Objective Assessment - C168 Critical Thinking & Logic
A student is writing a research paper that investigates the relationship of higher education to employment in the United States. Match each source of information with the phrase that describes its sufficiency to the assignment. Answer options may be used more than once or not at all. Select your answers from the pull-down list. Provides scholarly support Relies on inference Is irrelevant Exhibits bias Questions: (1) A case study of one state's employment rates that shows higher employment among those with a college degree: (2) A university publication that describes a survey of 10 people with college degrees who report a high rate of employment in their fields of study: (3) A peer-reviewed journal article that shows that people with college degrees have a 20 percent better rate of employment than those with a high school diploma: (4) A study that shows that people with college degrees are more likely to engage in social activities:
A case study of one state's employment rates that shows higher employment among those with a college degree: Relies on inference A university publication that describes a survey of 10 people with college degrees who report a high rate of employment in their fields of study: Exhibits bias A peer-reviewed journal article that shows that people with college degrees have a 20 percent better rate of employment than those with a high school diploma: Provides scholarly support A study that shows that people with college degrees are more likely to engage in social activities: Is irrelevant
Which one statement accurately describes how a critical thinker might employ the elements of critical thinking differently to the fields of sociology and business?
A critical thinker would consider the concept of profitability in business but not in sociology.
Which of the following represent an application of the standards of critical thinking?
A person follows the reasoning to determine the significant implications. A person clarifies the question at issue.
Match the point of view with its discipline or profession. Choose your answer from the pull-down list. C. Focused on living organisms and environments A. Focused on matter and energy and the interactions between them E. Focused on the design of the physical environment D. Focused on how people choose to use resources B. Focused on aesthetic appreciation and cultivation
A. Chemistry - Focused on matter and energy and the interactions between them B. Fine arts - Focused on aesthetic appreciation and cultivation C. Biology - Focused on living organisms and environments D. Economics - Focused on how people choose to use resources E. Civil engineering - Focused on the design of the physical environment
Match the profession with how a person from that profession approaches the world. Select your answer from the pull-down list. A. Sophistic objectivity B. Neutral objectivity C. Appreciation and cultivation
A. Politicians B. Scientists C. Artists
An animal shelter, serving a low-income community, is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of homeless cats and dogs received at the shelter. The shelter staff are worried because the increase is impacting their ability to care equally for all their other animals and many people in the community cannot afford to adopt a dog or cat. They decide to implement a new promotion where they keep the current fee structure and reduce the paperwork and forego the usual reference checks to encourage more adoptions. Which of the below are implications of this proposed solution? Choose two answers: Many people have no interest at all in adopting a dog or cat. Other animals may not receive the care they need. Adoption fees may prevent people from participating. There are too many homeless cats and dogs at the shelter. Pets may be matched with irresponsible owners.
Adoption fees may prevent people from participating. Pets may be matched with irresponsible owners.
Which of the following statements about the influence of assumptions within reasoning is correct?
All reasoning begins with assumptions because reasoning must take some things for granted. A defective assumption can lead to defective reasoning. Some assumptions are justifiable.
Last week, a large school district had called a special school board meeting at the request of a parent/teacher group to discuss sex education in the high schools. Five years ago, the school board had made a decision with pressure from parents to teach "abstinence only" as its only form of sex education. Since that time, teen pregnancy in the school district has increased 23 percent and sexually transmitted diseases have also increased. The parent/teacher group is split almost evenly. Some of them believe that "abstinence only" is working and other factors are to blame for the increases; others believe that the abstinence only education has failed, and they are requesting that additional sex education be considered. After continued discussions, school board has just released its decision to include education about contraception and birth control as well as sexual development and reproduction in its sex education courses. Based on the evidence, what solid reasoning did the city council use to arrive at this solution? Select one.
Although other factors may come into play, a broader approach to sex education may help mitigate all factors at play.
You are writing an essay on the proliferation of AIDS throughout the world. You have been asked to document the problem and its possible solutions using evidence and reasoning. Which of the following would be relevant sources for this topic? Choose 3 answers: An article that examines the cost of living with AIDS A document that profiles individuals living with AIDS in Africa A study on current AIDS treatments in various parts of the world An essay by a medical doctor who has treated AIDS victims in other countries A document that discusses the probable causes of AIDS in Africa A speech given by a prominent researcher in the field of AIDS research
An essay by a medical doctor who has treated AIDS victims in other countries A document that discusses the probable causes of AIDS in Africa A speech given by a prominent researcher in the field of AIDS research
The population in a suburban elementary school has decreased over a ten-year period from 360 students to 175 students prompting the school board to question whether they should keep it open or bus students to another neighborhood. The parents of the remaining students are fighting to keep it open, but to make a good argument, they first need to understand the cause of the decreasing population. Some of them think it is due to the aging population of the neighborhood, some believe it is due to the declining quality of the school, others believe it is due to an influx of "home-teaching" parents into the neighborhood. Which one of the following activities would best help clarify the causes of the problem? Select one answer.
Analyze the demographic changes of the neighborhood over the last ten years.
For many years, scientists have been trying to explain why Kenyans often win marathons. Some believe it is because many Kenyan runners come from regions with high altitudes. Others believe it is because the Kenyan culture values running. Still other theories say genetics is the major factor, although the runners themselves claim it is only training and hard work that matters. What unstated assumptions can be found in the reasoning above?
