Deck 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking in Psychology and Everyday Life

Question 1

Criteria are MOST closely related to _____ in making judgments.

A) evidence
B) standards
C) claims
D) conclusions

Answer 1

standards

Question 2

Mistaken ideas about psychology are sometimes called "myths." These myths are considered _____ because they are not supported by research.

A) pseudoscience
B) psychological misconceptions
C) perceptual illusions
D) psychological errors

Answer 2

psychological misconceptions

Question 3

Isaac Asimov's (1989) claim that the earth is round in shape is supported by observations from space and shown to be true. The claim is a(n):

A) well-established theory.
B) opinion.
C) demonstration of belief perseverance.
D) speculation based on observation.

Answer 3

well-established theory.

Question 4

Personal experiences, research studies, and statements by experts or authorities are all examples of:

A) information that can be used as evidence.
B) claims that people make which may or may not be true.
C) conclusions that people draw.
D) types of opinions that people may hold.

Question 5

Open-mindedness, fair-mindedness, and a skeptical attitude are examples of:

A) metacognition related to critical thinking.
B) critical thinking abilities.
C) critical thinking skills.
D) critical thinking dispositions.

Question 6

The idea that the phase of the moon affects human behavior and may induce some people to behave abnormally is an example of a:

A) pseudoscience.
B) research-based conclusion.
C) thinking error.
D) psychological misconception.

Question 7

Paul has acquired the ability to provide relevant evidence when he makes an argument and reasons well, but he tends not to be very open-minded. This shows that Paul:

A) has critical thinking skills but lacks an important critical thinking disposition.
B) has good metacognition but lacks critical thinking skills.
C) is motivated to think critically but lacks critical thinking knowledge.
D) lacks critical thinking and metacognitive skills.

Question 8

An example of a _____ is the idea that when taking a test it is better to stick with an initial answer than to change an answer.

A) thinking error
B) fact of science
C) psychological misconception
D) basic argument

Question 9

In critical thinking, the word "critical" is derived from the Greek word krites, meaning:

A) "judge."
B) "negative comment."
C) "thinking."
D) "pause."

Question 10

The idea that critical thinking is reflective thinking is MOST closely related to:

A) having reasoning skills.
B) thinking about the quality of thinking.
C) being open-minded.
D) having considerable knowledge of a subject.

Question 11

Knowing when to use your knowledge and skills and whether you are using them correctly is MOST related to:

A) metacognition in critical thinking.
B) Reasoning ability in critical thinking.
C) critical thinking skills.
D) critical thinking dispositions.

Question 12

According to the text, people who show a critical thinking disposition are more likely to:

A) avoid asking questions about unclear claims.
B) use their critical thinking skills.
C) have greater emotional awareness of others.
D) reject ideas different than their own.

Question 13

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the author of the Sherlock Holmes novels and a physician. He also believed in contact with the spirits of dead people and fairies. This is an example of a person:

A) with good critical thinking skills but who was sometimes not disposed to think critically.
B) who was not disposed to think critically and who lacked scientific training.
C) with good critical thinking skills but deficient metacognition.
D) who lacked the knowledge and skills needed for thinking critically.

Question 14

According to the text, what is the BEST reason for rejecting the misconception that the moon makes people behave abnormally?

A) The knowledge that this idea was introduced by the sixteenth-century physician Paracelsus
B) The fact that people who believe it also believe other misconceptions
C) The review of scientific research by Rotton and Kelly (1985)
D) The fact that most people realize the idea does not make sense

Question 15

The general term in the text that refers to mistakes in judgment and reasoning is:

A) pseudoscience.
B) psychological misconceptions.
C) argumentation problems.
D) thinking errors.

Question 16

As noted in the text, "opposites attract in romantic relationships" is an example of a(n):

A) scientific fact.
B) correct opinion.
C) inference.
D) psychological misconception.

Question 17

The text discusses differences in theories. Which statement is MOST consistent with the position taken in the chapter?

A) Some theories can be demonstrated to be better than others.
B) All theories are about the same in quality.
C) All commonsense theories make claims that are incorrect or misconceptions.
D) Saying "That is just a theory" is accurate because theories can never be proven.

