The Correlation between EFL Learners Vocabulary Learning Strategy and Critical Thinking

This research study investigated the relationship between EFL learners’ their vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) and critical thinking ability (CT) across gender. To this end, the researchers selected 140 Iranian male and female intermediate students randomly from Iran Language Institute (ILI) in Urmia, Iran. KET test was used to homogenize the students. Then, the researchers conducted Schmitt’s Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaire (VLSQ) and Ennis (1985) Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT). For analyzing the data, the researchers used an independent-samples t-test to test the homogeneity of the sample and Pearson moment correlation to find the relationship between learners CT and VLSs. The findings showed that there was a positive relationship between learners VLSs and CT. Moreover, regarding the role of gender, males were more critical than females and used VLSs more. The implications are discussed in terms of importance of CT and VLS in EFL classes.