Anyone who trains properly and works hard can win a marathon. A person genetically built for long-distance running is more likely to win a marathon.
A mid-sized company is struggling with the combined effects of higher insurance premiums to cover their employees and higher usages of sick leave by employees. The company maintains a fitness club in the basement of its office building for employees to use before and after work, and during the lunch hour. The executives decide to implement a new company policy that would allow employees three hours of paid leave per week to utilize the fitness club. Which of the following could be concluded about the reasoning used to arrive at this decision?
Assumptions were made regarding employee behavior. The conclusion was based on an effort to encourage employees to take steps to live healthier lives. The executives of the company take some responsibility for the health of their employees.
An excerpt from a hypothetical news story reads: "The tobacco industry is backing campaigns to help people control smoking. While the campaigns aren't designed to urge all smokers to quit, they are aimed at those who want to quit." Why should the campaign be regarded as potentially biased?
Because the tobacco industry is a commercial enterprise that loses money when people stop smoking
You recently moved to a new city, and you are now experiencing severe allergy problems. The first doctor you see recommends that you cut dairy, wheat, and eggs from your diet because they can often exacerbate the reaction to air allergens. The second doctor you see says that is poppycock—that you should simply increase your dosage of antihistamines. You want to make the right choice, so you are left to evaluate the biases and assumptions of each of the doctors. Which one of the following statements is correct?
Both doctors are making assumptions that may or may not be valid.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, familial status, or national origin. Which of the following ethical perspectives are relevant to this law? Choose 3 answers: Equal access to housing facilities requires accommodating all people. All people should have access to adequate financing, regardless of income. Children and adults should have equal access to recreational facilities in multiple housing developments, such as condominium projects. In multiple housing developments which have a "no pets" designation, blind residents should be allowed to keep guide dogs. Reasonable people should respect the rights and needs of others in regard to housing. Ethical concepts are impossible to apply to housing issues.
Children and adults should have equal access to recreational facilities in multiple housing developments, such as condominium projects. In multiple housing developments which have a "no pets" designation, blind residents should be allowed to keep guide dogs. Reasonable people should respect the rights and needs of others in regard to housing.
A journalist is preparing to write a story about the pros and cons of the new alcohol restriction proposals in the state. What is the logical first step in the process of analyzing the issue?
Clarify the question at issue.
A writer is preparing to write an article about discipline in schools. What is an appropriate first step for the writer to clarify and systematically analyze the problem?
Clarify the subject and consider what is at stake
Which of the following are standards of critical thinking:
Clarity Sufficiency
In recent years, scientists have found that the monarch butterfly population has declined significantly from what it was even ten years ago. Although there are many possible causes, the scientists have marked the decline of milkweed along the edges of Midwestern farmland as the most likely cause of decline in the butterfly population. With genetically modified crops, farmers are now able to spray the crops (including the milkweed) with pesticides, which kills the milkweed, but does not harm the crops. Butterflies lay their eggs in milkweed, which is then fed upon by the larvae. Which one of the following activities helps validate this explanation?
Compare the amount of milkweed found in the Midwest now to that found ten years ago.
World food prices have hit an all-time high, driven up by price increases in wheat, corn, sugar, and oils. The price of wheat has doubled within a six-month period. While these soaring prices have had only a modest effect on U.S. inflation, they have devastated the world's poor who spend a majority of their income on basic food staples. Politicians and scientists continue to argue over the cause of rising food prices. Some believe the jump in prices can be attributed to bad policies set by the U.S. Federal Reserve, and others believe that commodities speculation is to blame. But most scientists, including those from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, believe higher food prices were caused by two major factors: (1) low production due to severe weather around the world, including extreme heat in Russia, drought in Brazil, and flooding in Australia; and (2) a large portion of the world's corn going toward ethanol production instead of food. Regardless, the world's poor continue to suffer. Which of the following are plausible solutions to the given problem? Choose 3 answers:
Consider the effects of greenhouse gases on climate change and set policies accordingly. Set government policies that will lower the cost of basic food staples to the poorest people. Reconsider tax incentives offered for production of alternative fuels.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who spend most of their days in a job that requires sitting have a higher mortality rate than those whose jobs require more movement. The study found that even for people who exercise regularly, spending long stretches of time sitting at a desk is still harmful. The study found that within four hours of sitting, the body begins to send harmful signals and the genes that regulate glucose and fat begin to shut down. The researchers suggest that even small movements such as standing to watch a child's soccer game or pacing while talking on the phone can make a big difference. While most consider this an individual problem, the obesity-related illnesses caused by too much sitting have a social impact in terms of health care availability and health care costs for all citizens. Which of the following are plausible solutions to the social problems that result from having a population that sits too much? Choose two answers.
Create government incentives to encourage the creation of academic and work environments that promote movement and discourage sitting for long periods. Enact national, state, and local educational campaigns to encourage people to sit less.
Which statement accurately reflects one of the purposes of applying critical thinking to the disciplines?
Critical thinking encourages a critique of the disciplines that seeks to narrow the gap between the ideal and the reality in a field of knowledge.
