Deck 9: Complex Cognitive Processes

Question 1

An important teaching goal is to help students master the main concepts in a subject rather than just memorizing facts.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

One strategy for helping students form concepts is to encourage them to develop hierarchical arrangements of a concept's characteristics.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

In promoting concept formation it is more effective to present the entire concept map to students than to risk students making errors by completing one on their own.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Inductive reasoning involves reasoning from the general to the specific.

Question 5

Adolescents are more skillful at many aspects of inductive reasoning than are children, including analogies, but not as good as young adults.

Question 6

Though teachers cannot think for their students, teachers can help guide students to construct their own thinking.

Question 7

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for and use information that supports our ideas rather than refutes them.

Question 8

Creative thinking is directly correlated to intelligence.

Question 9

Teachers can safely assume that students who show creative thinking skills in mathematics will also exhibit these skills in language and art.

Question 10

The first step in solving a problem is to develop good problem-solving strategies.

Question 11

Subgoaling, a strategy used in problem solving, involves setting intermediate goals that put the student in a better position of attaining the desired goal.

Question 12

Students who are good problem solvers are usually afraid to make mistakes; therefore, they are more likely to hold out for the right answer.

Question 13

Students can become better thinkers when asked to solve real-world problems that have no single answer or solution.

Question 14

Transfer occurs when a person's previous experiences and knowledge affect learning or problem solving in a new situation.

Question 15

Low-road transfer occurs most often with novel skills.

Question 16

One way to improve transfer is to give students representations or models, such as matrices or checklists that help them structure a problem-solving activity.

Question 17

Applying prior experiences to new learning and problem-solving situations is best referred to as which of the following?

A) Transfer
B) Near transfer
C) Far transfer
D) Forward-reaching transfer

Question 18

Which of the following situations best describes the conditions under which near transfer takes place?

A) Transfer occurs between two situations that are very similar to one another.
B) Transfer occurs between two situations that are very different from one another.
C) Previous learning automatically transfers from an old situation to a new situation.
D) Conscious effort must be invested for connections to be made between situations.

Question 19

Which of the following situations best describes the conditions under which far transfer takes place?

A) Transfer occurs between two situations that are very similar to one another.
B) Transfer occurs between two situations that are very different from one another.
C) Previous learning automatically transfers from an old situation to a new situation.
D) Conscious effort must be invested for connections to be made between situations.

Question 20

If Natalie engages easily in low-road transfer, which of the following is TRUE?

A) Natalie effortlessly transfers learning to new situations.
B) Natalie transfers learning to new situations, but must engage conscious effort to do so.
C) Natalie considers how a newly acquired skill will transfer to potential new situations.
D) Natalie reflects on a past occurrence to help her solve a current problem.

Question 21

If Natalie engages in high-road transfer, which of the following is TRUE?

A) Natalie effortlessly transfers learning to new situations.
B) Natalie transfers learning to new situations, but must engage conscious effort to do so.
C) Natalie considers how a newly acquired skill will transfer to potential new situations.
D) Natalie reflects on a past occurrence to help her solve a current problem.

Question 22

If Natalie engages in forward-reaching transfer, which of the following is TRUE?

A) Natalie effortlessly transfers learning to new situations.
B) Natalie transfers learning to new situations, but must engage conscious effort to do so.
C) Natalie considers how a newly acquired skill will transfer to potential new situations.
D) Natalie reflects on a past occurrence to help her solve a current problem.

Question 23

If Natalie engages in backward-reaching transfer, which of the following is TRUE?

A) Natalie effortlessly transfers learning to new situations.
B) Natalie transfers learning to new situations, but must engage conscious effort to do so.
C) Natalie considers how a newly acquired skill will transfer to potential new situations.
D) Natalie reflects on a past occurrence to help her solve a current problem.

Question 24

Which of the following is not an effective approach to helping students to transfer learning?

A) Focus on contextualizing learning strategies in the appropriate content area.
B) Root concepts in applications.
C) Teach for depth of understanding.
D) Teach strategies that are sure to generalize.

Question 25

Which of the following is an effective approach to helping students to transfer learning?

A) Focus on contextualizing learning strategies in the appropriate content area.
B) Teach for depth of understanding.
C) Do not root concepts in applications so that students are forced to transfer learning to solve the problem.
D) Focus on basics of content area so more time is devoted to talking about how to use the strategy.

