Thinking and Problem Solving: Enhance Your Cognitive Skills

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Emotional regulation

Answer

Problem identification

Answer

Strategy selection

Answer

Solution evaluation

Question 2

According to Gestalt theory, which aspect is critical for effective problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Perceiving the problem as a holistic entity

Answer

Decomposing the problem into smaller parts

Answer

Applying a systematic step-by-step approach

Answer

Employing trial-and-error methods to find solutions

Question 3

Which cognitive process is involved in identifying patterns and regularities in the environment?

Accepted Answer

Induction

Answer

Deduction

Answer

Abduction

Answer

Inference

Question 4

Which of the following is not a recognized cognitive bias that can hinder decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Empathy bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Optimism bias

Question 5

Concept formation primarily entails:

Accepted Answer

Grouping objects based on shared attributes

Answer

Creating mental representations of events and objects

Answer

Reasoning logically about concepts' relationships

Answer

Applying rules to solve problems

Question 6

Reasoning involves:

Accepted Answer

Both (a) and (c)

Answer

Drawing conclusions based on information

Answer

Making predictions based on prior experiences

Answer

Solving problems using logical principles

Question 7

Concept formation involves:

Accepted Answer

Categorizing objects based on their perceived similarities and differences

Answer

Using mental representations to solve problems

Answer

Making decisions based on probabilities

Answer

Storing and retrieving information from memory

Question 8

The process of testing hypotheses and gathering evidence to support or refute them is known as:

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis testing

Answer

Analogical reasoning

Answer

Decision-making

Answer

Cognitive mapping

Question 9

The cognitive mechanism allowing us to draw logical conclusions from given statements is:

Accepted Answer

Deduction

Answer

Induction

Answer

Analogy

Answer

Syllogism

Question 10

The tendency to heavily rely on the first piece of information received is known as:

Accepted Answer

Anchoring bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Representativeness heuristic

Question 11

In analogical reasoning, the process of mapping similarities between two different domains is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Structure mapping

Answer

Analogical transfer

Answer

Surface matching

Answer

Cross-domain correspondence

Question 12

The cognitive mechanism allowing us to generate innovative ideas is:

Accepted Answer

Divergent thinking

Answer

Convergent thinking

Answer

Analytical thinking

Answer

Critical thinking

Question 13

Heuristics are mental shortcuts that can be used to solve problems:

Accepted Answer

Quickly and efficiently

Answer

Always lead to optimal solutions

Answer

Are based on logical reasoning

Answer

Require a lot of computational power

Question 14

Divergent thinking is a cognitive process that involves:

Accepted Answer

Generating multiple solutions

Answer

Evaluating ideas critically

Answer

Analyzing problems systematically

Answer

Making logical deductions

Question 15

The process of using existing knowledge to solve new problems is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Analogical reasoning

Answer

Inductive reasoning

Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Abstract reasoning

Question 16

Cognitive dissonance is a state of psychological discomfort that occurs when individuals hold:

Accepted Answer

Conflicting beliefs

Answer

Consistent beliefs

Answer

Unrelated beliefs

Answer

Irrational beliefs

Question 17

What is the key difference between implicit and explicit problem-solving strategies?

Accepted Answer

Implicit strategies rely on past experiences, while explicit strategies use logical reasoning.

Answer

Implicit strategies are conscious, while explicit strategies are automatic.

Answer

Implicit strategies are better for complex problems, while explicit strategies are better for simple problems.

Answer

Implicit strategies are always less effective than explicit strategies.

Question 18

Which type of reasoning involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Analogical reasoning

Answer

Hypothetical reasoning

Question 19

The availability heuristic is a cognitive bias where individuals tend to overestimate the probability of events that are:

Accepted Answer

Easily imaginable

Answer

Statistically likely

Answer

Personally relevant

Answer

Logically sound

Question 20

According to Vygotsky's social constructivist theory, the zone of proximal development refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Range of tasks a learner can perform with assistance but not independently

Answer

Range of tasks a learner can perform independently

Answer

Difference between a learner's actual and potential developmental level

Answer

Range of tasks that are too challenging for a learner

Question 21

A characteristic of divergent thinking is the ability to:

Accepted Answer

Generate multiple and varied ideas

Answer

Focus on finding a single correct answer

Answer

Use logical reasoning to reach conclusions

Answer

Follow a structured and linear approach

Question 22

Which of the following is a top-down approach to problem-solving that involves decomposing a large problem into smaller, manageable ones?

Accepted Answer

Goal decomposition

Answer

Means-end analysis

Answer

Analogy

Answer

Trial and error

Question 23

Which of the following is a decision-making heuristic that involves choosing the option that meets a minimum level of acceptability?

Accepted Answer

Satisficing

Answer

Optimization

Answer

Elimination by aspects

Answer

Anchoring

Question 24

The cognitive tendency to seek out information that supports our existing beliefs is known as:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Disconfirmation bias

Answer

Neutral bias

Answer

Ambiguity bias

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT one of the key stages in the typical problem-solving process?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation

Answer

Preparation

Answer

Implementation

Answer

Verification

Question 26

The cognitive tendency to make judgments based on information that is readily available in memory is known as:

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Representative heuristic

Answer

Anchoring heuristic

Answer

Framing effect

Question 27

Which of the following is a type of reasoning that involves drawing conclusions from specific observations to make a general statement?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Analogical reasoning

Answer

Abductive reasoning

Question 28

The ability to shift perspectives and consider problems from multiple angles is known as:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive flexibility

Answer

Working memory

Answer

Problem-solving ability

Answer

Creativity

Question 29

Deductive reasoning involves drawing conclusions from:

Accepted Answer

General statements to specific examples

Answer

Specific examples to general statements

Answer

Hypotheses to empirical observations

Answer

Empirical observations to hypotheses

Question 30

Which cognitive bias leads **most** to overconfidence in one's own abilities?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Framing effect

Question 31

According to the Sternberg Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, which type of intelligence involves the ability to apply knowledge to practical situations?