Two members of a city council present a report to the council regarding concerns about high school students staying out past curfew on school nights. The council concludes that stricter enforcement of a 9:00 PM weeknight curfew is necessary. Classify each aspect of the report as a strength, weakness, or neither a strength or a weakness for the council members' conclusion. Answer options may be used more than once or not at all. Select your answers from the pull-down list. Weakness Strength Neither a strength or a weakness
Data gathered through eyewitness accounts by the two presenting council members: Weakness Report was compiled nine months prior to the meeting: Weakness Data demonstrating a high rate of juvenile arrests after 10 PM: Strength Reports from professional guidance counselors indicating the potential for teenagers to become involved in criminal activity: Neither a strength or a weakness
How might one go about reading a daily newspaper with as little influence from biased reporting as possible?
Deconstruct news stories and reconstruct them with alternative biases and slants.
The federal government is considering setting aside land for a new national monument. An employee in the governor's office of the state where the monument may be designated is asked to research the possible economic impact of the designation. What critical thinking strategy should the employee employ to clarify the issue?
Determine the main sources of potential information and begin research.
In which of the following situations would critical thinking most appropriately apply?
Determining the best exercise to lose weight.
In which of the following situations would it be most appropriate to apply critical thinking? Select one:
Determining the best way to design a college campus.
How could the interpretation of data be distorted when presented in graphic form? Choose 2 answers: Displaying a three-dimensional chart could oversimplify the complexity of the data. Displaying more than one pie chart side by side could make comparison difficult across charts. Displaying a chart containing multiple lines could misrepresent the interconnected nature of trends. Displaying a chart containing a baseline that starts at a figure above zero could overemphasize differences in the data. Displaying a chart with a thick, jagged line that represents a trend could diminish the significance of variables affecting that trend.
Displaying more than one pie chart side by side could make comparison difficult across charts. Displaying a chart containing a baseline that starts at a figure above zero could overemphasize differences in the data.
Many of the resident falls have happened in the same location within the facility.
Does not support the proposed solution
This set of five questions pertain to the following research: An assisted living facility is experiencing a high number of residents falling. Although this is a common ailment for older people, the facility would like to try to decrease the number of falls. One proposed solution is to offer a daily yoga class for residents free of charge. Classify the following instance of evidence or reasoning as supporting or not supporting the proposed solution: A weekly yoga class has been offered at the facility for years with minimal attendance.
Does not support the proposed solution
[Refer to Pre-Assessment for Details] Which statements are both accurate and relevant in determining funding for this urban district? Choose 3 answers: Even though the entire state budget will likely decrease for the next year, an appeal for more funding for education is relevant because a real need exists. Graduation rates may be inaccurate because not all students are tracked after leaving the district. Graduation rates are accurate because dropout rates are determined in the senior year. It is irrelevant that three National Merit Scholars graduated from a private school in the city this year. It is irrelevant that the parent teacher organization argues for a funding increase because they do that every year. It is irrelevant that the business sector has placed a priority on road construction, since this competes with education funding. It is relevant to compare the effects of reduced funding in suburban districts in other states with an urban district.
Even though the entire state budget will likely decrease for the next year, an appeal for more funding for education is relevant because a real need exists. Graduation rates may be inaccurate because not all students are tracked after leaving the district. It is irrelevant that three National Merit Scholars graduated from a private school in the city this year.
Which of the following are elements of reasoning?
Evidence Point of View Assumptions
Over the past five years, per capita consumption of fast food in America has risen consistently. This proves that Americans care less about their health now than they did five years ago. What assumptions are present in this argument?
Fast food consumption is a key indicator of attitudes about health. People who care about their health don't consume fast food. Fast food is unhealthy.
The following represents the testimony of a mayor of a small town who appeared in front of a congressional committee meeting to discuss the process of designating national parks and monuments: "The establishment of the Greatest Ever National Monument has had a devastating impact on the economy and people of my city and county. It has come to our attention that a non-profit group has issued a report titled Greatest Ever National Monument: A Summary of Economic Performance in the Surrounding Communities, which indicates that there has been a strong, positive economic impact to our county from the establishment of the Greatest Ever National Monument. This is completely contrary to our own observation and analysis. "The report indicates significant increases in real personal income and real per capita income. This is completely false with regards to our county. In summary, the establishment of the Greatest Ever National Monument has hurt the local economy, driven our residents to find work elsewhere, and burdened local government to provide uncompensated services. "Based on our knowledge of our county, the report is false and misleading and strains the bounds of credibility. Our statistics show the opposite is true." Which of the following fallacies are present in the testimony?