Question 26

When a student applies previously learned skills or strategies to solve a current problem, this student has accomplished which of the following?

A) Forward-reaching transfer
B) Backward-reaching transfer
C) Near transfer
D) Far transfer

Question 27

When a student applies new skills or strategies to rethink how he or she can approach a new situation, this student has accomplished which of the following?

A) Forward-reaching transfer
B) Backward-reaching transfer
C) Near transfer
D) Far transfer

Question 28

Which of the following students has demonstrated transfer of learning?

A) Damian performs well on the final exam.
B) Shanice finishes her science assignment and then begins her social studies project.
C) Terrance takes on a defensive stance to the teacher's request for compliance to classroom rules because it has gotten him off the hook in other contexts.
D) Milo has always performed well in mathematics and now is doing well in his geometry class.

Question 29

Corinna is intimidated by her physics partner. Jamal easily transfers scientific principles to new situations, while for Corinna it is a tedious and taxing process. Which of the following best captures the problem she is experiencing?

A) High-road transfer
B) Low-road transfer
C) Forward-reaching transfer
D) Backward-reaching transfer

Question 30

Corinna is intimidated by her physics partner. Jamal easily transfers scientific principles to new situations, while for Corinna it is a tedious and taxing process. Which of the following best captures Jamal's learning?

A) High-road transfer
B) Low-road transfer
C) Forward-reaching transfer
D) Backward-reaching transfer

Question 31

Regina easily grasps the concept of supply and demand. As she contemplates the merits of the economic law, she begins to consider the possibilities this strategy would have for her future dream to open a restaurant with Thai cuisine. Which type of transfer is Regina engaging in?

A) High-road transfer
B) Low-road transfer
C) Forward-reaching transfer
D) Backward-reaching transfer

Question 32

As Mr. Donahue finishes the day's topic, he realizes many of his students have quizzical looks that reflect confusion. After a question-and-answer period, Mr. Donahue is still not satisfied his class fully understands the lesson. He then proceeds to ask students to reflect on their lesson from the first semester that related to the topic at hand. After carefully explaining the connection between the two subject matters, he notices students begin to smile and show evident relief for finally grasping the new concept. What type of transfer has Mr. Donahue led students to engage in?

A) High-road transfer
B) Low-road transfer
C) Forward-reaching transfer
D) Backward-reaching transfer

Question 33

Ms. Shawnasee has gone to meet one of her old education professors to ask for help in aiding her students' transfer of learning. Which of the following pieces of advice would the professor be most likely to offer?

A) "When teaching a new concept, ask students to offer personal experiences where the concept might come in handy."
B) "Streamline your lesson and background coverage to provide for maximal time for students to reflect on how to use concepts."
C) "Transfer of learning is not something that can be taught; students naturally figure these opportunities for transfer by trial-and-error."
D) All of these

Question 34

Ms. Shawnasee has gone to meet one of her old education professors to ask for help in aiding her students' transfer of learning. Which of the following pieces of advice would the professor be most likely to offer?

A) "Streamline your lesson and background coverage to provide for maximal time for students to reflect on how to use concepts."
B) "Transfer of learning is not something that can be taught, students naturally figure these opportunities for transfer by trial-and-error."
C) "Ask students to reflect on their goals in life, then initiate a discussion of how academic concepts will help them to achieve their personal goals."
D) All of these

Question 35

When a student demonstrates problem-solving, which of the following steps should come first?

A) Evaluate solutions
B) Find and frame the problem
C) Rethink and redefine the problem(s)
D) Develop problem-solving strategies

Question 36

All of the following are common obstacles to solving problems, except which one?

A) Failing to look at the situation from a new perspective
B) Lacking motivation to persist at finding a solution
C) Attempting to confirm an idea instead of refuting it
D) Trying a new method for resolving the situation

Question 37

Finding appropriate strategies to reaching one's goal is best referred to as which of the following?

A) Convergent thinking
B) Problem solving
C) Fixating
D) Critical thinking

Question 38

Which of the following best relates to "subgoaling"?

A) Setting intermittent goals
B) Utilizing strategies guaranteed to provide a solution
C) Proceeding with identifying a goal, evaluating the status of the problem, and determining the next step
D) Applying a former strategy without considering the unique context

Question 39

Which of the following best describes "algorithms"?

