Critical Thinking in Problem-Based Learning within Higher Education: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis Using VOSviewer and Citespace

Abstract

To systematically reveal the research landscape and the evolutionary trends of research hotspots on critical thinking within Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in higher education, this study adopts a bibliometric approach. Journal articles and review papers published between 2000 and 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection and analyzed through statistical and visual mapping techniques. The results indicate a steady growth in research output in this field, reflecting a continuously increasing level of academic attention. China ranks among the leading contributors in terms of publication volume, while Asian institutions, particularly The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The University of Hong Kong, occupy central positions in institutional collaboration networks. However, the overall density of author collaboration networks remains relatively low, suggesting that cross-institutional and interdisciplinary cooperation requires further strengthening. Relevant studies are mainly published in journals such as Nurse Education Today and BMC Medical Education. The research focus has gradually shifted from validating instructional effectiveness to exploring underlying mechanisms, interdisciplinary integration, and instructional system optimization, highlighting the synergistic roles of collaborative learning, cognitive scaffolding, authentic problem contexts, and technological and organizational support in fostering higher-order thinking skills. Overall, research on PBL and critical thinking in higher education is transitioning from theoretical exploration toward the optimization of instructional practice. Looking ahead, with the continued advancement of digitalization and blended learning, this field is expected to further expand its application contexts, deepen research content, and enhance research quality and innovation through strengthened collaborative networks.