Question 18

Haley said, "Lots of studies support the dual process theory of thinking." Dana replied, "Thinking is thinking. I don't believe there is more than one type of thinking. Anyway, dual process theory is just a theory." Dana does NOT realize that:

A) because many people like the dual process theory, it is likely to be a good theory.
B) theories supported by lots of studies are not always good theories.
C) some theories are better than others because they are supported by more studies.
D) theories are created and developed by people, and people are often wrong.

Question 19

Reasons offered in support of a claim are referred to as:

A) assertions.
B) conclusions.
C) opinions.
D) evidence.

Question 20

The idea of critical thinking as reflectively thinking about one's own thinking is MOST related to:

A) critical thinking as a skill.
B) metacognition.
C) critical thinking dispositions.
D) possessing knowledge.

Question 21

Consider this statement: "Developmental psychologists study the changes in behavior of individuals over fairly long periods of time." This is NOT a basic argument because it lacks:

A) a topic about which people can argue.
B) a true statement about developmental psychologists.
C) a claim about what developmental psychologists are allowed to study.
D) evidence to support the claim about what developmental psychologists study.

Question 22

Tia's friend showed her a book about perception that presented many different visual illusions. Tia was fooled by each of the book's illusions. Finally, Tia said, "My experience tells me that all perception is inaccurate." Has Tia made a basic argument?

A) No, because her conclusion is based on an illusion.
B) No, because no evidence has been provided.
C) Yes, her conclusion is based on personal experience used as evidence.
D) Yes, because she does not need evidence to support her opinion.

Question 23

Jason tells his roommate: "A researcher quoted in a magazine article said that astrological signs correlate with people's personality traits. Therefore, my horoscope will tell me a lot about myself." Does Jason make a basic argument?

A) No, because astrology is a pseudoscience.
B) No, because the information appears in a magazine.
C) Yes, because he offers evidence.
D) Yes, because he believes in horoscopes.

Question 24

"Specific parts of the foot are associated with different areas of the body. Furthermore, massaging the foot in specific places can improve health in areas of the body corresponding to those specific parts on the foot." These statements need _____ to become a basic argument.

A) a description of the function of the human foot
B) a claim described with specific details
C) a second opinion disputing the existing claim
D) evidence to support the claim

Question 25

Cognition can be defined as the mental processes involved in encoding, storage, retrieval, and use of information. Furthermore, cognition involves several mental abilities such as attention, perception, learning, memory, and problem solving. These statements do NOT present a basic argument because they:

A) are a counterargument.
B) infer a conclusion.
C) describe a dispute.
D) are a set of claims.

Question 26

"In 1963, the psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted an important experiment showing that participants were willing to administer high voltage shocks to other people in the study. This could explain why people such as the Nazis in World War II were willing to hurt other people in obedience to authority." Has a basic argument been made?

A) Yes, because this is an important experiment often cited in textbooks.
B) Yes, because an experiment is offered as evidence to support a claim.
C) No, because no claim or hypothesis has been stated.
D) No, because other experiments may not have produced the same findings.

Question 27

A(n) _____ is a statement asserting that someone or something has a particular characteristic or property that is assumed to be either true or false.

A) position
B) claim
C) argument
D) fact

Question 28

A man's brain was damaged in a motorcycle accident. When a neurologist gave the man several cognitive tests, the man showed extreme difficulty in learning new things. At the same time, the man's long-term memory for events that happened before his accident was fairly good. The neurologist told the man and his family members, "Based on my observations and tests, I have made a diagnosis. You have anterograde amnesia, a condition that impairs the ability to learn new things when damage occurs in the temporal lobe of the brain." The neurologist has made a basic argument because:

A) neurologists are required to study various forms of amnesia.
B) his diagnosis is a set of claims that has been made.
C) the diagnosis may be confirmed if the man seeks a second opinion.
D) the clinical evidence is used to support the diagnostic conclusion.

Question 29

Rick went to a clinical psychologist and complained that his work was never good enough. He told the psychologist that often he would do his work, feel anxious about it, and then do it again. The psychologist had Rick complete some clinical assessment inventories and discuss his other symptoms. The psychologist said that based on her evaluation and after checking symptoms in the psychiatric manual DSM-5, she decided that Rick had obsessive-compulsive disorder. The psychologist has made a basic argument because she:

A) offered her opinion on what is causing Rick distress.
B) may be proven wrong on her diagnosis about Rick.
C) agreed that Rick's symptoms were recurring and caused him distress.
D) considered clinical evidence before drawing a conclusion.

