Automating the measurement of critical thinking in discussion forums : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Systems at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

......................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... iii Ethics Committee Approval Statement ............................................................ iv List of Publications ....................................................................................................... v Book Chapters ................................................................................................... v Refereed Journals .............................................................................................. v Refereed Conference Proceedings (Paper presentations) ................................. v Table of