Return to 2012 Alumni Survey Table of Contents Page

Return to OIRP Survey Page

Return to OIRP Home Page