>The surveys included multiple items that assessed knowledge about art, as well as measures of tolerance, historical empathy and sustained interest in visiting art museums and other cultural institutions. We also asked them to write an essay in response to a work of art that was unfamiliar to them. These essays were then coded using a critical-thinking-skills assessment program developed by researchers working with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.
They've demonstrated that exposing children to art makes them care more about art. Having said that, the title of the article really seems like a stretch.
The link in the article has more detail[0], which includes an expanded "critical thinking" section. Also from the comments on that page, from one of the authors: "...separate articles focused on each of the outcomes described here are currently under review at journals. This is a summary of the combined results".
>The surveys included multiple items that assessed knowledge about art, as well as measures of tolerance, historical empathy and sustained interest in visiting art museums and other cultural institutions. We also asked them to write an essay in response to a work of art that was unfamiliar to them. These essays were then coded using a critical-thinking-skills assessment program developed by researchers working with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.
They've demonstrated that exposing children to art makes them care more about art. Having said that, the title of the article really seems like a stretch.