Thinking and Problem Solving Skills: Master Critical Thinking and Decision-Making

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the problem-solving cycle proposed by Newell and Simon?

Accepted Answer

Divergent thinking

Answer

Preparation

Answer

Execution

Answer

Verification

Question 2

According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, adolescents move into the stage of:

Accepted Answer

Formal operational

Answer

Concrete operational

Answer

Sensorimotor

Answer

Preoperational

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of expert problem solvers?

Accepted Answer

Ability to work backward from a goal

Answer

Reliance on trial and error

Answer

Limited search strategies

Answer

Inability to represent problems mentally

Question 4

The mental representation of a problem is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive map

Answer

Schema

Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Algorithm

Question 5

Which of the following is a key aspect of critical thinking?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating evidence

Answer

Making assumptions

Answer

Jumping to conclusions

Answer

Ignoring opposing viewpoints

Question 6

Which type of problem-solving strategy involves working systematically through all possible solutions?

Accepted Answer

Algorithm

Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Insight

Answer

Means-end analysis

Question 7

The process of making a choice between two or more options is known as:

Accepted Answer

Decision-making

Answer

Problem-solving

Answer

Creativity

Answer

Critical thinking

Question 8

What stage is NOT included in the Problem-Solving Cycle?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis formulation

Answer

Problem identification

Answer

Solution implementation

Answer

Solution evaluation

Question 9

Cognitive heuristics are mental shortcuts that:

Accepted Answer

May lead to biases and errors

Answer

Guarantee optimal solutions

Answer

Require extensive cognitive effort

Answer

Are exclusively used by experts

Question 10

Insight problems are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Sudden, unexpected solutions

Answer

Gradual, step-by-step solutions

Answer

Solutions derived solely from trial and error

Answer

Solutions that require extensive external guidance

Question 11

Metacognition refers to:

Accepted Answer

Thinking about one's own thinking

Answer

The ability to solve complex puzzles

Answer

The storage of long-term memories

Answer

The retrieval of information from memory

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a component of fluid intelligence?

Accepted Answer

Long-term memory

Answer

Reasoning

Answer

Processing speed

Answer

Verbal comprehension

Question 13

The theory of multiple intelligences suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Intelligence is composed of specific, independent abilities

Answer

Intelligence is a single, unitary construct

Answer

Intelligence is entirely determined by genetics

Answer

Intelligence cannot be developed or enhanced

Question 14

The theory that proposes that thinking involves the manipulation of internal representations of mental processes is known as:

Accepted Answer

Information processing theory

Answer

Constructivist theory

Answer

Behavioural theory

Answer

Social cognitive theory

Question 15

Which of the following characteristics describes **convergent** thinking?

Accepted Answer

Focuses on finding a single, correct answer

Answer

Aims to generate multiple, diverse solutions

Answer

Requires extensive brainstorming

Answer

Is primarily associated with creativity

Question 16

The process of generating original and unique ideas is known as:

Accepted Answer

Creativity

Answer

Problem solving

Answer

Decision making

Answer

Critical thinking

Question 17

Which of the following factors can foster creativity?

Accepted Answer

A supportive and stimulating environment

Answer

Strict time constraints

Answer

Unconstructive criticism

Answer

Anxiety about failure

Question 18

The ability to think critically encompasses:

Accepted Answer

Critically analysing and evaluating information

Answer

Accepting information without question

Answer

Suppressing personal biases

Answer

Memorising vast amounts of information

Question 19

Which of the following is a potential limitation of cognitive theories of thinking?

Accepted Answer

They underestimate the role of emotions in cognition

Answer

They fail to recognise individual differences

Answer

They are too difficult to test empirically

Answer

They overemphasise the importance of unconscious thought

Question 20

The tendency to seek out and prioritise information that confirms our existing beliefs is known as:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Representativeness heuristic

Answer

Anchoring bias

Question 21

Cognitive scientists have proposed different theories to explain how we think. Which theory emphasizes the role of mental structures called 'schemas' in organizing and interpreting information?

Accepted Answer

Schema Theory

Answer

Gestalt Theory

Answer

Information Processing Theory

Answer

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Question 22

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted thinking and problem solving. Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of using AI in these areas?

