11. Critical thinking is best defined as thinking that
a.systematically evaluates information.
b.criticizes others’ opinions.
c.is open-minded and creative.
d.uses inferences but does not solve problems.
ANS: A DIF: Moderate REF: 1.2 Psychology Teaches You to Think Critically
OBJ: 1.2a
NAT: APA Goal 1, Knowledge Base in Psychology | APA Goal 2, Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking MSC: Remembering
12. “Friendly skepticism” means
a.finding flaws in an argument or claim.
b.being open to new ideas, while also being careful before accepting them.
c.asking a scientist to make his or her findings public so that they can be better evaluated.
d.accepting all claims, as long as they are based on the scientific method.
ANS: B DIF: Easy REF: 1.2 Psychology Teaches You to Think Critically
OBJ: 1.2a
NAT: APA Goal 1, Knowledge Base in Psychology | APA Goal 2, Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking MSC: Understanding
13. Why do scientists avoid the term fact?
a.Intuition regarding a claim is more likely to be correct.
b.Facts depend on one’s own experience and opinion.
c.New evidence can change how claims are interpreted.
d.Beliefs lead to more important findings than facts do.
ANS: C DIF: Easy REF: 1.2 Psychology Teaches You to Think Critically
OBJ: 1.2a
NAT: APA Goal 1, Knowledge Base in Psychology | APA Goal 2, Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking MSC: Remembering
14. Why is the first step in critical thinking to ask, “What is the claim I am being asked to accept?”
a.because some claims are so obvious that there is no need for evaluation
b.so that you can evaluate the claim at face value
c.because if the claim fits what you already believe, then you can ignore it
d.because before you can evaluate a claim, you have to recognize and identify it
ANS: D DIF: Difficult REF: 1.2 Psychology Teaches You to Think Critically
OBJ: 1.2a
NAT: APA Goal 1, Knowledge Base in Psychology | APA Goal 2, Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking MSC: Understanding