Kasuari: Physics Education Journal (KPEJ)
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): June 2026

Global Trends and Research Focus on Augmented Reality for Enhancing Critical Thinking: A Bibliometric Analysis

Rahmi Lakini (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Edi Istiyono (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Heru Kuswanto (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Aris Kurniawan (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Rindang Chairunnisa (Monash University)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Jun 2026

Abstract

Learning media is a process through which learners acquire knowledge, understanding, and skills in science. Augmented Reality (AR) is a digital technology that integrates manipulable digital images into real-world environments in real time, revolutionizing dynamic learning. Research indicates that mobile-based AR learning media enhance students’ material comprehension and stimulate critical thinking. Critical thinking involves analyzing, evaluating, and logically concluding information, which is a vital skill for informed decision making. Recent studies from 2015 to 2024 highlight the rapid growth of AR research across various disciplines, including Physics Education. To analyze these studies, a bibliometric method was employed, focusing on articles published between 2015 and 2024 in the Scopus database. This analysis identified research trends related to AR’s impact on critical thinking. This study used descriptive bibliometric analysis to evaluate publications on AR and critical thinking. Results revealed a peak in publication trends in 2022 and citation trends in 2020. Taiwan led in research output. Key research areas include AR, VR, and students’ critical thinking. Emerging themes such as STEM, artificial intelligence, nursing education, and game-based learning new research directions. These findings provide a reference for future research on AR in enhancing critical thinking, with potential data sources.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

kpej

Publisher

Subject

Education Physics

Description

Kasuari: Physics Education Journal (KPEJ) is a peer-reviewed open access journal and aims to provide a forum for researchers, lecturer, educational practitioners and University student on all topics related to physics education. The journal provides forum for the sharing, dissemination and ...