Question 1

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:

Accepted Answer

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 2

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):

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

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:

Accepted Answer

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 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

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:

Accepted Answer

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 8

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

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:

Accepted Answer

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 10

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:

Accepted Answer

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 11

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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:

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to your textbook, which abilities, dispositions,...

Question 14

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

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?

Accepted Answer

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 17

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

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):

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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 _____.

Accepted Answer

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 20

"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.

Accepted Answer

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

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