Problem Solving and Cognition Flashcards

A number sequence reads: 3, 6, 12, 24, ___. What is the next number?

Answer: 48

Each term is doubled, so 24 × 2 = 48.

If all Managers are Leaders, and some Leaders are Visionaries, which conclusion MUST be true?

Answer: Some Managers may be Visionaries

Since only 'some' Leaders are Visionaries, it is only possible—not certain—that some Managers are Visionaries.

A project has 4 tasks. Task B depends on Task A, Task C depends on Task B, and Task D can start anytime. What is the minimum number of tasks that must be completed before Task C can begin?

Answer: 2

Task C requires Task B to be done first, and Task B requires Task A, so exactly 2 tasks (A then B) must complete before C starts.

Which of the following is an example of inductive reasoning?

Answer: Every swan I have ever seen is white, so all swans are probably white

Inductive reasoning draws probable general conclusions from specific observations.

A store sells apples for $0.50 each and oranges for $0.75 each. Maria spends exactly $4.50 buying a total of 8 fruits. How many apples did she buy?

Answer: 3

Setting up equations: 0.5a + 0.75(8−a) = 4.50 solves to a = 3 apples.

You have limited time to solve a complex problem. Which strategy is generally MOST effective?

Answer: Break the problem into smaller sub-problems and prioritize

Decomposing a complex problem into sub-problems allows for efficient prioritization and faster progress under time constraints.

Which word does NOT belong with the others?

Answer: Anecdote

Hypothesis, theorem, and conjecture are all formal reasoned propositions, while an anecdote is a personal story or informal account.

In a logic puzzle, Anna is taller than Ben, and Ben is taller than Carl. Dan is shorter than Carl. Who is the tallest?

Answer: Anna

The chain Anna > Ben > Carl > Dan makes Anna the tallest.

A pattern alternates: Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle... What is the 17th shape?

Answer: Square

The cycle length is 3; 17 mod 3 = 2, which maps to the 2nd position — Square.

Three colleagues must finish a report. Alex writes 3 pages/hour, Beth writes 2 pages/hour, and Carlos writes 1 page/hour. If the report needs 36 pages, how many hours will it take working together?

Answer: 6 hours

Combined rate = 3+2+1 = 6 pages/hour; 36 ÷ 6 = 6 hours.

Which of the following best describes a 'false dichotomy' in reasoning?

Answer: Presenting only two options when more exist

A false dichotomy incorrectly frames a situation as having only two mutually exclusive options when other alternatives exist.

A manager notices that sales spike every time it rains. She concludes that rain causes people to buy more. What flaw exists in this reasoning?

Answer: Correlation is being mistaken for causation

Correlation between two variables does not prove one causes the other; a confounding factor (e.g., people shop indoors when it rains) may explain both.

If you rearrange the letters 'TRAMS', you can spell what common English word?

Answer: SMART

The letters T, R, A, M, S rearrange to spell SMART.

A cognitive bias where people favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs is called:

Answer: Confirmation bias

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms one's existing beliefs.

Find the missing number: 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, ___

Answer: 37

The differences are 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 — odd numbers increasing by 2 — so 26 + 11 = 37.

Which of these problems is best suited for a systematic elimination approach?

Answer: Choosing which of 5 candidates meets all job criteria

Elimination works best when there are defined criteria; ruling out candidates who fail criteria systematically narrows the field to the correct answer.

A train travels 120 miles in 2 hours. At the same speed, how long will it take to travel 300 miles?

Answer: 5 hours

Speed = 60 mph; 300 ÷ 60 = 5 hours.

When evaluating the strength of an argument, which factor is MOST important?

Answer: The credibility of the evidence supporting the claim

The quality and credibility of supporting evidence determines an argument's strength, not its length or delivery.

A box contains red, blue, and green balls in a 2:3:5 ratio. If there are 40 balls total, how many are green?

Answer: 20

Green represents 5 out of 10 ratio parts; 5/10 × 40 = 20 green balls.

Which thinking approach is most appropriate when a well-defined correct answer is known to exist?

Answer: Convergent thinking

Convergent thinking focuses and narrows options toward a single correct solution, ideal when one right answer exists.