A) Setting intermittent goals
B) Utilizing strategies guaranteed to provide a solution
C) Proceeding with identifying a goal, evaluating the status of the problem, and determining the next step
D) Applying a former strategy without considering the unique context

Question 40

If a teacher assigned a "means-end analysis," what would the objectives of the activity include?

A) Setting intermittent goals
B) Utilizing strategies guaranteed to provide a solution
C) Proceeding with identifying a goal, evaluating the status of the problem, and determining the next step
D) Applying a former strategy without considering the unique context

Question 41

Mr. Lee is having trouble helping one of his students master a new math skill. The student, Patrick, is consistently applying the skill learned last week to this new mathematical problem. Mr. Lee understands that Patrick is confident in using this strategy because he mastered it so thoroughly on homework assignments. However, to correctly master the current problem, Patrick must understand which strategy is appropriate to apply in each situation. Which of the following most specifically describes the problem Patrick is experiencing?

A) Fixation
B) Mental set
C) Subgoaling
D) Problem-based learning

Question 42

Don wants to get an early start on his social studies semester project. The teacher has assigned the students to choose and research a societal issue of concern to them. Students must develop a specific concern and hypotheses addressing the reasons behind the problem, and search for scientific research to support their assertions. What type of project is Don working on?

A) Fixation
B) Mental set
C) Subgoaling
D) Problem-based learning

Question 43

Miss Wallace is discussing the issue of classroom management when one of the students, a girl named Rhonda, raises a concern about school violence, saying that she is sometimes afraid to come to school because she has heard other kids talking about bringing weapons to school. While Miss Wallace understands this is a delicate topic, she seeks to calm Rhonda by asking students to discuss ways both students and teachers might help to reduce school violence. Inadvertently, what kind of learning scenario has the class become engaged in?

A) Fixation
B) Mental set
C) Subgoaling
D) Problem-based learning

Question 44

The faculty at Westwood Middle School discusses concerns they have about students' ability to engage in effective problem solving. Which of the following suggestions by faculty is not likely to be an effective strategy?

A) Mr. O'Donnell encourages other teachers to have students focus research papers on real-life problems.
B) Mr. Lee shares that in his class he puts students into groups and has them engage in problem-solving tasks while he monitors students' understanding and progress.
C) Ms. Hilliard states that the high use of computers in the classroom distracts students from engaging in independent problem solving and that problem-solving activities should not be based around educational technology.
D) Mrs. Ryan suggests involving parents in problem-solving activities in the home that involve the student.

Question 45

As Milton proofreads his essay, he comes across the word "receive" and he is not sure he spelled it correctly. Although he is unsure how to solve the problem of spelling at first, he soon remembers the "I before E except after C" rule. Which of the following terms refers to Milton's strategy?

A) Using algorithms
B) Using means-ends analysis
C) Using problem-based learning
D) Using critical thinking

Question 46

Which of the following is the best example of an "algorithm"?

A) The "I before E except after C" rule
B) A list of subgoals created to help students achieve their larger goal
C) Inappropriate use of a strategy because it was effective in the past
D) The complete process of defining the problem, establishing current status of progress, and estimating the steps needed to resolve the problem

Question 47

Which of the following is the best example of problem-based learning?

A) Having students research a popular artist from the Renaissance period
B) Having students draw up a proposal for a research project
C) Having students propose remedies for world hunger
D) Having students do a science experiment

Question 48

Inductive reasoning is best described as which of the following?

A) Drawing general conclusions based on specific observations
B) Making specific predictions based on general conclusions
C) Identifying a similarity between two related ideas
D) Engaging in reflective self-evaluation

Question 49

Deductive reasoning is best described as which of the following?

A) Drawing general conclusions based on specific observations
B) Making specific predictions based on general conclusions
C) Identifying a similarity between two related ideas
D) Engaging in reflective self-evaluation

Question 50

Which of the following strategies would best help students become better problem solvers?

A) Asking students to solve a real-world problem
B) Asking students to write an essay about their biggest problem
C) Showing students how to solve problems
D) Telling students about other people's problems

Question 51

Teachers that successfully guide students' efforts at thinking do all of the following, except which one?

A) Elicit students' points of view
B) Nurture students' intellectual curiosity
C) Seek the correct answer to validate students' learning
D) Value and encourage students' questions

Question 52

Which of the following best represents "critical thinking"?