Question 30

Julio said to Arina, "I believe that the U.S. economy is the strongest in the world, and you also should believe it if you are a loyal American. " Is Julio making a basic argument?

A) Yes, because he is using what most people think of as a reason to support his claim.
B) No, because not everyone agrees about the reason he has offered.
C) No, because he has not given a reason to support the claim he is making.
D) Yes, because Arina is a loyal American and a friend to Julio.

Question 31

If a person makes a snap judgment about whether two different-colored pieces of furniture look good together, which of the following kinds of thinking is that person likely to use?

A) Type 1 thinking
B) Type 2 thinking
C) Type 3 thinking
D) Critical thinking

Question 32

If a person's task is to examine the relevant evidence to decide whether a theory is justified, which of the following kinds of thinking is required MOST to draw a good conclusion?

A) Type 1 thinking
B) Type 2 thinking
C) Type 3 thinking
D) Everyday thinking

Question 33

Tina said, "If someone sees another person helping, the person observing the second person helping is more likely to help a new person who needs help." This statement is:

A) a basic argument, because Tina is an authority using data.
B) not an argument, because it is based on poor evidence.
C) a claim, similar to a hypothesis about why people help.
D) a basic argument, because the research (although not mentioned) shows it is true.

Question 34

Marika's astrologer calculated the positions of the stars and planets at the time of Marika's birth and the current alignment of the stars and planets. After casting Marika's horoscope, he said, "Based on my calculations, I believe you are entering a very vulnerable time and should not make any major decisions in the next few days." Has Marika's astrologer made a basic argument?

A) No, because astrology is a pseudoscience and cannot provide good evidence.
B) No, because the astrologer is not offering any kind of evidence.
C) Yes, because calculations provide evidence, although it is of low quality.
D) Yes, but only if it turns out that the horoscope is accurate.

Question 35

A(n) _____ is an idea that has been objectively demonstrated to be true by research or some other means.

A) claim
B) belief
C) fact
D) assertion

Question 36

Suppose an experienced critical thinker discusses an important question with a person offering an opinion. The critical thinker asks the other person, "Why do you think that?" The critical thinker MOST likely asks this question when:

A) the other person offers an opinion that may or may not be true.
B) the other person's opinion is not consistent with what most people think.
C) the other person offers an opinion without a reason to support it.
D) the opinion is a conclusion supported only by a statement of authority.

Question 37

Kei was talking to her parents about her decision of what to do after college. She said, "I have decided to go to graduate school in counseling psychology because it is the occupation that interests me the most and is prestigious." Did Kei made a basic argument?

A) Yes, she provided a conclusion with evidence related to interest and prestige.
B) No, she provided only evidence related to interest and prestige.
C) No, she provided a good decision about her future, but not a basic argument.
D) No, Kei provided only her opinion about a career in counseling psychology.

Question 38

Dr. Raz told her patient that her training as a reflexologist and her clinical experience had convinced her that massaging the little toe of the foot is an effective way to treat sinus problems. Dr. Raz has made a basic argument because she has:

A) drawn a conclusion based on reflexology and clinical evidence.
B) offered an opinion with which her patient would likely agree.
C) drawn a correct conclusion about reflexology as a technique that helps people.
D) made statement with which most people would agree.

Question 39

Anise usually has a good appetite, but she now eats less and sometimes skips breakfast. Her roommate draws the conclusion that Anise is probably on a diet. This is an example of a(n):

A) fact.
B) opinion.
C) inference.
D) misconception.

Question 40

Sharise said: "Research shows that a nerve cell can fire up to about 1,000 times per second. Consequently, the brain has an upper limit on its speed of processing." Sharise presented a basic argument because she included:

A) specific research.
B) a true claim.
C) disputed evidence.
D) a claim with evidence.

Question 41

The "total time" hypothesis states that the more time an individual studys, the more that person will learn. From this hypothesis, a cognitive psychologist predicted that if a group of students studied a list of words for 10 minutes and another group studied the same list for 5 minutes, the group studying for 10 minutes would later recall more words than the other group. After conducting the experiment, the psychologist stated that the total time hypothesis is accurate. A basic argument has been made because it:

A) does not ask the participants to accomplish an impossible task.
B) states a set of claims that are based on a theory.
C) makes a claim with support from psychological research.
D) involves two groups of experiment participants, rather than just one group.

