CMAS CMAS Research and Critical Thinking Skills

Question 1

When evaluating a source for a research project, which question helps determine if it is reliable?

Accepted Answer

Is the source from a credible author or organization with expertise in the topic?

Answer

Is the source written in an interesting way?

Answer

Does the source agree with what you already believe?

Answer

Is the source the most recent one you found?

Question 2

Which type of source would be most reliable for a research report on the health effects of air pollution?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed article from a scientific journal

Answer

A social media post from an anonymous user

Answer

A television commercial for an air purifier

Answer

A blog post by a travel writer

Question 3

What does it mean to 'cite' a source in a research paper?

Accepted Answer

To give credit to the author or publication where information was obtained

Answer

To copy the source word for word into your paper

Answer

To argue against the information in a source

Answer

To summarize the source in one sentence only

Question 4

A student reads two articles about climate change: one from a government environmental agency and one from a fossil fuel company's website. How should the student approach these sources?

Accepted Answer

Consider the potential bias of each source and look for corroborating evidence from neutral parties

Answer

Trust both equally since all sources are equally valid

Answer

Reject both and find a third source instead

Answer

Only use the government source and ignore the company website entirely

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a fact rather than an opinion?

Accepted Answer

The Colorado River originates in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Answer

Colorado is the most beautiful state in the U.S.

Answer

Denver is the best city to live in the country.

Answer

Winter in Colorado is better than summer.

Question 6

When summarizing a nonfiction text for research, which approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Restate the main ideas in your own words without changing the meaning

Answer

Copy all important sentences directly from the text

Answer

Include every detail from every paragraph

Answer

Write only one word to represent the entire text