Critical and situated thinking in the respiratory care profession were examined through an exploratory factor analysis of the critical thinking behaviors of a sample of 868 respiratory therapists. The respiratory therapists completed a survey instrument containing 44-questions related to how well particular critical thinking behaviors are performed. The questions sought information on the following seven factors involved in critical thinking: prioritizing, anticipating, troubleshooting, communication, decision making, negotiating, and reflecting. The factor analysis established that these seven factors could be narrowed into two broad factors--situated problem solving and communication skills. Analysis of the responses established that the respiratory therapists could be considered to be of three types as follows: (1) individuals called Type 1, with high situated problem-solving skills and high communication skills (377 respondents); (2) individuals called type 2, with low situated problem-solving skills and low communication skills (252 respondents); and (3) individuals called Type 3, with high situated problem-solving skills and low communication skills (239 respondents). The type 1 respiratory therapists tended to work in hospitals, be female, and have more experience in their profession. The type 2 respiratory therapists were mainly female, but being a type 2 thinker was not strongly related to years of experience in the profession. The type 3 respiratory therapists tended to be male, work in hospitals, and possibly be socially isolated. (14 references) (MN)