Question 42

Megan and Silvio are helping each other learn successful argumentation. Megan said to Silvio, "I think the death penalty should be repealed, and you should think so, too." Because Megan is showing the problem of _____ in her argument, Silvio should ask her _____.

A) arguing from possibility; to increase the probability that she is correct
B) belief perseverance; to change her view
C) failing to make a basic argument; "Why do you say that, Megan?"
D) over-generalizing; to identify specific instances when the death penalty is inappropriate

Question 43

Nick said, "Scientists have not yet proved that ghosts exist. I think sensitive enough equipment will someday allow scientists to find out that ghosts do exist. Until then, I think it is safe to say that ghosts probably exist." What thinking error is Nick making?

A) Failing to make an argument
B) Belief perseverance
C) Argument from ignorance or possibility
D) Circular reasoning

Question 44

Explain what makes one scientific theory better than another. Provide an example of how a specific theory is superior to another theory, and describe what makes it better.

Question 45

Two members of a study group demonstrate a well-informed argument. If one student first makes a claim and supports it with evidence, the second student may then offer an opposing view that:

A) makes a counterargument.
B) draws a conclusion supporting the first claim.
C) strengthens support for the first claim.
D) fails to make a basic argument.

Question 46

Consider this statement: "Charles Darwin hypothesized that humans and dogs have evolved similar emotional expressions on the face, as in human and canine displays of anger. He based this hypothesis on observations that anger expressions in humans involve a pulling back of the lips to reveal the teeth, similar to the way dogs show their canine teeth in aggressive displays." The presentation of _____ make(s) this a basic argument.

A) animals
B) a theory
C) observations as evidence supporting the hypothesis
D) an evolutionary theory about anger that has not been proven

Question 47

Carlos said, "Research has not shown that people do not have psychic abilities such as ESP. I think we have to conclude that it is probable that some people do have psychic abilities." Which thinking error is being committed?

A) Failure to make an argument
B) Belief perseverance
C) A misconception
D) Arguing from ignorance

Question 48

Asawin and his friends went to a show at the student center where a mind reader was able to tell people from the audience things about themselves and what they were thinking. Afterward, none of Asawin's friends could explain how the man did this. Asawin said, "After seeing this demonstration, I am convinced that the man was mind reading." Is Asawin making a basic argument?

A) No, because his claim is based on an unsubstantiated, informal observation.
B) No, because he is offering an opinion without evidence to support it.
C) Yes, because he is drawing a conclusion based on his experience.
D) No, because his friends cannot explain how the man identified the thoughts of others.

Question 49

According to your textbook, which abilities, dispositions, and other characteristics must you possess to think critically? Explain why each is necessary.

Question 50

Liang said to Cara, "I think that the Bigfoot creature exists because scientists have not been able to show that it does not exist. Therefore, it most likely does exist." What thinking error or problem in reasoning is Liang showing?

A) Not providing a reason in support of the claim
B) Not making the claim known
C) Failing to make come to a conclusion
D) Arguing from possibility or ignorance

Question 51

In an argument, the word "therefore" often indicates that:

A) a claim is going to be made.
B) evidence will follow.
C) a conclusion will follow.
D) additional information is forthcoming.

Question 52

The word "because" used in a statement often signals that a _____ follows immediately after it.

A) conclusion
B) reason
C) claim
D) counterargument

Question 53

Lola said, "Scientists have not been able to prove that intelligence design theory is not true, so it is probably correct." Lola is showing the thinking error of:

A) failing to make an argument.
B) belief perseverance.
C) confirmation bias.
D) arguing from ignorance or possibility.

Question 54

Considering the other side, or an alternative position, and explaining how it could be true is a recommendation in this textbook for dealing with:

A) arguments from ignorance.
B) the failure to make an argument.
C) belief perseverance.
D) psychological misconceptions.

Question 55

A therapist tested a very shy man named Rob with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). He also interviewed Rob and observed Rob's behavior at a party. After these assessments, he told Rob that the results of the evaluation led him to diagnose Rob with social anxiety disorder. Is the therapist making a basic argument?

A) Yes, the therapist has supported her conclusion with clinical evidence.
B) No, the therapist is offering an opinion of his client's condition.
C) No, this is an unsubstantiated claim made by the therapist.
D) No, the therapist does not offer evidence to support the diagnosis.