Problem Solving and Decision Making: Enhance Your Cognitive Skills

Question 1

Generating potential solutions to a problem is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Idea generation

Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Implementation

Answer

Monitoring

Question 2

Testing and refining potential solutions to a problem is known as:

Accepted Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Verification

Answer

Implementation

Answer

Monitoring

Question 3

Which cognitive bias describes the tendency to seek out information that confirms existing beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Optimism bias

Answer

Pessimism bias

Question 4

Which problem-solving method involves adapting a known solution to a similar problem to solve a new problem?

Accepted Answer

Analogy

Answer

Brainstorming

Answer

Lateral thinking

Answer

Mind mapping

Question 5

Which characteristic is NOT associated with effective problem solvers?

Accepted Answer

Impulsivity

Answer

Flexibility in thinking

Answer

Persistence

Answer

Originality in approach

Question 6

Which cognitive bias refers to the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Representativeness heuristic

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 7

Which problem-solving strategy involves breaking down a problem into smaller, more manageable parts?

Accepted Answer

Means-ends analysis

Answer

Trial and error

Answer

Brainstorming

Answer

Algorithm application

Question 8

What is the term for the phenomenon where the way options are presented influences decision outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Framing effect

Answer

Anchoring bias

Answer

Prospect theory

Answer

Loss aversion

Question 9

Which element is central to creative problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Divergent thinking

Answer

Analytical thinking

Answer

Logical reasoning

Answer

Convergent thinking

Question 10

How can heuristics be distinguished from algorithms?

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are faster but less precise, while algorithms are slower but more precise.

Answer

Heuristics are more inventive, while algorithms are more logical.

Answer

Heuristics are suited for complex problems, while algorithms are suited for simple problems.

Answer

Heuristics are employed by humans, while algorithms are employed by machines.

Question 11

The process of carefully examining and evaluating different courses of action to make a choice is known as:

Accepted Answer

Decision Making

Answer

Problem Solving

Answer

Critical Thinking

Answer

Cognitive Appraisal

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a recognized stage in the problem-solving cycle?

Accepted Answer

Error Correction

Answer

Problem Representation

Answer

Solution Evaluation

Answer

Goal Identification

Question 13

The tendency to rely heavily on easily accessible information when making decisions is referred to as the:

Accepted Answer

Availability Heuristic

Answer

Confirmation Bias

Answer

Framing Effect

Answer

Anchoring Bias

Question 14

Bounded rationality refers to the idea that individuals:

Accepted Answer

Use mental shortcuts (heuristics) due to cognitive limitations.

Answer

Make optimal decisions after considering all possible alternatives.

Answer

Base their decisions only on rational thought, unaffected by emotions or biases.

Question 15

What is the term for the phenomenon where individuals tend to believe they could have predicted an event after it has already occurred?

Accepted Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Anchoring heuristic

Answer

Availability heuristic

Question 16

What is the process called that involves generating and assessing multiple potential solutions to a problem?

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming

Answer

Means-ends analysis

Answer

Trial and error

Answer

Insight

Question 17

The tendency to rely on information that is easily recalled from memory is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Anchoring effect

Answer

Framing effect

Answer

Loss aversion

Question 18

Which bias occurs when we seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Illusion of control

Answer

Gambler's fallacy

Question 19

The process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable steps is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Means-ends analysis

Answer

Trial and error

Answer

Insight

Answer

Heuristic search

Question 20

The tendency to believe that we have more control over outcomes than we actually do is known as:

Accepted Answer

Illusion of control

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Gambler's fallacy

Answer

Optimism bias

Question 21

The tendency to place more emphasis on information presented at the beginning of a sequence is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Primacy effect

Answer

Recency effect

Answer

Anchoring effect

Answer

Framing effect

Question 22

One potential drawback of using heuristics in decision making is that they can lead to:

Accepted Answer

Inaccuracy

Answer

Speed

Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Flexibility

Question 23

In cognitive decision-making, which of these is a heuristic?

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a heuristic used in decision making?

Accepted Answer

Elaboration likelihood model

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Representative heuristic

Answer

Anchoring effect

Question 25

The tendency to rely on easily accessible information when making judgments and decisions is known as:

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Framing effect

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 26

The process of creating multiple potential solutions to a problem, without evaluating them, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Divergent thinking

Answer

Problem solving

Answer

Decision making

Answer

Heuristic evaluation

Question 27

Which of the following is a recommended strategy for enhancing the quality of decision making?

