Thinking and Problem Solving: Master Cognitive Processes for Nursing

Question 1

Which cognitive bias describes the tendency to favor vivid and emotionally charged information when making judgments?

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Anchoring bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 2

What is the term for representing and manipulating information in the mind without any observable physical actions?

Accepted Answer

Reasoning

Answer

Decision-making

Answer

Memory

Answer

Attention

Question 3

Which trait characterizes expert problem solvers?

Accepted Answer

Ability to break down problems into smaller steps

Answer

Heavy reliance on trial-and-error

Answer

Limited knowledge base

Answer

Inability to transfer knowledge to new situations

Question 4

What is the fallacy known as the tendency to assume that an event is more likely to happen because it has occurred frequently in the recent past?

Accepted Answer

Gambler's fallacy

Answer

Law of large numbers

Answer

Regression to the mean

Answer

Confirmation bias

Question 5

Which problem-solving technique encourages the generation of a wide range of ideas without judgment?

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming

Answer

Analogical reasoning

Answer

Mind mapping

Answer

Lateral thinking

Question 6

What is the process of dividing a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts called?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Abstraction

Answer

Generalization

Answer

Induction

Question 7

In nursing, the systematic approach to addressing patient concerns is known as:

Accepted Answer

Nursing process

Answer

Critical thinking

Answer

Problem-solving learning

Answer

Decision-making model

Question 8

In the context of decision-making, what is the term used to describe a mental representation of potential outcomes and their associated probabilities?

Accepted Answer

Decision matrix

Answer

Expected value

Answer

Utility function

Answer

Risk assessment

Question 9

Which of the following problem-solving methods involves decomposing a complex problem into smaller, more manageable units?

Accepted Answer

Means-ends analysis

Answer

Lateral thinking

Answer

Brainstorming

Answer

Trial and error

Question 10

What is the term for the cognitive process of transforming information to generate new ideas or insights?

Accepted Answer

Creative thinking

Answer

Critical thinking

Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 11

Which of the following is a cognitive bias known to influence decision-making by emphasizing readily available information?

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Framing effect

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 12

In the context of ethical decision-making, which principle prioritizes the greatest benefit for the majority?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Personalism

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Impulsive decision-making

Answer

Rational analysis

Answer

Consideration of emotions

Answer

Consultation with experts

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the problem-solving process?

Accepted Answer

Random guessing

Answer

Problem identification

Answer

Solution implementation

Answer

Idea selection

Question 15

Which of the following thinking styles is characterized by a focus on logical analysis and objective reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Analytical thinking

Answer

Creative thinking

Answer

Practical thinking

Answer

Intuitive thinking

Question 16

What is the name of the cognitive process in which we process information automatically, without conscious effort?

Accepted Answer

Unconscious processing

Answer

Conscious processing

Answer

Intuitive processing

Answer

Reflective processing

Question 17

What is the term for the ability to recognize patterns and connections in information that may not be immediately obvious?

Accepted Answer

Insight

Answer

Intuition

Answer

Deduction

Answer

Induction

Question 18

Which characteristic is NOT associated with divergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Narrow and focused mindset

Answer

Abundant production of ideas

Answer

Flexible thinking

Answer

Originality

Question 19

Which problem-solving strategy involves breaking a problem into more manageable parts?

Accepted Answer

Problem decomposition

Answer

Goal-oriented analysis

Answer

Forward progression

Answer

Backward sequencing

Question 20

Which theory emphasizes the organization of information into mental structures called schemas?

Accepted Answer

Schema theory

Answer

Gestalt theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Information theory

Question 21

Which component is NOT associated with metacognition?

Accepted Answer

Emotional regulation

Answer

Planning and strategy

Answer

Monitoring and regulation

Answer

Evaluation and reflection

Question 22

Which type of intelligence refers to the ability to think abstractly and reason logically?