Faulty generalizations Oversimplify the issue Create a false dilemma
Read the following excerpt from Albert J. Beveridge's 1898 speech "The March of the Flag": "What does all this mean for every one of us? It means opportunity for all the glorious young manhood of the republic--the most virile, ambitious, impatient, militant manhood the world has ever seen. "Which two fallacies occur in the excerpt? Choose 2 answers: Evading questions Post hoc reasoning Begging the question Flattering the audience Sweeping generalizations
Flattering the audience Sweeping generalizations
Match each fundamental point of view with its corresponding discipline Answer options may be used more than once or not at all. Select your answers from the pull-down list. Philosophy Ethics Psychology Sociology History
Focused on the critical and systematic study of problems: Philosophy Focused on right conduct and living an honorable life: Ethics Focused on mental processes and behavior: Sociology Focused on interaction and relationships among individuals and in groups: Sociology Focused on the written record of the human race: History
As an aide to a state senator, you are asked to provide research on the controversial topic of the medical use of marijuana for an upcoming vote. The senator has not yet decided which way she will vote, so she is relying on your research to make a decision. The vote is only two days away, so you will not be able to read everything available on the topic, but before you pass the information along to the senator, you want to be sure you have sufficient information on the topic. Which of the following questions would help you determine if your research meets the standard of sufficiency?
Have I identified all significant implications of the arguments? Have I clarified the main concepts of the arguments? Have I considered multiple, diverse points of view?
A city has recently built a new sports arena in a downtown urban area that already has parking problems. The residents of the downtown area where the sports arena has been built have proposed that the city issue the residents parking permits and designate the majority of the parking spaces in the area of the arena as "permit-parking only," so residents are not inconvenienced by the arena. What primary questions would the city want to ask to measure the implications of this solution?
Have we identified the negative implications of the proposed solution? Have we identified the positive implications of the proposed solutions? Have we considered all significant implications known at this time? Have we identified the parties who could be affected by this solution and considered the implications to them?
William F. Buckley, a prominent conservative, surprised many of his fellow conservatives by supporting the legalization of drugs to be treated in much the same manner as alcohol—"regulate it, control it, tax it, and make it illegal only for children." In what way is Buckley's point of view on this issue consistent with his conservative views?
He believed in the practicality of legal restrictions and fiscal responsibility of government.
You have read that organic food is safer for your family, so you try to buy only organic whenever possible. However, you recently read an article about organic olives that have been recalled due to a botulism outbreak, which surprised you. Now you are not sure whether or not organic foods are better for your family. You decide to investigate and find the following evidence: Organic products may be more vulnerable to certain toxins because they are usually fertilized with manure. Dangerous spores naturally occur in manure. Foods packed in oil (such as olives) create a sort of Petri dish for certain spores. Most food safety problems come from fresh food. Only 15 percent of the 145 yearly cases of botulism in the U.S. come from food. Most safety outbreaks are related to food handling rather than growing. Most non-organic foods test positive for pesticide residue. Applications of the standards of critical thinking would result in which one of the following conclusions?
How manure is used in growing both organic and non-organic foods needs further research.
You have been assigned to write a research paper for a class. What essential step will you want to complete early in the process?
Identify your own assumptions on the issue.
Which two are elements of reasoning within critical thinking? Choose 2 answers: Logic Clarity Empathy Precision Implications Assumptions
Implications Assumptions
A wildlife biologist is studying kingfisher population changes at a particular lake as part of an effort to maintain ecological balance in the area. The biologist decides to use this graph created by another biologist: (Refer to Pre-Assessment Question #21 for Graph) What questions should the biologist ask when evaluating the usefulness of this graph? Choose 2 answers: Is the graph specific enough to determine the current ecological status of the lake? Is there enough information to reach a conclusion about the kingfisher population? What were the other biologist's intentions when creating the graph? What are the reasons for the differences in kingfisher populations from year to year? Which of the facts contained in the graph are the most important?
Is the graph specific enough to determine the current ecological status of the lake? Is there enough information to reach a conclusion about the kingfisher population?
You are a psychologist in private practice. How does your ability to use the elements of reasoning help you do your job? Select one.
It helps you make inferences about your clients.
Through a bond issue, a city council has the funding to create bike lanes in the city; however, they cannot agree upon the routes and upon which streets should contain the bike lanes. Expert A has presented evidence about traffic flow and bicycle safety, concluding that bike lanes should be put on residential streets where possible and kept off the busier main corridors. Expert A's evidence shows that this increases safety for the bikers even though it may mean they will ride longer distances. Expert B has presented evidence about traffic flow and bicycle safety that concludes that the main corridors are the better and safer choice for bike lanes because they are wider and more easily accessible. The city decides to go with Expert A's evidence and installs the bike lanes on residential streets. Shortly after the bike lanes open, a biker is seriously injured when hit by a car backing out of a driveway. Which of the following statements are true?
It is not possible to know the accuracy of either expert's evidence from the information given. The evidence of both experts was relevant.
Two homes that have dogs in a neighborhood have unsightly lawns. A group of neighbors are concerned that the value of their property will decrease due to the poor condition of these lawns. The group assumes that the dogs are damaging the lawns and complains to the animal control agency that the neighbors with the unkempt yards are not controlling their dogs. What are the two potential problems with this line of reasoning? Choose 2 answers: It would be impossible to verify the neighbors' claims of animal neglect because of lack of evidence. It is unclear how the evidence leads to the conclusion that the dogs are the cause of the unsightly lawns. The implications of decreased property values have not sufficiently been considered by the complaining neighbors. The complaining neighbors have failed to express a clear point of view regarding the devaluing of property values. The complaining neighbors' fear of devalued property may keep them from considering the problem from other viewpoints.
It is unclear how the evidence leads to the conclusion that the dogs are the cause of the unsightly lawns. The complaining neighbors' fear of devalued property may keep them from considering the problem from other viewpoints.
