Question 1

Remember that because no argument is perfect, all arguments have some weaknesses.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Every argument, no matter how well constructed, can potentially have weaknesses or flaws. It is important to acknowledge and address these weaknesses in order to ensure the validity and credibility of the argument.

Question 2

Even if a claim is not relevant to the conclusion, you must consider the value of the argument.

Accepted Answer

An argument's value is determined by how well its claims support the conclusion; irrelevant claims do not contribute to this and therefore do not need to be considered in evaluating the argument's overall value.

Question 3

If you cannot test an assertion, you cannot know whether it is valid.

Accepted Answer

Testing an assertion is necessary to determine if it is valid or not. Without testing, there is no way to know for sure if the assertion is true or false. Therefore, the statement is true - if you cannot test an assertion, you cannot know whether it is valid.

Question 4

To organize your ideas when thinking critically, you identify, construct, and evaluate ____, which are statements or explanations that support your ideas.
A) assumptions
B) premises
C) facts
D) arguments

Accepted Answer

Arguments are statements or explanations that support your ideas and require evaluation to determine their strength and validity. Assumptions are beliefs or ideas taken for granted without evidence, premises are statements providing evidence for an argument, and facts are information that is objective and verifiable.

Question 5

-Referring to the figure above, keeping critical thinking separate from creative thinking is helpful when solving probles.

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking and creative thinking are both essential in problem-solving. They complement each other; critical thinking evaluates ideas, while creative thinking generates innovative solutions. Integrating both approaches can lead to more effective and comprehensive problem-solving strategies.

Question 6

The term information ____ describes the ability to recognize, analyze, and judge the quality of information.
A) literacy
B) control
C) management
D) organization

Accepted Answer

Information literacy refers to the skills and knowledge required to effectively assess and evaluate the quality of information. This includes understanding different sources of information, identifying bias, evaluating credibility, and making informed judgments about the information being presented.

Question 7

Experts are usually right, so you don't need to evaluate their arguments as you do arguments from others.

Accepted Answer

Even experts can make mistakes and have biases, so it is always important to evaluate their arguments critically.

Question 8

Thought and thinking include reasoning, remembering, imagining, and reflecting, for example.____________________ thinking generally requires more analysis, evaluation, discipline, and rigor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Thought and thinking include reasoning, remembering, imagining,...

Question 9

A(n) ____________________ is a statement that someone says or writes about a topic.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A(n) ____________________ is a statement that someone...

Question 10

If you can collect data about and analyze a claim, it is said to be a ____ matter.
A) financial
B) factual
C) intuitive
D) family

Accepted Answer

If you can collect data and analyze a claim, it means that you are dealing with the facts and evidence surrounding that claim. Therefore, the claim is a factual matter. Financial matters may also involve data analysis, but not all claims that can be analyzed involve money. Intuitive matters rely on personal feelings and instincts rather than objective data. Family matters can involve facts and data, but not all family disputes can be resolved through data analysis.

Question 11

In general terms, a(n) ____________________ is any controversial subject that you discuss, dispute, or review.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In general terms, a(n) ____________________ is any...

Question 12

-Referring to the figure above, critical thinking looks past the tendency to normalize and requires you to question your own thoughts and beliefs.

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating one's own thoughts and beliefs, questioning assumptions, and looking beyond conventional wisdom or normalization to understand deeper truths and perspectives.

Question 13

Words such as because, since, assuming that, for, as, and similar expressions suggest that the speaker is stating a(n) ____________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Words such as because, since, assuming that,...

Question 14

____________________ reasoning typically takes an argument from general observations or premises to a specific conclusion.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ____________________ reasoning typically takes an argument from...

Question 15

Being flexible, adaptable, and open minded when working with others helps you avoid critical thinking.

Accepted Answer

Being flexible, adaptable, and open minded when working with others can actually enhance critical thinking by allowing you to consider different perspectives and approaches. It's important to be open to new ideas while also engaging in analytical and reflective thinking to make informed decisions.

Question 16

Researchers have discovered that we can understand how we think even without understanding how we feel.

Accepted Answer

Understanding how we think is intertwined with understanding how we feel, as emotions significantly influence cognition and decision-making processes. Cognitive and emotional processes are deeply interconnected in the brain, making it difficult to fully comprehend one without considering the other.

Question 17

When thinking critically, at least one statement that supports your idea is your ____ what you claim or contend.
A) assumption
B) premise
C) argument
D) opinion

Accepted Answer

A premise is a statement that supports or provides evidence for a conclusion or argument. It is essential to have a solid premise when thinking critically, as it allows for logical reasoning and sound conclusions. Assumptions, opinions, and arguments are also important components of critical thinking, but they do not necessarily provide the same level of support as a well-crafted premise.

Question 18

Some speakers signal their opinions by saying, "I think," or "The way I see it."

Accepted Answer

Speakers often use phrases like "I think" or "The way I see it" to signal their opinions or perspectives on a topic.

Question 19

Although the word critical can mean to find fault or to criticize, critical thinking is not a negative activity.

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking involves evaluating and analyzing information, making decisions based on evidence, and considering different perspectives. It is a valuable and necessary skill in many areas of life, including academia, business, and personal relationships. While critical thinking can involve identifying flaws or shortcomings, it is not solely focused on negativity or criticism.

Question 20

Using ambiguous or vague words in an argument is known as ____, and may or may not be intentional.
A) bias
B) equivocation
C) normalization
D) social conditioning

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using ambiguous or vague words in an...

Quiz 3: Thinking Critically