Accepted Answer

Consider multiple perspectives and gather diverse viewpoints

Answer

Rely solely on intuition and gut feelings

Answer

Ignore potential biases and limitations

Answer

Use decision-making software exclusively

Question 28

The tendency to change our beliefs or actions to reduce discomfort caused by inconsistencies between our thoughts and behaviors is known as:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Framing effect

Question 29

The tendency to view past events as more predictable or inevitable than they actually were is known as:

Accepted Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Framing effect

Question 30

The framing effect demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

The way a problem is presented can influence the decision made.

Answer

People are more likely to make risky choices when presented with gains.

Answer

Cognitive biases are less pronounced in complex decision-making tasks.

Answer

Heuristics always lead to rational decisions.

Question 31

The sunk cost fallacy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Continuing to invest in a losing venture despite evidence of failure

Answer

Overestimating the potential benefits of a decision

Answer

Underestimating the risks associated with a decision

Answer

Making decisions based solely on past experiences

Question 32

Which of the following is an effective problem-solving strategy?

Accepted Answer

Breaking down the problem into smaller steps

Answer

Evaluating a single solution before generating others

Answer

Relying solely on intuition

Answer

Focusing on the most obvious solution

Question 33

The illusory correlation bias is:

Accepted Answer

The tendency to perceive non-existent relationships between events

Answer

Overestimating the probability of common events

Answer

Ignoring relevant information when making decisions

Answer

Making decisions based on emotions rather than evidence

Question 34

Which model describes the linear stages of decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Rational decision-making model

Answer

Prospect theory

Answer

Cognitive bias theory

Answer

Bounded rationality model

Question 35

The anchoring effect occurs when:

Accepted Answer

The initial information presented influences subsequent judgments

Answer

People rely on stereotypes when making decisions

Answer

Emotions impair rational decision-making

Answer

The order of options presented has no effect on the choice made

Question 36

The concept of bounded rationality implies that:

Accepted Answer

People have limited cognitive resources and cannot process all information.

Answer

Rational decision-making is only achievable in ideal situations.

Answer

Humans consistently make optimal decisions.

Answer

Cognitive biases enhance decision-making.

Question 37

What is the term for a simplified method that can lead to biases in decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Algorithm

Answer

Hypothesis

Answer

Bias

Question 38

In the problem-solving process, which step involves defining the desired outcome?

Accepted Answer

Goal setting

Answer

Problem representation

Answer

Plan generation

Answer

Plan execution

Question 39

What is the term for breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable units?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Chunking

Answer

Elaboration

Answer

Synthesis

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a key component of sound decision making?

Accepted Answer

Relying solely on intuition and gut feeling

Answer

Gathering relevant information

Answer

Considering alternative solutions

Answer

Evaluating potential outcomes

Question 41

Which of the following is an advantage of using heuristics in decision making?

Accepted Answer

Reduced time and effort

Answer

Increased accuracy

Answer

Improved creativity

Answer

Enhanced emotional engagement

Question 42

Which of the following is a heuristic used in problem solving that involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems?

Accepted Answer

Means-end analysis

Answer

Decision matrix

Answer

Linear programming

Answer

Trial and error

Question 43

Which of the following cognitive biases can lead to individuals favoring information that confirms their existing beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Framing effect

Question 44

What is the primary distinction between a well-structured and an ill-structured problem?

Accepted Answer

The presence of a clearly defined goal and a known path to a solution.

Answer

The amount of available relevant information.

Answer

The degree of complexity involved.

Question 45

How does framing influence decision-making?

Accepted Answer

It can shape how options are perceived and evaluated, affecting the desirability of each option.

Answer

It has no impact on decision-making.

Answer

It always leads to improved decision outcomes.

Question 46

Which trait is commonly associated with effective decision-makers?

Accepted Answer

Openness to considering diverse perspectives and information.

Answer

Charismatic personality.

Answer

Sole reliance on intuition.

Answer

Tendency to conform to group opinions.

Question 47

Which strategy can help mitigate the impact of cognitive biases in decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Being actively aware of potential biases and seeking out alternative viewpoints.

Answer

Relying solely on personal intuition.

Answer

Avoiding any external input or feedback.

Question 48

What is the role of insight in problem solving?

Accepted Answer

It involves a sudden realization or breakthrough that leads to a solution.

Answer

It is unique to highly creative individuals.

Answer

It is a purely logical and sequential process.

Question 49

Which technique is commonly used to foster creative and innovative problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming, which encourages the generation of multiple ideas without judgment.

Answer

Linear programming, which is a mathematical technique for optimizing solutions.

Answer

Decision matrix, which involves weighing pros and cons of different options.