A) Manipulating and transforming information in memory
B) Reasoning from the specific to the general
C) Thinking reflectively and productively, and evaluating the evidence
D) Reasoning from the general to the specific

Question 53

A teacher who fosters critical thinking in students would most likely ask them to do which of the following?

A) Recite and define
B) Infer and create
C) Describe and state
D) Repeat and list

Question 54

______ refers to thinking in which an individual evaluates alternatives and makes choices among them.

A) Thinking
B) Critical thinking
C) Decision making
D) Creative thinking

Question 55

Which of the following cognitive changes occur during adolescence that allow improved critical thinking?

A) Increased speed, automaticity, and capacity of information processing
B) More knowledge in a variety of domains
C) Increased ability to construct new combinations of knowledge
D) A greater range of strategies, such as planning and considering alternatives
E) All of the above

Question 56

Which of the following most accurately describes "hindsight bias"?

A) A rule of thumb that suggests a solution to a problem, but does not provide the answer
B) A prediction about the probability of an event based on the frequency of the event's past occurrences
C) Making faulty decisions based on how well something matches a prototype
D) Tendency to incorrectly state, after the fact, that we correctly predicted the outcome

Question 57

Heuristics are best described as strategies that

A) suggest a solution to a problem but do not guarantee it.
B) guarantee a solution to a problem.
C) encourage open-mindedness.
D) promote critical thinking.

Question 58

Which of the following teacher behaviors encourages critical thinking?

A) Encourage students to "get along" and avoid controversy during discussions.
B) Promote simple, passive learning.
C) Avoid stating one's own views about controversial topics to students.
D) Model how to argue through emotions rather than through reason.

Question 59

Implementing critical thinking in the classroom can be difficult for teachers because of which of the following?

A) Most teachers don't practice critical thinking.
B) Many students come into class with a history of passive and rote learning.
C) Debates and controversial discussions lead to loss of control in the classroom.
D) State standards do not support conflicting views of subject area topics.

Question 60

Which of the following types of questions would best encourage critical thinking?

A) How many apples are in the Samuel's basket?
B) What color are Samuel's apples?
C) Where did Samuel put the apples when he got home?
D) Why does Samuel like red apples better than yellow apples?

Question 61

All of the following statements describe ways to encourage critical thinking in the classroom, except which one?

A) Asking students to consider not only what happened, but asking how and why
B) Acknowledging that sometimes there is more than one good answer to a question
C) Criticizing students who answer questions incorrectly
D) Encouraging students to evaluate statements made by others

Question 62

Which of the following terms best describes an activity that requires or encourages critical thinking?

A) Recite the three main ideas from Macbeth.
B) Define the word "parameter."
C) Describe the notion of a "mid-life crisis."
D) Analyze the causal factors behind the fall of Rome.

Question 63

In which of the following situations would a person most likely make the best decision?

A) Maggie spends months studying college information before deciding where to enroll.
B) Terri learns that her boyfriend was accepted into an out-of-state college, so she immediately decides to move there, too.
C) Elizabeth is enraged that her parents won't let her go to the concert and she storms out of the house.
D) Ron's football team wins the state championship and plans to celebrate at the after-game party.

Question 64

Which of the following statements about creativity is true?

A) Creative students are generally creative across all subject areas and domains.
B) Although most creative students are highly intelligent, in other respects, many highly intelligent students are not very creative.
C) The design of schools and classrooms does not impact the creativity of students.
D) Convergent questions help stimulate creative thinking in students.

Question 65

Which of the following teacher behaviors fosters creative thinking in students?

A) Motivate students with prizes such as gold stars, play money, or toys.
B) Tell students exactly what to do and how to do it.
C) Take students on field trips, including science and art museums.
D) Ask questions and develop activities that guarantee students' success.

Question 66

All of the following statements about brainstorming are true, except which one?

A) Generating as many new ideas as possible is a good creativity strategy.
B) During a brainstorming session, participants are encouraged to criticize and evaluate other ideas.
C) Brainstorming can foster team-building skills in the classroom.
D) For many individuals, working alone can generate more and better ideas than working in groups.

Question 67

Alanis is sitting down after school to examine the research project she has been assigned in her high- school history class. She must first research the reasons behind the Great Depression in American history. Then, she must develop assertions concerning the best way to nurture a nation's economy. Which type of thinking has her teacher asked her to engage in?