A teacher has taught high school for twenty years and has become increasingly annoyed with the disruption that tardiness creates. Still, the teacher cares about all students and wants them to be successful. How would bias be likely to impact the teacher's reaction to student tardiness and student success?
It would make the teacher want to emphasize punctuality.
Which of the following are standards of critical thinking? Choose 4 answers: Logic Egocentrism Expression Significance Accuracy Precision Decision making
Logic Significance Accuracy Precision
Due to an increase in the number of degree programs at a local college, there has been a significant increase in job placement for graduates. College administrators believe it is because new degree programs have been created to meet the demands of a changing job market. Which of the following activities will help validate this explanation for the increase? Look for a common element in other degree programs which lead to high job placement Review surveys of graduates who did not participate in the new degree programs that indicate increased job placements Interview professors about the value of their classes and course content Examine the decrease in the number of credit hours required to complete a degree
Look for a common element in other degree programs which lead to high job placement
In a history class, the professor begins the lecture on the first day with this statement: "Let's just assume that history matters." How might you go about determining whether or not that assumption is valid?
Look for examples and other evidence that support or defy the assumption.
A candidate running for a national office makes the following campaign pitch: "My opponent has said, 'The fundamentals of our economy are strong,' which shows that he is completely out of touch with reality. We have a great challenge ahead of us to get our economy back on track. I believe I have good qualifications for helping our country do this. Keep in mind that my opponent is a good friend of Pastor John Doe, who just last week blamed certain ethnic groups and illegal aliens for dragging our country down. I believe that everyone in this country can make a contribution. Like Teddy Roosevelt, like Abraham Lincoln, like George Washington, I believe we have the greatest country in the world and we should never give up!" Which of the following phrases represent fallacies from the given text?
My opponent has said, "The fundamentals of our economy are strong" ...my opponent is a good friend of Pastor John Doe... Like Teddy Roosevelt, like Abraham Lincoln, like George Washington...
According to a marketing research firm, a person who lives in a mid-sized city see approximately 5,000 ads per day. Because of "ad overload" many companies are searching for creative ways to get their product names in front of potential customers. One fast-food company offers to buy notebooks for grade school children in low-income areas of the city. The notebooks come with the company's logo and food advertisements on them. The kids love them and the parents benefit from lower school supply costs, but the school board has made a decision not to accept them. What line of reasoning would soundly lead up to this conclusion?
Obesity rates among low-income children are higher than average, and obesity rates among the children in the targeted schools continue to climb.
A recent study published by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute concluded that people who "text" while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car accident than drivers who are not distracted in the same way. The study showed that the major factor that makes texting dangerous is driving while taking one's eyes off the road. Therefore, the study concludes that talking on a cell phone while driving is considerably safer than texting while driving. Based on this study, which of the following are plausible solutions to decreasing the number of car accidents?
Passing laws against texting while driving. Enacting educational campaigns on a local, state, and national level to discourage texting while driving.
Which of the following are elements of reasoning?
Purpose Question at Issue Inference
The methodology followed principles used by economists at the FDA and the USDA, the two primary food safety agencies.
Strength
The person who conducted the study is a former Food and Drug Administration economist and an assistant professor of consumer sciences at Ohio State University.
Strength
The study accounted for factors that may effect pay including college major, occupation, industry, sector, hours worked, workplace flexibility, experience, educational attainment, enrollment status, GPA, institution selectivity, age, race/ethnicity, region, marital status and number of children, and still found a wage gap between men and women.
Strength
The study includes costs at the aggregate level and pathogen-specific level broken out by state.
Strength
The study looked at 111 occupations.
Strength
The study was well cited and the sources included the U.S Dept of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the American Journal of Sociology among others.
Strength
To mitigate the health-care cost uncertainties, the study employed confidence intervals and a sensitivity analysis.
Strength
Students at an elementary school are not performing well on standardized tests. One proposed solution is to encourage struggling students to attend a free supervised study session after school. Classify each instance of evidence or reasoning as supporting or not supporting the proposed solution. Answer options may be used more than once or not at all. Select your answers from the pull-down list. Does not support the proposed solution Supports the proposed solution
Students require several hours of physical exercise between the end of the school day and dinnertime: Does not support the proposed solution Students tend to retain more knowledge when their study time is supervised: Supports the proposed solution Other school districts have experienced success with after-school study programs: Supports the proposed solution Research has demonstrated that student test scores increase with extra study time: Supports the proposed solution
Other facilities that offer yoga to their participants have seen a decrease in falls.
Supports the proposed solution
The facility has hired a yoga instructor who specializes in geriatric yoga.
Supports the proposed solution
Yoga is known to increase balance and strength.
Supports the proposed solution
During recent practices, there has been a significant increase in the number of sprained ankles and knees among players of a very successful sports team that is going to compete in the state championship. The coach has decided to compare ankle and knee sprains during recent practices to those in the regular season. What actions would a sports coach take to determine injuries by using the common factor method? Choose 2 answers: The coach would determine if the injured players were playing the same position. The coach would consider and rule out factors unrelated to the increase in injuries. The coach would look for differences between the injured players' practice shoes and game-day shoes. The coach would investigate whether the injured players' warm-up routines were similar. The coach would observe players during different types of practice routines.
