Critical Thinking and Reasoning Concepts

Front

Which of the following BEST defines confirmation bias? Options: Analyzing evidence critically to adjust one’s beliefs, Ignoring evidence that supports one’s beliefs, Searching for information that supports preexisting beliefs, Seeking evidence that disproves one’s beliefs

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Searching for information that supports preexisting beliefs

Front

Which of the following BEST defines an “agenda”? A. A type of calendar, B. A list of topics to be discussed in a meeting, C. A plan for a vacation, D. A hidden motive behind someone’s action

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A list of topics to be discussed in a meeting

Front

Which type of evidence is the strongest in supporting a claim that a new type of electric car is more efficient than gas-powered cars? Options: Customer reviews praising the electric car’s features, An advertisement by the car manufacturer highlighting its benefits, Independent research comparing the energy efficiency of electric and gas cars, A popular blog post discussing the trend toward electric cars.

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Independent research comparing the energy efficiency of electric and gas cars

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How should you apply critical thinking when evaluating a blog post written by an unknown author as a primary source for a group project?

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Propose using systematic questioning to assess the blog post's credibility and suggest finding additional sources written by recognized experts published on reputable websites.

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What critical thinking strategy would best help you evaluate conflicting information about a health supplement's effectiveness based on multiple studies? Options: A. Confirmation bias, by only considering the studies that align with your initial belief; B. Availability heuristic, by relying on the most recent study you read; C. Synthesis, by comparing and analyzing the findings of all the studies; D. Systematic questioning, by asking the author of the article for their opinion.

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Synthesis, by comparing and analyzing the findings of all the studies.

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What evidence supports your answer in Part A? Options: You consider only the studies that support your original belief., You compare the methodologies and findings of all available studies to draw a conclusion., You seek opinions from others without evaluating the studies yourself., You focus on the most recent study without examining others.

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You compare the methodologies and findings of all available studies to draw a conclusion.

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In a situation where you had to use critical thinking to make an important decision, what steps should you take to ensure that your decision is well-informed and unbiased?

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Gather relevant information, evaluate evidence, and consider multiple perspectives.

Front

During a debate, Alex argues that because every time a certain candidate has won an election, the economy has improved, this candidate must be good for the economy. Which type of reasoning is Alex using to support his argument?

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Inductive reasoning, drawing a general conclusion from specific instances.

Front

Which type of thinking is Mia using when she generates many creative ideas, and which type does she use when she selects the most practical ones?

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Divergent thinking for generating ideas, convergent thinking for selecting practical ones.

Front

Which metacognitive question should you ask to evaluate the strength of your current understanding? Options: Am I aware of my biases?, Do I have enough reliable evidence to support my viewpoint?, What is the easiest source to reference?, How can I make my argument more persuasive?

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Do I have enough reliable evidence to support my viewpoint?