Explanation Skills Flashcards

A researcher concludes that a new drug reduces anxiety. To justify this conclusion, which element of an explanation is most critical to present?

Answer: The mechanism by which the drug affects neurotransmitters

A sound explanation requires identifying the mechanism or causal pathway that connects the drug to the observed reduction in anxiety.

Which of the following best exemplifies 'justifying a procedure' as an explanation skill on the CCTST?

Answer: Providing reasons why a specific method was the most appropriate choice

Justifying a procedure means providing reasons that demonstrate why the chosen method was appropriate, not just describing what was done.

A student argues: 'We should switch to renewable energy because the sun always rises.' What is the primary explanatory flaw in this argument?

Answer: The premise does not logically connect to or support the conclusion

The flaw is a lack of logical connection — the sun rising is a true fact but does not explain why switching to renewable energy is warranted.

When presenting the results of an experiment, a scientist says: 'The plants grew faster, probably because of the fertilizer, though soil temperature also varied.' This statement best illustrates:

Answer: Acknowledgment of alternative explanatory factors

Acknowledging that soil temperature also varied shows awareness of alternative explanations, which is a key component of good explanation skills.

Which of the following is the clearest example of 'stating results' as part of the explanation process?

Answer: Presenting the data or findings obtained from an inquiry without added inference

Stating results means reporting what was actually found or observed, distinct from interpretation or prediction.

A city planner explains a decision to build a new highway by citing traffic data, cost-benefit analyses, and environmental impact reports. This explanation is strong primarily because:

Answer: It is supported by multiple independent lines of evidence

Using multiple independent lines of evidence strengthens an explanation by reducing the chance that any single flawed data source drives the conclusion.

In critical thinking, 'defending a position' differs from 'explaining a conclusion' primarily because defending a position:

Answer: Focuses on anticipating and responding to counterarguments

Defending a position specifically involves addressing objections and counterarguments, whereas explaining a conclusion focuses on presenting reasoning and evidence.