The coach would determine if the injured players were playing the same position. The coach would investigate whether the injured players' warm-up routines were similar.
You are driving a long distance between cities when you realize that your car makes a funny noise when you accelerate. As you drive, you listen for the noise at 20 mph, again at 40 mph, and again at 60 mph. Which method of causation are you employing?
The concomitant variation method
At a crime scene, police found an open front door and a broken window at the back of the house. The front door had been opened from the inside. When police searched the premises, the only item found to be missing was a jewelry box hidden in a secret safe. The homeowner said the jewelry box contained various jewels valued at over $100,000. The police found multiple sets of fingerprints at the scene. Which of the following assumptions is valid?
The criminal knew the location of the jewelry box.
How could one use the standards of critical thinking to justify clergy privilege, the much-discussed and controversial legal protection of the confidentiality between clergy and penitent? Select one.
The ethics regarding the practice of free religion are relevant in the creation of the legal policy.
Newspaper journalists are investigating numerous complaints from town citizens living near a manufacturer of carbon black, pure carbon particles commonly used as a reinforcing agent in tires. The facts they uncovered are as follows: Complaints from citizens include breathing problems and a black silt-like substance covering cars, lawns, clothing, homes, and pets. The president of the manufacturing company claims that tests done on the black silt found in the town showed that the substance was not engineered carbon. The tests showed that the substance could have been mold, mildew, or ash. The test results referred to by the president are not available. An environmental engineer claims that carbon black is difficult to test because the composition of it changes as it enters and reacts with the atmosphere. Employees from the state department of environmental quality have never seen black carbon blowing from the nearby manufacturing plant, although they have inspected the plant numerous times. Employees from the plant claimed they have evidence of pollution that they will share with the public if their union salary demands were not met. Applications of the standards of critical thinking to the evidence above would result in which conclusions?
The evidence from the plant employees should be evaluated with skepticism. The claims of the testing results should be evaluated with skepticism. More information is needed before drawing further conclusions.
A newspaper article spotlights three people who are on a waiting list to receive an organ donation. The article also urges readers to register for organ donation. What implications of the proposed solution need to be considered?
The financial impact of organ donation on health care costs. The financial stability of the organ recipient.
An individual has recently been reading about the use of animals in medical testing. The individual doesn't know much about animal testing, but on the surface, doesn't like it. However, the individual has a friend who suffers from an incurable disease and could possibly benefit from medical research conducted on animals. The friend has told the individual it could be a matter of life or death for certain people. The friend is adamant that medical testing on animals should be continued because it saves human lives. What are the underlying assumptions in the friend's reasoning? Choose 2 answers: The life of a human is more valuable than the life of an animal. People who do not support animal testing are not compassionate. The animals are not being harmed in the medical testing process. Only undesirable animals are used for animal testing. Steps should be taken to save human lives whenever possible.
The life of a human is more valuable than the life of an animal. Steps should be taken to save human lives whenever possible.
A 55-year-old man went to see his doctor for a routine physical. The man's father had died from a heart attack at the age of 62, the man's older brother had died from a heart attack at age 63, and the man's grandfather had died from a heart attack at the age of 60. Therefore, the man inferred that he too could possibly die of a heart attach at a relatively young age based upon the assumption that genetic heart problems run in his family. Which one of the following statements would help evaluate the validity of this assumption? Select one.
The man's deceased relatives were heavy smokers; he does not smoke.
How would an elected official's point of view influence that official's approach to public education? Choose 2 answers: The elected official's desire to be re-elected may bring the official to adopt the minority view on how to support education. The elected official's desire to reach a balanced budget may influence the official to increase education funding. The official's desire to fund an expensive road-building project may influence the official to limit educational funding. The official's enthusiasm for sports may influence the official to support funding for education if it includes increased spending for athletic programs. The official's desire to raise educational achievement in public education may influence the official to cut funding for assessment in education.
The official's desire to fund an expensive road-building project may influence the official to limit educational funding. The official's enthusiasm for sports may influence the official to support funding for education if it includes increased spending for athletic programs.
The publisher of a profitable local outdoor magazine has just read an article submitted from a freelance writer. The article is about the decline of back-country skiing due to development, something that the readers of the magazine will be very interested in. However, many of the publisher's advertisers are developers, and the largest advertiser is a developer mentioned in the article. What one scenario demonstrates how bias might influence the approach to this article?
The publisher removes the specific mention of the developer and "softens" the tone of the article.
The editor of a newspaper is about to run a story that he knows will offend many readers in the community and many advertisers of the paper. The editor thinks the story is important, but the publisher is concerned about the backlash. The editor wants to use the elements of critical thinking to decide what to do. Based on this information, which elements of critical thinking should the editor consider while making the decision? Choose 3 answers.
The reliability of the information in the story. The consequences of running the story. The significance of the information in the story.