Accepted Answer

Diminished reliance on critical thinking skills

Answer

Increased efficiency

Answer

Enhanced decision making

Answer

Reduced human error

Question 23

Which of the following is a characteristic of divergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Generating a wide range of ideas

Answer

Focusing on a single solution

Answer

Critically evaluating ideas

Answer

Applying logical reasoning

Question 24

The 'availability heuristic' is a cognitive bias that involves:

Accepted Answer

Judging the likelihood of an event based on how easily examples come to mind

Answer

Assuming that more frequent events are more likely to occur

Answer

Giving more weight to recent information

Answer

Generalizing from personal experiences

Question 25

According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model, which route to persuasion requires more active cognitive engagement and thoughtful consideration?

Accepted Answer

Central route

Answer

Peripheral route

Answer

Heuristic route

Answer

Subliminal route

Question 26

Which of the following characteristics best describes successful problem solvers?

Accepted Answer

Effective use of mental representations and strategies

Answer

Impulsive decision-making and quick reactions

Answer

Ignoring feedback and avoiding mistakes

Answer

Lacking perseverance and giving up easily

Question 27

Which of the following factors can potentially hinder creative thinking and impede the generation of novel ideas?

Accepted Answer

Fear of failure and negative self-perceptions

Answer

Positive mood and optimistic outlook

Answer

Exposure to novel and thought-provoking stimuli

Answer

Group brainstorming and collaborative idea generation

Question 28

According to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which stage involves the development of symbolic representation and the ability to think abstractly?

Accepted Answer

Formal operational

Answer

Sensorimotor

Answer

Preoperational

Answer

Concrete operational

Question 29

What is the term for the cognitive phenomenon where individuals tend to selectively recall information that supports their existing beliefs and dismiss or ignore contradictory evidence?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Framing effect

Answer

Availability heuristic

Question 30

What is the term for the cognitive process involved in generating new and original ideas, solutions, or perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Creativity

Answer

Problem-solving

Answer

Decision-making

Answer

Critical thinking

Question 31

Which factor is known to promote creative thinking?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation

Answer

Extrinsic rewards

Answer

Time constraints

Answer

Fear of criticism

Question 32

Which of the following sequences accurately represents the distinct stages involved in the decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Identify the problem, generate solutions, evaluate solutions, make a decision, implement the decision

Answer

Make a decision, generate solutions, evaluate solutions, identify the problem, implement the decision

Answer

Generate solutions, evaluate solutions, make a decision, implement the decision, identify the problem

Answer

Evaluate solutions, identify the problem, generate solutions, make a decision, implement the decision

Question 33

Analyze the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of human thinking and problem-solving.

Accepted Answer

AI will significantly augment human thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Answer

AI will make human thinking and problem-solving obsolete.

Answer

AI has no substantial impact on human thinking and problem-solving.

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

Napping

Answer

Preparation

Answer

Incubation

Answer

Verification

Question 35

What phenomenon is characterized by a sudden flash of insight into a problem's solution?

Accepted Answer

Insight

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Divergent thinking

Question 36

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of critical thinking?

Accepted Answer

Openness to alternative perspectives

Answer

Preference for familiar ideas

Answer

Belief in supernatural explanations

Answer

Tendency to jump to conclusions

Question 37

How do convergent and divergent thinking differ in their approach to problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Convergent thinking aims for a single solution, while divergent thinking generates multiple ideas.

Answer

Convergent thinking is used for creativity, while divergent thinking is used for problem-solving.

Answer

Convergent thinking is logical, while divergent thinking is intuitive.

Question 38

Which theory of creativity emphasizes the unconscious mind as a source of inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Social cognitive theory

Answer

Gestalt theory

Question 39

What is a heuristic best described as?

Accepted Answer

A simplified mental shortcut used in decision-making

Answer

A complex algorithm for solving complex problems

Answer

A strategy for improving memory recall

Answer

A type of cognitive distortion

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a cognitive bias that can influence our thinking?

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Critical thinking skill

Answer

Problem-solving strategy

Answer

Creativity enhancing technique

Question 41

What is the fundamental distinction between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning infers general principles from specific observations, whereas deductive reasoning applies general principles to derive specific conclusions.

Answer

Inductive reasoning is used in scientific investigations, while deductive reasoning is used in philosophical arguments.

Question 42

Which technique is commonly employed to generate a wide range of creative ideas?

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming

Answer

Critical analysis

Answer

Problem-solving

Answer

Cognitive mapping

Question 43

What is the primary objective of metacognition?

Accepted Answer

To monitor, evaluate, and regulate one's own cognitive processes

Answer

To enhance problem-solving abilities

Answer

To improve memory capacity