D265 CRITICAL THINKING REASON AND
EVIDENCE STUDY GUIDE WITH SOLVED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ While researching a topic on the internet, a student encounters
two different websites, one of that looks more official than the other
and includes tables, charts, and statistics, while the other does not.
What is the line of reasoning this student should employ to
determine which site is more credible.
Answer: It is not feasible to determine which site is more credible
from the information provided.
◉ In which way should an information source be approached if it is
stating that it is the only source of real information and that other
sources cannot be trusted?.
Answer: Skeptically, because the source may lack credibility.
◉ PRINCIPLE OF CHARITY.
Answer: The principle of charity suggests we should try to
understand ideas before criticizing them.
◉ Which of the following are reasons for applying the principle of
charity?.
,Answer: It is morally right to give others the benefit of the doubt.
It allows for a clearer understanding of the issue.
◉ Smith is committed to the belief that technological advancement
is always beneficial and thus never detrimental to human life. Smith
reads a carefully written and sufficiently argued essay in which the
author contends that the human adoption of any new technology
involves both advantages and disadvantages to its adopters. Since
Smith is a loyal technophile, Smith accepts the author's claims about
the advantages of technology but rejects the author's claims about
the disadvantages of technology.
Which cognitive bias is Smith demonstrating?.
Answer: Confirmation Bias
◉ CONFIRMATION BIAS.
Answer: the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of
one's existing beliefs or theories.
◉ COGNITIVE BIAS.
Answer: a systematic thought process caused by the tendency of the
human brain to simplify information processing through a filter of
personal experience and preferences.
◉ HEURISTICS.
, Answer: are practical rules of thumb that manifest as mental
shortcuts in judgment and decision-making.
◉ Which sentence reflects strong critical thinking?.
Answer: "In any event, our purpose is to better understand the
relevant issues so that we may make an informed decision on the
topic."
◉ Since inflation is rising rapidly, and because we are approaching
the point at which reversal is not possible, it follows that we need to
institute a new economic policy, and we need to act quickly.Which
two statements contain premises of the given argument?.
Answer: We are approaching the point at which reversal is not
possible. & Inflation is rising rapidly.
◉ "Products manufactured in our country are the best because we
make the best automobiles," declared Kennedy. Which two
descriptors best characterize Kennedy's comments?.
Answer: An inference & A weak argument & A proposition
◉ Which two sentences are propositions?.
Answer: Lending helps stimulate capital investment. & A strong
economy is vital to national security.
EVIDENCE STUDY GUIDE WITH SOLVED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ While researching a topic on the internet, a student encounters
two different websites, one of that looks more official than the other
and includes tables, charts, and statistics, while the other does not.
What is the line of reasoning this student should employ to
determine which site is more credible.
Answer: It is not feasible to determine which site is more credible
from the information provided.
◉ In which way should an information source be approached if it is
stating that it is the only source of real information and that other
sources cannot be trusted?.
Answer: Skeptically, because the source may lack credibility.
◉ PRINCIPLE OF CHARITY.
Answer: The principle of charity suggests we should try to
understand ideas before criticizing them.
◉ Which of the following are reasons for applying the principle of
charity?.
,Answer: It is morally right to give others the benefit of the doubt.
It allows for a clearer understanding of the issue.
◉ Smith is committed to the belief that technological advancement
is always beneficial and thus never detrimental to human life. Smith
reads a carefully written and sufficiently argued essay in which the
author contends that the human adoption of any new technology
involves both advantages and disadvantages to its adopters. Since
Smith is a loyal technophile, Smith accepts the author's claims about
the advantages of technology but rejects the author's claims about
the disadvantages of technology.
Which cognitive bias is Smith demonstrating?.
Answer: Confirmation Bias
◉ CONFIRMATION BIAS.
Answer: the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of
one's existing beliefs or theories.
◉ COGNITIVE BIAS.
Answer: a systematic thought process caused by the tendency of the
human brain to simplify information processing through a filter of
personal experience and preferences.
◉ HEURISTICS.
, Answer: are practical rules of thumb that manifest as mental
shortcuts in judgment and decision-making.
◉ Which sentence reflects strong critical thinking?.
Answer: "In any event, our purpose is to better understand the
relevant issues so that we may make an informed decision on the
topic."
◉ Since inflation is rising rapidly, and because we are approaching
the point at which reversal is not possible, it follows that we need to
institute a new economic policy, and we need to act quickly.Which
two statements contain premises of the given argument?.
Answer: We are approaching the point at which reversal is not
possible. & Inflation is rising rapidly.
◉ "Products manufactured in our country are the best because we
make the best automobiles," declared Kennedy. Which two
descriptors best characterize Kennedy's comments?.
Answer: An inference & A weak argument & A proposition
◉ Which two sentences are propositions?.
Answer: Lending helps stimulate capital investment. & A strong
economy is vital to national security.
