Q.1 Which of the following best defines 'thinking' in cognitive psychology?
A process of storing information
A process of solving problems, making decisions, and forming concepts
A process of sensing the environment
A process of reflexive action
Explanation - Thinking involves mental processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, reasoning, and forming concepts.
Correct answer is: A process of solving problems, making decisions, and forming concepts
Q.2 What is the term for a mental shortcut that allows people to solve problems quickly but sometimes leads to errors?
Algorithm
Heuristic
Deduction
Convergent thinking
Explanation - Heuristics are efficient problem-solving strategies that often involve shortcuts but can sometimes lead to biases or errors.
Correct answer is: Heuristic
Q.3 Which type of thinking involves generating multiple solutions to a problem?
Divergent thinking
Convergent thinking
Critical thinking
Abstract thinking
Explanation - Divergent thinking is the ability to generate many possible solutions to an open-ended problem.
Correct answer is: Divergent thinking
Q.4 Which of the following is an example of convergent thinking?
Brainstorming ideas for a story
Solving a multiple-choice math problem
Drawing multiple interpretations of a painting
Inventing a new game
Explanation - Convergent thinking involves narrowing down multiple possibilities to find a single correct answer.
Correct answer is: Solving a multiple-choice math problem
Q.5 Which cognitive bias involves relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered?
Anchoring bias
Confirmation bias
Availability heuristic
Hindsight bias
Explanation - Anchoring bias occurs when people rely on the first piece of information (the 'anchor') to make decisions.
Correct answer is: Anchoring bias
Q.6 Which stage of problem-solving involves identifying the difference between the current state and the goal?
Preparation
Incubation
Problem definition
Verification
Explanation - Problem definition is the initial stage where the problem is understood and clearly defined.
Correct answer is: Problem definition
Q.7 What is functional fixedness?
The tendency to perceive objects only in their traditional use
The ability to generate multiple solutions
The use of mental shortcuts
A stage in problem-solving
Explanation - Functional fixedness limits a person's ability to use objects creatively for solving problems.
Correct answer is: The tendency to perceive objects only in their traditional use
Q.8 Which type of reasoning starts from general principles and reaches a specific conclusion?
Inductive reasoning
Deductive reasoning
Analogical reasoning
Lateral thinking
Explanation - Deductive reasoning applies general rules to specific cases to reach logically certain conclusions.
Correct answer is: Deductive reasoning
Q.9 Inductive reasoning is characterized by:
Starting with specific observations and forming general conclusions
Starting with general rules and applying them to specifics
Using trial and error
Using only creative imagination
Explanation - Inductive reasoning involves observing patterns or examples and drawing general principles.
Correct answer is: Starting with specific observations and forming general conclusions
Q.10 The 'availability heuristic' is based on:
The ease with which examples come to mind
Following step-by-step procedures
Confirming pre-existing beliefs
Comparing problems with similar ones
Explanation - People estimate the likelihood of events based on how easily instances are recalled, which may lead to bias.
Correct answer is: The ease with which examples come to mind
Q.11 Which type of thinking is most important for innovation and creativity?
Divergent thinking
Convergent thinking
Concrete thinking
Logical thinking
Explanation - Divergent thinking encourages generating multiple, novel solutions, fostering creativity.
Correct answer is: Divergent thinking
Q.12 Which of the following is a step in the problem-solving process?
Defining the problem
Ignoring irrelevant information
Following only intuition
Avoiding alternative solutions
Explanation - Defining the problem clearly is the first and critical step in effective problem-solving.
Correct answer is: Defining the problem
Q.13 Mental set in thinking refers to:
Approaching problems in a familiar way, even if better solutions exist
Sudden realization of a solution
Using heuristics to simplify problems
Breaking a problem into smaller parts
Explanation - Mental set can restrict flexibility and creativity in problem-solving.
Correct answer is: Approaching problems in a familiar way, even if better solutions exist
Q.14 Which problem-solving method involves trying all possible solutions until one works?
Trial and error
Algorithm
Heuristic
Analogical reasoning
Explanation - Trial and error is a basic method where various solutions are attempted until success is achieved.
Correct answer is: Trial and error
Q.15 Insight in thinking is best described as:
A sudden realization of a problem's solution
Step-by-step reasoning
Relying on a mental shortcut
Following learned rules
Explanation - Insight often occurs suddenly when a new perspective or understanding emerges.
Correct answer is: A sudden realization of a problem's solution
Q.16 Which of the following is an example of analogical reasoning?
Solving a new problem using the solution of a similar past problem
Using trial and error to find a solution
Applying general rules to a specific case
Listing all possible solutions systematically
Explanation - Analogical reasoning transfers knowledge from one context to a similar new context.
Correct answer is: Solving a new problem using the solution of a similar past problem
Q.17 Which type of thinking is characterized by practical, everyday problem-solving?
Concrete thinking
Abstract thinking
Critical thinking
Creative thinking
Explanation - Concrete thinking focuses on direct, practical, and tangible problem-solving.
Correct answer is: Concrete thinking
Q.18 Confirmation bias can affect thinking by:
Leading individuals to seek evidence that supports their existing beliefs
Encouraging consideration of all evidence equally
Enhancing creativity
Facilitating divergent thinking
Explanation - Confirmation bias causes people to favor information confirming their preconceptions, affecting objectivity.
Correct answer is: Leading individuals to seek evidence that supports their existing beliefs
Q.19 Lateral thinking involves:
Approaching problems indirectly and creatively
Following traditional step-by-step methods
Using only logical rules
Applying known formulas
Explanation - Lateral thinking encourages thinking outside the box to generate novel solutions.
Correct answer is: Approaching problems indirectly and creatively
Q.20 The term 'heuristic' is most closely related to:
Rule-of-thumb problem-solving strategies
Systematic algorithms
Insightful solutions
Fixed mental patterns
Explanation - Heuristics are practical shortcuts that simplify decision-making and problem-solving.
Correct answer is: Rule-of-thumb problem-solving strategies
Q.21 Which phenomenon describes the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of events based on vivid memories?
Availability heuristic
Anchoring bias
Confirmation bias
Functional fixedness
Explanation - The availability heuristic occurs when people judge probabilities based on how easily examples come to mind.
Correct answer is: Availability heuristic
Q.22 Which type of thinking is essential for logical reasoning and problem verification?
Convergent thinking
Divergent thinking
Creative thinking
Emotional thinking
Explanation - Convergent thinking focuses on finding the single correct solution, which is essential for logical reasoning.
Correct answer is: Convergent thinking
Q.23 Which stage in creative problem-solving involves setting the problem aside to allow subconscious processing?
Incubation
Preparation
Verification
Insight
Explanation - Incubation allows the mind to unconsciously process the problem, often leading to insight later.
Correct answer is: Incubation
Q.24 Which of the following best illustrates 'abstract thinking'?
Understanding the concept of justice without referring to a specific case
Memorizing a list of numbers
Following a recipe step-by-step
Copying a drawing
Explanation - Abstract thinking involves reasoning about concepts, principles, and ideas beyond tangible objects.
Correct answer is: Understanding the concept of justice without referring to a specific case