Question 1

People who are ________ thinkers generally understand that some things can never be known with certainty, but they also understand that some judgments are more valid than others.

Accepted Answer

Reflective thinkers are able to recognize that some things cannot be known with certainty, but they also recognize that some judgments are more valid than others. Prereflective thinkers do not yet engage in this level of critical thinking, while quasi-reflective and semi-reflective thinkers may struggle to consistently apply critical thinking skills.

Question 2

Prereflective thinkers tend to assume that:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Prereflective thinkers tend to assume that:
...

Question 3

Diana and Erin are not able to figure out how they can fit two cupboards, a futon, a computer, and a refrigerator into their small dorm room. Just when it seems hopeless, Erin says, "Aha, I've got it!" and begins moving the items around. Erin's sudden revelation is most likely due to:

Accepted Answer

Erin likely experienced insight, a sudden realization of the solution to a problem after reaching an impasse. This is often accompanied by a feeling of "aha" or a lightbulb moment. Insight is thought to involve both nonconscious processing of relevant information and then conscious awareness of the solution.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true of formal reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Formal reasoning involves clear and explicit information, which provides a basis for drawing conclusions or reaching a solution. This differs from informal reasoning, which may be more open-ended and subject to interpretation. Option B is more characteristic of informal reasoning, while option C is not necessarily associated with formal reasoning. Option D is incorrect because heuristics are more commonly used in informal reasoning.

Question 5

Marylou is making her famous chili. Instead of measuring the amount of chopped peppers to add, she knows that a handful is "usually about right." This illustrates the use of a(n):

Accepted Answer

Marylou is using a heuristic, which is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb that helps simplify problem-solving and decision-making. In this case, she is relying on her past experience and intuition to determine the appropriate amount of chopped peppers to add, rather than using a precise measurement or following a specific set of instructions (algorithm). A prototype is a mental image or representation of a typical example of a concept, which is not applicable in this situation. Mental image is also not applicable, as Marylou is not using a visual representation or memory to guide her decision-making.

Question 6

________ thinkers generally assume that a correct answer always exists to problems and can be obtained through the senses or from authorities.

Accepted Answer

Prereflective thinkers tend to rely on their senses and authority figures for information and solutions, and believe that there is always a correct answer to problems. They have not yet developed the capacity for critical thinking or questioning assumptions.

Question 7

DeAndre and eleven others jurors are chosen for a major court case. As foreperson, it will be DeAndre's responsibility to make sure that, when the jury begins deliberating, they consider arguments for and against the defendant's guilt. This method of deliberation is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Dialectical reasoning involves considering both sides of an argument or issue in order to reach a conclusion. In this case, DeAndre will need to ensure that the jury considers arguments for and against the defendant's guilt, which aligns with the concept of dialectical reasoning. Contextual intelligence involves understanding complex situations and adapting to them, formal reasoning involves using logic and rules to draw conclusions, and inductive reasoning involves using specific examples to draw general conclusions, but these concepts do not fully apply to the situation described in the question.

Question 8

Which statement is true about the mindless processing of information?

Accepted Answer

Mindless processing can have benefits in terms of efficiency and allowing us to perform familiar tasks quickly and effortlessly. However, it can also lead to mistakes and errors if we rely on it too heavily without being mindful of our actions.

Question 9

Informal reasoning involves:

Accepted Answer

Informal reasoning involves using intuition, personal experience, and emotions to draw conclusions or make decisions. Dialectical reasoning, which involves considering multiple perspectives and engaging in discussion or debate, is a common form of informal reasoning. It does not involve using algorithms, finding a single correct answer, or nonconscious responding.

Question 10

_____________ is usually the best approach to problems that have several possible answers that vary in quality.

Accepted Answer

Informal reasoning allows for exploration and evaluation of multiple possible solutions and the ability to weigh their quality based on contextual factors. Formal reasoning and algorithms may not be able to account for contextual considerations, and random selection is not a systematic approach to problem-solving.

Question 11

The process in which opposing facts are weighed and compared to determine the best solution is called:

Accepted Answer

The process of weighing opposing facts to determine the best solution is known as dialectical reasoning. Contextual intelligence is the ability to understand and adapt to different cultural and situational contexts. Factor analysis is a statistical technique used to identify relationships between sets of variables. Justification of effort is the tendency to view an outcome as more valuable if a lot of effort or sacrifice went into achieving it.

Question 12

Harriet purchases a cupboard for her kitchen. She assembles the cupboard by following a series of steps illustrated in the instruction manual. Which type of problem-solving strategy has Harriet adopted?

Accepted Answer

Harriet is following a step-by-step process to solve the problem of assembling the cupboard, which is characteristic of an algorithmic problem-solving strategy.

Question 13

A quasi-reflective thinker would be most likely to say that:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A quasi-reflective thinker would be most likely...

Question 14

________ refers to mental inflexibility, inertia, and obliviousness to the present context.

Accepted Answer

Mindlessness refers to the state of being mentally inflexible, inertia, and obliviousness to the present context. It is often characterized by mindless automatic behaviors, routines, and habitual ways of thinking and reacting. It can hinder creative thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Question 15

Catherine's grandmother says that if Catherine follows the family's traditional recipe for Irish soda bread exactly, then she is sure to have very good results. Catherine's grandmother is encouraging her granddaughter to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Catherine's grandmother says that if Catherine follows...

Question 16

Which of the following statements is generally true for people capable of reflective judgment?

Accepted Answer

People capable of reflective judgment are willing to consider evidence from a variety of sources and to reason dialectically, which means they are open to considering different perspectives and are willing to engage in critical thinking and reasoning. Option B is incorrect because people with reflective judgment recognize the limitations of direct sensory experience and authority, and are more likely to question them. Option C is incorrect because people with reflective judgment recognize that not all opinions are equally valid and that some are more supported by evidence and reasoning than others. Option D is incorrect because reflective judgment involves distinguishing between knowledge, belief, and evidence, and recognizing that beliefs need to be justified by evidence and reasoning.

Question 17

Dialectical reasoning involves:

Accepted Answer

Dialectical reasoning involves considering two or more opposing perspectives, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and synthesizing them in order to arrive at the best possible solution or understanding. Choice B describes deductive reasoning, choice C describes inductive reasoning, and choice D describes algorithmic problem-solving techniques.

Question 18

Jerome Kagan likens consciousness to the staff of a fire department because:

Accepted Answer

Jerome Kagan uses this analogy to illustrate that consciousness, like a fire department staff not actively fighting a fire, is often in a resting state and springs into action primarily in response to specific, significant stimuli or situations that require immediate attention.

Question 19

The process of drawing conclusions or inferences from facts, observations, or assumptions is called:

Accepted Answer

Reasoning involves using facts, observations, or assumptions to draw conclusions or inferences. Framing refers to how a problem or situation is presented, reflective judgment involves evaluating and making decisions based on evidence and reasoning, and prereflective thinking refers to the stage of thinking before reflective judgment is developed. Therefore, reasoning is the most appropriate choice for describing the process of drawing conclusions.

Question 20

Which of the following is a characteristic of formal reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Formal reasoning is a logical and systematic approach to problem-solving, where there is typically one correct answer that follows a set of predetermined rules or procedures. This contrasts with informal reasoning, which may involve more subjective or open-ended approaches to problem-solving.

Quiz 9: Thinking and Intelligence