Accepted Answer

Practical intelligence

Answer

Analytical intelligence

Answer

Creative intelligence

Answer

Emotional intelligence

Question 32

Which of the following is **not** a key component of problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining focus

Answer

Problem representation

Answer

Strategy selection

Answer

Evaluation of solutions

Question 33

In decision-making under uncertainty, which decision criterion aims to maximize the expected value of the outcome?

Accepted Answer

Hurwicz criterion

Answer

Maximin criterion

Answer

Maximax criterion

Answer

Savage criterion

Question 34

Which of the following is **not** an example of a mental set?

Accepted Answer

Being open to considering multiple perspectives

Answer

Focusing on a single solution to a problem

Answer

Using a familiar strategy even when it's not optimal

Answer

Assuming that a problem cannot be solved

Question 35

Which of the following is **not** a goal of cognitive psychology?

Accepted Answer

To diagnose and treat mental disorders

Answer

To understand the mental processes involved in cognition

Answer

To develop practical applications of psychological research

Answer

To predict human behavior in different situations

Question 36

According to the information-processing model, which of the following is the first stage of memory?

Accepted Answer

Encoding

Answer

Storage

Answer

Retrieval

Answer

Recall

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a recognized stage of concept formation?

Accepted Answer

Syllogistic reasoning

Answer

Identification of attributes

Answer

Abstraction

Answer

Induction

Question 38

Deductive reasoning primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Drawing general conclusions from specific premises

Answer

Generating new ideas through creative thinking

Answer

Making decisions based on empirical evidence

Answer

Formulating hypotheses from observations

Question 39

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of divergent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Generating a wide range of ideas

Answer

Focusing on finding a single correct answer

Answer

Applying logical reasoning to solve problems

Answer

Evaluating ideas critically before implementation

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT an effective strategy for improving problem-solving skills?

Accepted Answer

Giving up easily when faced with challenges

Answer

Brainstorming to generate multiple ideas

Answer

Breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps

Answer

Seeking feedback to refine and improve solutions

Question 41

Which cognitive tactic entails breaking a complex problem into smaller, more manageable units?

Accepted Answer

Divide and conquer

Answer

Means-end analysis

Answer

Heuristic approach

Answer

Trial and error

Question 42

Which reasoning type involves inferring conclusions from particular observations?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Analogical reasoning

Answer

Hypothetical reasoning

Question 43

What term describes a cognitive shortcut that can lead to biased or inaccurate decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Heuristic

Answer

Algorithm

Answer

Bias

Answer

Cognitive illusion

Question 44

What term describes the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of events based on their cognitive accessibility?

Accepted Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Representativeness heuristic

Answer

Anchoring bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 45

According to the cognitive theory of problem-solving developed by Newell and Simon, what is the role of 'operators' in the problem-space?

Accepted Answer

Actions that can be applied to transform the current state of the problem

Answer

Mental representations of the problem's initial state

Answer

Strategies for evaluating potential solutions

Answer

Goals that guide the problem-solving process

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a common heuristic used in decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Logical reasoning

Answer

Representativeness heuristic

Answer

Anchoring heuristic

Answer

Availability heuristic

Question 47

What is the fundamental distinction between deductive and inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning proceeds from general premises to specific conclusions, while inductive reasoning proceeds from specific observations to general conclusions.

Answer

Inductive reasoning is more reliable than deductive reasoning.

Answer

Deductive reasoning is used to generate hypotheses, while inductive reasoning is used to test hypotheses.

Answer

Deductive reasoning is more commonly employed in everyday life than inductive reasoning.

Question 48

What is the primary objective of metacognition?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring and regulating one's own cognitive processes

Answer

Developing novel problem-solving strategies

Answer

Evaluating the effectiveness of decision-making

Answer

Enhancing memory and learning abilities

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of expert problem-solvers?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on trial-and-error approaches

Answer

Deep knowledge and expertise in the relevant domain

Answer

Ability to recognize patterns and anomalies

Answer

Efficient utilization of cognitive resources

Question 50

Which of the following is a prominent theoretical approach to concept formation that emphasizes the role of central tendency?

Accepted Answer

Prototype Theory

Answer

Exemplar Theory

Answer

Information-Processing Theory

Answer

Gestalt Theory

Question 51

Which of the following strategies is commonly employed in problem-solving to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps?

Accepted Answer

Means-ends analysis

Answer

Trial and error

Answer

Working backwards

Answer

Algorithm-based logical derivation

Question 52

Which cognitive bias refers to the tendency to rely on easily accessible information, even if it is not representative or accurate?

Accepted Answer

Availability Heuristic

Answer

Framing Effect

Answer

Hindsight Bias

Answer

Confirmation Bias

Question 53

The ability to visualize and manipulate mental representations of objects and scenarios is known as:

Accepted Answer

Mental imagery

Answer

Metacognition

Answer

Problem-solving

Answer

Reasoning

Question 54

The stage in the problem-solving process that involves assessing the feasibility of possible solutions is:

Accepted Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Planning

Answer

Action

Answer

Verification

Question 55

The ability to reflect on and regulate one's own thinking processes is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Metacognition

Answer

Self-awareness

Answer

Cognitive control

Answer

Mindfulness