Accepted Answer

Fluid intelligence

Answer

Crystallized intelligence

Answer

Practical intelligence

Answer

Emotional intelligence

Question 23

Which process involves using past experiences to guide current actions and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of learning

Answer

Generalization

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Conditioning

Question 24

Which factor is NOT typically considered in the context of problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Type of weather conditions

Answer

Way the problem is framed

Answer

Individual's cognitive style

Answer

Emotional state

Question 25

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Involves a clear and attainable goal

Answer

Requires a specific and known solution

Answer

Implies an effortless path to the solution

Answer

Is purely a logical process

Question 26

Which type of thinking excels in generating and evaluating multiple, novel solutions?

Accepted Answer

Divergent thinking

Answer

Convergent thinking

Answer

Analytical thinking

Answer

Critical thinking

Question 27

When following the scientific method to solve a problem, which step involves testing the proposed explanation?

Accepted Answer

Experimentation

Answer

Observation

Answer

Hypothesis formulation

Answer

Conclusion

Question 28

Which cognitive bias describes the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of events that are vivid and emotionally charged?

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Framing effect

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 29

In the decision-making process, what is the initial and fundamental step?

Accepted Answer

Defining the problem or opportunity

Answer

Identifying potential solutions

Answer

Evaluating alternatives

Answer

Implementing the chosen solution

Question 30

Which of the following is a characteristic of convergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Focuses on finding a single, correct solution.

Answer

Emphasizes generating diverse ideas.

Answer

Values originality and creativity.

Answer

Commonly used in brainstorming sessions.

Question 31

When faced with complex information, which cognitive strategy is used to simplify and summarize it for effective problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Chunking

Answer

Elaboration

Answer

Means-ends analysis

Question 32

Which cognitive process allows nurses to assess the effectiveness of their problem-solving approaches?

Accepted Answer

Metacognition

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Overconfidence bias

Question 33

In nursing, how can cognitive biases, like confirmation bias and groupthink, potentially harm the accuracy of clinical decisions?

Accepted Answer

By impairing the ability to consider multiple perspectives and evaluate evidence objectively

Answer

By encouraging a variety of perspectives and promoting critical thinking

Answer

By ensuring strict adherence to established protocols and guidelines

Answer

By reducing the likelihood of making diagnostic errors

Question 34

What is a defining feature of cognitive biases?

Accepted Answer

Influencing our perceptions and behaviors

Answer

Promoting logical decision-making

Answer

Relying solely on objective evidence

Answer

Always aiding in optimal decision-making

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT considered a critical thinking skill?

Accepted Answer

Memorization

Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Inference

Answer

Analysis

Question 36

The process of developing and assessing potential solutions to address a problem is known as:

Accepted Answer

Problem Solving

Answer

Decision Making

Answer

Reasoning

Answer

Cognitive Processing

Question 37

Which of the following is a crucial step in effective decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and evaluating all available options

Answer

Relying solely on intuition

Answer

Making a choice without considering potential consequences

Answer

Ignoring potential risks

Question 38

The ability to generate unique and unconventional ideas is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Divergent thinking

Answer

Convergent thinking

Answer

Analytical thinking

Answer

Critical thinking

Question 39

A systematic approach to problem-solving that involves breaking the problem into smaller, manageable steps is called:

Accepted Answer

Algorithm

Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Insight

Answer

Trial and error

Question 40

Which of the following is a characteristic of an effective problem-solver?

Accepted Answer

Persistence and resilience

Answer

Lack of creativity

Answer

Impulsivity

Answer

Pessimism

Question 41

The ability to apply knowledge and skills gained in one context to different situations is known as:

Accepted Answer

Transferable learning

Answer

Heuristic thinking

Answer

Problem finding

Answer

Cognitive flexibility

Question 42

Which of the following is a benefit of utilizing critical thinking skills in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes

Answer

Reduced workload

Answer

Guaranteed positive patient outcomes

Answer

Faster documentation

Question 43

The process of evaluating and reflecting upon the effectiveness of one's problem-solving strategies is known as:

Accepted Answer

Metacognition

Answer

Heuristic analysis

Answer

Cognitive reflection

Answer

Problem finding