Critical Thinking and Cognitive Bias
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Questions and Answers

Which cognitive bias is best exemplified by an investor who avoids checking their portfolio during a market downturn?

  • Confirmation Bias
  • Outcome Bias
  • Anchoring Bias
  • Ostrich Bias (correct)

A project manager evaluates the success of a project solely based on whether it was completed on time, disregarding the team's morale and the quality of work produced. Which bias is most evident in this evaluation?

  • Bandwagon Effect
  • Ostrich Bias
  • Outcome Bias (correct)
  • Availability Heuristic

A scientist observes that every swan they have ever seen is white and therefore concludes that all swans are white. What type of reasoning are they using?

  • Inductive Reasoning (correct)
  • Deductive Reasoning
  • Abductive Reasoning
  • Fallacious Reasoning

Given the premises: 'All mammals have lungs' and 'Dolphins are mammals,' what conclusion can be drawn using deductive reasoning?

<p>Dolphins definitely have lungs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a courtroom, a lawyer presents circumstantial evidence and suggests a possible scenario to explain the defendant’s actions, leading the jury to believe the defendant is guilty, even without direct proof. What is this process known as?

<p>Making an Inference (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios represents the fallacy of 'Affirming the Consequent'?

<p>If a student studies hard, they will pass the exam. The student passed the exam; therefore, they must have studied hard. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the fallacy in the following argument: 'If the factory is polluting the river, then the fish are dying. The factory is not polluting the river, therefore the fish are not dying.'

<p>Denying the Antecedent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a formal fallacy from an informal fallacy?

<p>Formal fallacies involve errors in the structure of the argument, while informal fallacies involve irrelevant psychological factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A team is deciding on a marketing strategy. One member insists on a particular approach because it worked well in a previous, unrelated project, despite evidence suggesting it's not suitable for the current situation. Which cognitive bias is most likely influencing this team member?

<p>Anchoring Bias (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies critical thinking in a real-world scenario?

<p>Evaluating different viewpoints before forming an opinion on a controversial issue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company is launching a new product. Initial sales are low, but the marketing team focuses only on positive customer reviews and ignores negative feedback, claiming the product is a success. Which cognitive bias is most evident in this situation?

<p>Choice Supportive Bias (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You are part of a hiring committee. One member strongly supports a candidate because they graduated from the same university, even though other candidates have more relevant experience. What type of bias is likely at play?

<p>Confirmation Bias (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A public health campaign highlights dramatic cases of a rare disease to encourage vaccination. While the disease is serious, it's statistically unlikely to affect most people. Which cognitive bias is the campaign likely exploiting?

<p>Availability Heuristic Bias (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario demonstrates the application of critical thinking to improve language and presentation skills?

<p>Adapting your communication style based on audience feedback. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A popular social media post claims a new diet leads to rapid weight loss. Many people start following the diet simply because it's trending, without researching its scientific validity or potential risks. Which cognitive bias is most apparent in this scenario?

<p>Bandwagon Effect (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does critical thinking contribute to personal growth and self-expression?

<p>By fostering self-reflection and understanding of one's own beliefs and values. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ostrich Bias

Avoiding negative information by ignoring it.

Outcome Bias

Judging a decision based only on its outcome, not the process.

Reasoning

Using logic and evidence to evaluate info and make informed decisions.

Inductive Reasoning

Drawing general conclusions from specific observations.

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Deductive Reasoning

Drawing conclusions from premises assumed to be true.

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Inference

Logical conclusion based on available evidence.

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Fallacy

Erroneous reasoning or incorrect argument.

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Formal Fallacy

Error in logic seen in the argument's form.

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Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make well-reasoned decisions.

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Bias

A tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone.

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Anchoring Bias

Over-reliance on the first piece of information received when making decisions.

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Availability Heuristic Bias

Making evaluations based on information that is immediately available in your mind.

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Bandwagon Effect

Doing or believing something because many other people do, regardless of personal belief.

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Choice Supportive Bias

The tendency to exaggerate the positive features and downplay the negative features of something after we've chosen it.

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Confirmation Bias

Seeking out data that confirms existing beliefs and ignoring data that challenges them.

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Creative thinking

Creative thinking drives innovation, encourages thinking outside the box, to come up with novel solutions to problems.

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Study Notes

  • Critical thinking involves analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and making well-reasoned decisions.

Why Study Critical Thinking?

  • Critical thinking enhances the ability to analyze information and evaluate evidence for well-reasoned decisions.
  • It improves language and presentation skills, allowing individuals to express themselves clearly and persuasively.
  • Critical thinking encourages self-reflection, aiding in understanding personal beliefs and values, leading to personal growth.
  • Creative thinking, driven by critical thinking, fosters innovation by encouraging novel solutions.
  • It is essential for solving complex problems through unconventional solutions.
  • Critical thinking helps individuals adapt to change and envision new possibilities.
  • Cultivating creative thinking through critical thinking promotes personal growth and self-expression.

Cognitive Biases

  • Bias is a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone.

Types of Biases

  • Anchoring Bias (Pre-conceived Bias): Relies on pre-existing or initial information, regardless of its reliability.
  • Availability Heuristic Bias: Employs mental shortcuts for quick evaluations, which can lead to incorrect assessments based on readily available information.
  • Bandwagon Effect: Adopting beliefs or actions because they are popular, rather than based on personal conviction.
  • Choice Supportive Bias: The tendency to exaggerate the positives and downplay the negatives.
  • Confirmation Bias (Stereotyping): Seeking data that confirms existing beliefs, avoiding data that challenges them.
  • Ostrich Bias: Avoiding dangerous or negative information by ignoring it.
  • Outcome Bias: Judging a decision based on its result, not the decision-making process.

Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

  • Reasoning involves using logic and evidence to evaluate information and make well-informed decisions.

Types of Reasoning

  • Inductive Reasoning: Drawing general conclusions from specific observations or evidence.
  • Deductive Reasoning: Deriving a conclusion from premises assumed to be true.

Making Inferences

  • An inference is a logical conclusion based on available evidence, facts, and reasoning.
  • Understanding implied information enhances the ability to connect ideas.

Fallacies

  • A fallacy is erroneous reasoning or an incorrect argument.
  • An argument must be plausible to be considered fallacious.

Types of Fallacies

  • Formal Fallacies: Errors in logic identifiable in the argument's form.
  • Affirming the Consequent: "If A, then B. B, therefore A."
  • Denying the Antecedent: "If A, then B. Not A, therefore not B."
  • Fallacy of Four Terms (Quaternio Terminorum): A categorical syllogism that has four terms.”
  • Informal Fallacies: Occur when irrelevant psychological factors distort reasoning.
  • Argumentum Ad Hominem (Attack Against Man): Attacking the person's character instead of addressing their argument.
  • Straw Man Fallacy: Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.
  • False Dilemma: Presenting only two choices when other options exist.
  • Post Hoc Fallacy: Assuming causation solely because one event followed another.

Study Tips

  • Seek disagreements with humility and be open to opposing viewpoints.
  • Learning from those who disagree with you can be valuable.
  • Debate exercises brain function better than arguing or fighting.

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Related Documents

Critical Thinking Study Guide

Description

Explore critical thinking: analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and decision-making. Understand its benefits: enhanced analysis, clear communication, and self-reflection. Learn about cognitive biases and their impact on reasoning.

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