FAST Critical Thinking and Decision Making 4

Question 1

A supervisor notices that every time a new employee joins the team, productivity drops for two weeks. She concludes that new employees cause productivity loss. What logical flaw does this reasoning contain?

Accepted Answer

Correlation is mistaken for causation

Answer

Observing that two things occur together does not prove one causes the other — a classic correlation-causation error.

Question 2

You must choose between Project A (guaranteed $50,000 gain) and Project B (60% chance of $100,000, 40% chance of $0). Which statement best describes the rational decision framework?

Accepted Answer

Project B has a higher expected value and may be preferred depending on risk tolerance

Answer

Expected value of B is $60,000 vs. $50,000 for A, but rational choice also weighs risk tolerance and context.

Question 3

A manager receives a report showing that sales declined in Q3. Before drawing conclusions, which type of information is most critical to obtain first?

Accepted Answer

Baseline or comparative data from prior periods and industry trends

Answer

Without comparative context, a single data point cannot indicate whether the decline is unusual or significant.

Question 4

An analyst argues: 'Our top competitor lowered prices, so we must lower ours too.' Which critical thinking error is most evident?

Accepted Answer

False dilemma — assuming only one response is possible

Answer

Assuming price-cutting is the only valid response ignores alternatives like improving value, targeting new segments, or differentiating the product.

Question 5

During a group decision meeting, every team member quickly agrees with the leader's first proposal without raising concerns. This phenomenon is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Groupthink occurs when the desire for group harmony suppresses critical evaluation and dissenting views.

(FAST) Future Aptitude Selection Tool Practice Test

(FAST) Future Aptitude Selection Tool Practice Test

FAST Critical Thinking and Decision Making 4