A) Inductive reasoning
B) Deductive reasoning
C) Utilizing representativeness heuristics
D) Utilizing availability heuristics

Question 68

Alanis is sitting down after school to examine the research project she has been assigned in her high- school history class. She has learned in class about steps needed to ensure a healthy economy. Now she must analyze the specific reasons behind the Great Depression in American history. Which type of thinking has her teacher asked her to engage in?

A) Inductive reasoning
B) Deductive reasoning
C) Utilizing representativeness heuristics
D) Utilizing availability heuristics

Question 69

The creative process is often described as a five-step sequence. Which of the following statements best defines the second step, incubation?

A) Students become immersed in a problem issue.
B) Students experience the "Aha!" moment when all pieces of the puzzle come together.
C) Students decide whether the idea is valuable and worth pursuing.
D) Students churn ideas around in their head.

Question 70

Which of the following five steps in the creative process covers the longest span of time and involves the hardest work?

A) Elaboration
B) Evaluation
C) Insight
D) Incubation

Question 71

Researchers argue that No Child Left Behind legislation has resulted in which of the following?

A) Passage of rigorous standards that foster students' creative and critical thinking
B) Too much attention on performance based assessment and real-world problem solving
C) Too much attention on memorization and standardized testing
D) Passage of holistic standards that enhance students' internal motivation and self-confidence

Question 72

Mrs. Diaz has introduced the problem of school vandalism in a faculty meeting. She understands there are multiple ways to address this problem and asks faculty to consider different possibilities in order to have a discussion at the next meeting. What thinking task has Mrs. Diaz set before the faculty?

A) Convergent thinking
B) Divergent thinking
C) Inductive reasoning
D) Deductive reasoning

Question 73

Mrs. Diaz has introduced the problem of school vandalism in a faculty meeting. She understands there are multiple ways to address this problem and asks faculty to consider different possibilities in order to have a discussion at the next meeting. However, one teacher, Ms. Villeroy, vehemently protests, stating that there is no need for creative guesswork. The only way to effectively address this problem is to expel students. From what type of thinking has Ms. Villeroy responded to Mrs. Diaz's request?

A) Convergent thinking
B) Divergent thinking
C) Inductive reasoning
D) Deductive reasoning

Question 74

Renaldo refuses any suggestion that girls are just as good as boys at athletics. Even as some of the girls in class offer examples of famous female athletes, he refuses to listen or acknowledge their evidence. What type of thinking is Renaldo engaging in?

A) Hindsight bias
B) Overconfidence bias
C) Confirmation bias
D) Belief perseverance

Question 75

Renaldo refuses any suggestion that girls are just as good at athletics. Instead, he avoids those who oppose his beliefs and surrounds himself with those, like his friends and older brother, who share his beliefs. Which of the following best describes Renaldo's thinking?

A) Hindsight bias
B) Overconfidence bias
C) Confirmation bias
D) Belief perseverance

Question 76

Why does the use of concepts aid remembering?

A) Concept serves as a retrieval cue.
B) Concepts present sufficient detail to accurately understand the content area.
C) Concepts utilize convergent versus divergent thinking.
D) Concepts present a visual representation of hierarchical organization.

Question 77

Which of the following is not the best way to promote concept formation?

A) Clarify terms in the definition.
B) Refrain from providing many examples of concepts as they may result in student frustration.
C) Define the concept.
D) Illustrate key features or characteristics.

Question 78

A concept map is best described as which of the following?

A) Specific assumption or prediction that can be tested to determine its accuracy
B) The process of individuals deciding if an item is a member of a category by comparing it to established category elements
C) Category that groups objects, events, and characteristics on the basis of common properties
D) Visual representations of concept's connections and hierarchical organization

Question 79

Hypothesis testing is best described as which of the following?

A) Specific assumption or prediction that can be tested to determine its accuracy
B) The process of individuals deciding if an item is a member of a category by comparing it to established category elements
C) Category that groups objects, events, and characteristics on the basis of common properties
D) Visual representations of a concept's connections and hierarchical organization

Question 80

Prototype matching is best described as which of the following?

A) Specific assumption or prediction that can be tested to determine its accuracy
B) The process of individuals deciding if an item is a member of a category by comparing it to established category elements
C) Category that groups objects, events, and characteristics on the basis of common properties
D) Visual representations of a concept's connections and hierarchical organization