Question 1

A cognitive bias is

Accepted Answer

A cognitive bias is a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, where individuals create their own "subjective reality" from their perception of the input. This leads to illogical or erroneous decisions and judgments.

Question 2

Major decisions are seldom reversible.
If you select the wrong alternative, you should attempt to reverse course and reconsider your options.

Accepted Answer

Many major decisions, while potentially difficult and costly to reverse, are not absolutely irreversible. It's often possible to change course and explore other options if the initial decision proves to be wrong.

Question 3

When weighing a decision, you should assume all outcomes have an equal probability of occurring.
Some outcomes are far more likely than others. Make a rough estimate of the likelihood that an outcome will come to pass, ranging from 100 percent (certainty) to 0 percent (impossibility).

Accepted Answer

Not all outcomes have an equal probability of occurring; it's important to assess and weigh the likelihood of different outcomes based on evidence, logic, and other relevant factors.

Question 4

When you work backward, you

Accepted Answer

Working backward involves starting with the desired solution and then taking steps in reverse to understand how to reach that solution, effectively moving away from the goal to find the starting point or process.

Question 5

Every problem has a clear-cut solution.
Not every problem has a clear-cut solution. Sometimes we need to be satisfied with a degree of uncertainty and ambiguity.

Accepted Answer

Many problems, especially complex or abstract ones, do not have clear-cut solutions and may require nuanced, multifaceted approaches or acceptance of uncertainty.

Question 6

Which of the following is an opinion?

Accepted Answer

Choice C is an opinion because it states a subjective belief that success in the NBA for centers is contingent upon attending Georgetown University or another top basketball program, rather than presenting an objective fact.

Question 7

"All college students who drink beer make less than a 4.0 G.P.A. It is obvious then that drinking beer lowers a student's grades." The person who made this statement believes that

Accepted Answer

The statement assumes that because there is a correlation between college students who drink beer and those who make less than a 4.0 GPA, the act of drinking beer causes the lower GPA. This is a classic example of assuming that correlation (a relationship between two variables) proves causation (one variable causing the other to occur).

Question 8

In assessing alternatives, it is useful to compare them by taking into account their potential outcomes.
By comparing potential outcomes, your decision will be easier, but not necessarily easy.

Accepted Answer

Comparing potential outcomes of alternatives helps in understanding the implications of each choice, making the decision-making process more informed and structured, though it may still involve complexities and challenges.

Question 9

Having fewer alternatives to choose from makes it easier to reach the right decision.
After you have generated as many alternatives as you can, then you can go back and sift out the reasonable ones from the wacky ones.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Having fewer alternatives to choose from makes...

Question 10

When alternatives seem equally positive or negative to you, it might be a good idea to take some time making your decision.
Sometimes waiting can help. Time can give you a chance to think of additional alternatives.

Accepted Answer

Taking time to make a decision when alternatives seem equally positive or negative allows for the consideration of additional options and perspectives, potentially leading to a more informed choice.

Question 11

Using simple common sense can be very helpful in making decisions.
Common sense often presents us with contradictory advice, making it a less-than-useful guide.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using simple common sense can be very...

Question 12

Once you effectively solve your problem you should

Accepted Answer

Reflecting on the problem-solving process helps you understand what strategies worked, which can improve future problem-solving skills.

Question 13

An example of an absolute statement is:

Accepted Answer

Absolute statements are those that do not allow for exceptions or variations. "Everyone has seen Mary Poppins" is an absolute statement because it implies there are no exceptions.

Question 14

Many local police forces are taking steps to eliminate racial profiling-the practice of stopping drivers only on the basis of their race or ethnicity. The racial profiling problem might be eliminated if

Accepted Answer

Racial profiling is reduced when police officers do not make assumptions about individuals based on their race or ethnicity, focusing instead on behavior or evidence.

Question 15

When making a decision, asking others for advice is not a recommended strategy.
Although our society teaches the virtues of individualism, asking a friend, instructor, parent, or counselor for advice can provide helpful recommendations.

Accepted Answer

Asking others for advice can be beneficial as it provides different perspectives, insights, and recommendations that might not have been considered otherwise. It is a recommended strategy for making informed decisions.

Question 16

When you break your problem down into small, manageable pieces you

Accepted Answer

Breaking a problem down into smaller, manageable pieces allows you to reach subgoals, which gets you closer to your overall goal of solving the problem. This approach is a fundamental strategy in problem-solving, making complex issues more approachable by tackling them one step at a time.

Question 17

An analogy is

Accepted Answer

An analogy is a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification, highlighting similarities and sometimes differences.

Question 18

Comparing two concepts or objects that have both similarities and differences is referred to as

Accepted Answer

An analogy is a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification, highlighting similarities and sometimes differences.

Question 19

Laura is the only first-year student in her sorority who does not have a date for Saturday night. "I'm just a loser," she tells her mother over the telephone. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

Laura's statement is an example of circular reasoning because she is labeling herself a "loser" based on the single fact that she does not have a date, without considering other explanations or the situation's context. Circular reasoning occurs when the conclusion of an argument is assumed in one of the premises.

Question 20

A limitation, blind spot, or mistake in thinking that leads to illogical or erroneous decisions is referred to as

Accepted Answer

A cognitive bias is a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, where individuals create their own "subjective reality" from their perception of the input. This leads to illogical or erroneous decisions.

Quiz 10: Making Good Decisions

A cognitive bias is

Major decisions are seldom reversible. If you select the wrong alternative, you should attempt to reverse course and reconsider your options.

When weighing a decision, you should assume all outcomes have an equal probability of occurring. Some outcomes are far more likely than others. Make a rough estimate of the likelihood that an outcome will come to pass, ranging from 100 percent (certainty) to 0 percent (impossibility).

When you work backward, you

Every problem has a clear-cut solution. Not every problem has a clear-cut solution. Sometimes we need to be satisfied with a degree of uncertainty and ambiguity.

Which of the following is an opinion?

"All college students who drink beer make less than a 4.0 G.P.A. It is obvious then that drinking beer lowers a student's grades." The person who made this statement believes that

In assessing alternatives, it is useful to compare them by taking into account their potential outcomes. By comparing potential outcomes, your decision will be easier, but not necessarily easy.

Having fewer alternatives to choose from makes it easier to reach the right decision. After you have generated as many alternatives as you can, then you can go back and sift out the reasonable ones from the wacky ones.

When alternatives seem equally positive or negative to you, it might be a good idea to take some time making your decision. Sometimes waiting can help. Time can give you a chance to think of additional alternatives.

Using simple common sense can be very helpful in making decisions. Common sense often presents us with contradictory advice, making it a less-than-useful guide.