A downtown group of restaurants is lobbying the city to close a downtown street to cars along one city block in order to provide outdoor dining for its patrons. They present a business plan to the city council showing increased revenues for participating restaurants, increased parking revenues for the city along side streets, and an overall economic benefit for all of downtown. The source for the information on the business plan is a study done by an independent research group that did a study of 50 major cities that concluded that outdoor dining draws a significantly larger population to downtown areas and helps revitalize struggling downtown businesses. However, a residential neighborhood group is opposed to the idea because they believe it will create more noise and encourage drinking in their neighborhood. At the same city council meeting, the neighborhood group presented a petition signed by 1500 people living in the area who oppose the business plan presented by the restaurants, and who claim that people who dine outdoors tend to drink more and speak more loudly than when they dine indoors. Both groups are then interviewed by the local television station. The restaurant group claims that the neighborhood group is racist because one of the restaurants serves ethnic food. The neighborhood group claims that they were in the neighborhood prior to the restaurants getting there. Which of the following statements are true?
The restaurant group's presentation contains probable accuracy. Both groups' comments are irrelevant.
A senator in your state is attempting to get the motorcycle helmet law repealed because she believes in individual freedoms and minimal government interference for adults. However, a woman whose husband is on life-support from head injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet is arguing against this repeal. The woman is accusing the senator having no compassion or empathy for her situation. How does the senator's point of view influence her approach to this issue?
The senator's point of view values individual rights over possible injury.
A professor of English believes that the only way people become full citizens of a democracy, with all of the rights and responsibilities thereof, is to have a full command of reading comprehension skills, writing skills, and verbal communication skills. Why is this belief reasonable based on the standards of critical thinking?
The stated belief logically reflects the fundamental point of view of the field of study.
A history teacher has decided to use a multidisciplinary approach to curriculum for the upcoming year. How might the teacher have used the standards of critical thinking to make this decision?
The teacher considered the complexity of the learning environment.
A local school board is trying to decide whether to fund a new after-school reading program for struggling students. Which of the following sources would likely be relevant to the decision being made? Choose two answers.
The website of an educational company that sells reading curriculum products to schools and teachers. A study done by the U.S. Department of Education showing the effectiveness of after-school reading programs in 30 different school districts.
A motion in front of the city council in your city would increase the number of streetlights in your neighborhood. The neighbor to your south is appearing before the council to argue in favor of this motion. He would like your support. The neighbor to your north is appearing before the council to argue against this motion. She would also like your support. You have listened to both arguments from your neighbors and they both seem to make good points. You have decided to do a little research yourself before you reach a decision. Which of the following sources would be relevant to the decision you are making?
The website of the state chapter of a national astronomy association, which always argues against additional lighting. A study showing the latest crime statistics in your neighborhood, which are broken out by "time of day." The minutes from prior city council meetings discussing the issue and leading up to tonight's vote.
A charitable organization is suffering from decreased donations. The board of directors holds a meeting to address the problem; however, they cannot reach a consensus on how to address the problem. What critical thinking strategy might they adopt to help them make a decision?
They make a decision to gather more evidence about the causes of their decreased donations.
The city council of a small community is meeting to discuss a city ordinance that does not allow "chain restaurants" of any size within the city limits. A citizen who wants to open a popular fried chicken franchise is attempting to get the ordinance changed. A group called "locals only" that opposes the new chicken franchise says that if the ordinance is changed the town will lose its character, its uniqueness, and local citizens with food establishments will be forced out of business. Why might the reasoning of the "locals only" group be questioned?
They make assumptions about the desired character of a town. They make assumptions about the influence of the franchise. The assumptions made have not been shown to be valid.
A recent article in the New York Times stated that more than 1,200 deaths—1 in every 6—of the developmentally disabled in state and privately run group homes were due to unnatural or unknown causes. Investigators for the paper have been looking for causes for such a high death rate. What approaches might the investigators take if they were using the common factor method?
They might look for shared characteristics in the types of disabilities of the deceased. They might look for shared characteristics among the staff members caring for the deceased such as hours worked, years of experience, etc.
A city located in the western United States has been experiencing drought conditions for the past 10 years, but this year the area received record levels of precipitation. The city council has called for studies to be done on water levels, and the evidence shows that, while the ground water tables are up considerably, lake levels in the state are lower than their highest year, which occurred 12 years ago. The city has decided to implement water rationing policies at the beginning of the summer. Based upon the evidence, what reasoning did the city council use to form this solution? Summer temperatures are expected to be higher this year than last, requiring people to use more water. This year's precipitation has not eliminated the need for conservation. The evidence regarding rainfall cannot be relied upon. Water rationing is a logical public policy in the arid western United States. People have been complaining about their neighbors' excessive watering habits.
This year's precipitation has not eliminated the need for conservation.
You are researching the issue of death caused by prescription use among the elderly. You started out with the preconceived notion that the elderly go to too many doctors who are specialists, and each one prescribes medications without knowing the patient's full medical history. You are convinced that the blame can be placed squarely on the doctors who rush through appointments and don't ask the right questions with the elderly. All of the research you have found thus far supports your theory. Which of the following would help you determine whether you have sufficient evidence to arrive at some solutions to the problem?
Try to interview doctors who specialize in geriatric medicine to see if they agree with your theory. Continue your research in an effort to find other possible causes for the problem. Read case studies of those who have died from prescription drug use.
The methodology for compensating for non-discrimination related factors was not adequately documented.
