WGU D265 CRITICAL THINKING REASON AND EVIDENCE EXAM 2026-2027 |
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS (120) ALREADY GRADED A+
Question 1
Which of the following best defines critical thinking?
A. Memorizing information quickly
B. Analyzing and evaluating information to form a reasoned judgment
C. Accepting authority without question
D. Thinking emotionally about decisions
Rationale: Critical thinking involves evaluation of evidence and reasoning to make
logical decisions, not memorization or emotional reaction.
Question 2
Which type of reasoning moves from general principles to specific conclusions?
A. Inductive reasoning
B. Deductive reasoning
C. Abductive reasoning
D. Creative reasoning
Rationale: Deductive reasoning applies general rules to reach specific, logically
certain conclusions.
Question 3
When a person draws a conclusion based on limited observations, they are using:
A. Deductive reasoning
B. Inductive reasoning
C. Fallacy reasoning
D. Analogical reasoning
Rationale: Inductive reasoning generalizes from specific examples, but
conclusions may not always be certain.
Question 4
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Which of the following is an example of a logical fallacy?
A. Providing supporting evidence
B. Using valid deductive reasoning
C. Attacking the person instead of the argument (ad hominem)
D. Presenting reliable data
Rationale: An ad hominem fallacy shifts focus from the argument to the
individual, weakening reasoning.
Question 5
Which step should come first when evaluating an argument?
A. Check for emotional appeal
B. Identify the claim and conclusion
C. Decide if you agree
D. Look for counterarguments
Rationale: Identifying the main claim and conclusion is the foundation before
analyzing reasoning or evidence.
Question 6
A valid argument is one where:
A. The premises are true
B. The conclusion logically follows from the premises
C. Evidence is not necessary
D. Beliefs are consistent
Rationale: Validity is about logical structure—if the premises are true, the
conclusion must follow.
Question 7
Which type of evidence is strongest in supporting an academic argument?
A. Anecdotes
B. Peer-reviewed research
C. Opinions from social media
D. Personal beliefs
Rationale: Peer-reviewed studies are the most credible and reliable form of
evidence.
Question 8
The fallacy of hasty generalization occurs when:
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A. Evidence is peer reviewed
B. Conclusions are drawn from insufficient data
C. Arguments are deductive
D. Sources are cited properly
Rationale: Hasty generalization assumes a broad conclusion from very limited
evidence.
Question 9
Which reasoning approach begins with observations and develops a general
principle?
A. Deduction
B. Induction
C. Abduction
D. Causation
Rationale: Inductive reasoning builds general principles from specific examples.
Question 10
Which of the following is an indicator of weak evidence?
A. Peer-reviewed source
B. Unsupported personal opinion
C. Statistical analysis
D. Multiple case studies
Rationale: Personal opinions without supporting evidence are weak and
unreliable in argumentation.
Question 11
Which of the following best illustrates bias in reasoning?
A. Presenting balanced viewpoints
B. Favoring evidence that supports one’s beliefs while ignoring contradictions
C. Using peer-reviewed studies
D. Explaining counterarguments fairly
Rationale: Confirmation bias occurs when evidence is selectively used to support
pre-existing beliefs.
Question 12
Which type of argument provides the strongest logical certainty?
A. Deductive argument
B. Inductive argument