Weakness
The outbreak data for produce does not distinguish between fresh, canned, and processed items.
Weakness
The primary objective of the study was to encourage policymakers to enact legislation that will increase food safety standards in the U.S.
Weakness
The purpose of the study was to encourage employers and lawmakers to make changes to close the gender gap.
Weakness
The study included estimates of aggregate economic losses including long-term pain and suffering losses and other "quality of life" losses.
Weakness
Which two questions would a student ask to apply critical thinking concepts to the study of psychology?
What are the main concepts of the field of psychology? What are the assumptions made about the field of psychology?
Which two questions would a student ask to apply critical thinking principles to the study of information technology?
What are the main types of information that professionals in this field use? What are some of the main questions that professionals within this field ask?
Which question requires critical thinking?
What are ways to help ensure that rainbows will continue to be visible in the future?
Which of the following problems has a solution that is widely accepted by experts?
What is the best medical approach for treating alcohol poisoning?
A group of students is working on a research project based on the topic of ethical animal care. They have decided that the first step is to clarify the problem they want to address. Which of the following is a question of judgment that clarifies the problem?
What is the best way to address the high number of unwanted pets?
Which of the following problems is a question of judgment that requires critical thinking? Select one.
What is the most effective and safest way to design a roadway system to achieve efficiency?
In light of having many students in the classroom who do not seem well prepared in the basics of good writing, a writing instructor has decided to redevelop the curriculum for freshman composition next semester. Which two questions should the teacher consider in order to employ the element of critical thinking in this problem?
What is the purpose of having basic good writing skills? What steps have my colleagues locally and nationally taken to address the issue?
A music teacher is trying to develop a new curriculum for piano students in a public school. The teacher wants to apply the elements of reasoning within critical thought to teaching piano in order to create the best possible curriculum. Which two questions should the teacher consider in order to apply the principles of critical thinking to this problem? Choose 2 answers: What is the purpose of music and piano playing? Are there enough pianos available for the students? Why do some people seem to have more musical talent than others? What are the most well-known types of piano in popular culture today? Which current teaching methods fulfill the ideals of piano instruction?
What is the purpose of music and piano playing? Which current teaching methods fulfill the ideals of piano instruction?
Which question describes a problem for which experts generally agree there is a single best solution?
What is the shortest route from New York to California by automobile?
Muscle mass of those participants in the upper age groups was comparable to those in the lower age groups.
evidence
The 70- and 80-year-old athletes were as strong as the 60-year-old athletes.
evidence
The scientists noted a drop-off in leg muscle strength around age 60.
evidence
There was little fat infiltration in the muscles of all participants.
evidence
This set of six questions pertain to the following research: A recent study on the gender wage gap presented the following information: Full-time working women in the U.S. are paid on average $10,622 less per year than their male counterparts. The majority of working mothers in the U.S. now bring in at least a quarter of their family's earnings. 14.5 million households nationwide are headed by women. Full-time working women are paid on average 77 cents for every dollar paid to full-time men. The gap has been closing at a rate of less than 1/2 cent per year since the passage of the 1963 Equal Pay Act. The longer women are out of college, the larger the gap. One year out of college, women made 80 percent of what their male counterparts made. Ten years out of college, women earned 69 percent of what their male counterparts made. Classify the statement below as a strength, a weakness, or neutral in regard to this report's potential for helping the reader understand the gender wage gap issue. The study was conducted by the National Partnership for Women and Families in conjunction with the American Association of University Women.
neutral
A recent study of 40 competitive runners, cyclists, and swimmers—male and female—between the ages of 40 and 81 published in the journal The Physician and Sports Medicine, yielded the following information: The measured muscle mass of those participants in the upper age groups was comparable to those in the lower age groups leading scientists to believe that losing muscle mass due to aging may not be inevitable. There was little fat infiltration in the muscles of all participants leading scientist to believe that the reduced function caused by aging may not be caused by aging at all but instead may be caused by inactivity. The scientists noted a drop-off in leg muscle strength around age 60 in both men and women. The 70- and 80-year-old athletes were as strong as the 60-year-old athletes. The weekly physical activity among the athletes was comparable. Whether the results will hold true for non-athletes or for those who may take up exercise in middle age is not clear. How much activity is required to maintain muscle mass is not known, but the researchers say that any activity is better than none. Determine whether each of the following statement represents evidence or reasoning in this situation: Losing muscle mass due to aging may not be inevitable.
reasoning
Reduced function may be caused by inactivity rather than by aging.
reasoning
Some activity is better than none.
reasoning
According to a recent study entitled, "Health-Related Costs from Foodborne Illness in the United States," published by the Produce Safety Project at Georgetown University, approximately 76 million new cases of food-related illness occur in the United States each year costing $152 billion. The following information was presented: One quarter of the cost, $39 billion, was associated with produce. At the time of the study, the U.S. had no nation-wide safety standards in place for the growing, harvesting, and packing of fresh fruits and vegetables. Food-related illnesses cause 5,000 deaths and 300,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year. The U.S. spends approximately $1 billion on food safety efforts and state governments spend an additional $300 million. Classify the following statement as a strength or weakness in regard to this report's potential for helping the reader understand the economic impact of food-related illnesses. The study included all known food-related pathogens.
strength
