NEDP Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?
- All mammals breathe air. Dolphins are mammals. Therefore, dolphins breathe air. (Correct answer)
- The sun rose yesterday and the day before, so it will probably rise tomorrow.
- Several students failed the test, so the whole class must have failed.
- Because it rained last Tuesday, it might rain again this Tuesday.
Correct answer: All mammals breathe air. Dolphins are mammals. Therefore, dolphins breathe air.
Deductive reasoning moves from general premises to a specific, logically certain conclusion.
Deductive reasoning starts with a general principle (premise) and applies it to reach a specific, guaranteed conclusion. If the premises are true and the logic is valid, the conclusion must be true. The other options are examples of inductive reasoning — drawing probable (but not guaranteed) conclusions from observations.
Question 2: A logical fallacy called 'false dilemma' presents a situation as if there are only two choices when there are actually more. Which statement is an example?
- 'You're either with us or against us — there's no middle ground.' (Correct answer)
- 'We tried option A; since it didn't work, let's consider other options.'
- 'Most experts agree this is the best approach.'
- 'Studies show that exercise improves mood.'
Correct answer: 'You're either with us or against us — there's no middle ground.'
The false dilemma forces a binary choice, ignoring the full spectrum of possible positions.
'You're either with us or against us' is a false dilemma — it ignores neutral positions, partial agreement, or context-dependent views. Recognizing this fallacy helps critical thinkers resist oversimplified arguments and consider the full range of options. This fallacy is common in political rhetoric and advertising.
Question 3: Which question strategy is most useful when trying to understand the root cause of a problem?
- Asking 'Why?' repeatedly until the underlying cause is identified (the '5 Whys' technique) (Correct answer)
- Asking 'Who is responsible?' to assign blame quickly
- Asking 'What is the fastest solution?' to save time
- Asking 'Has this happened before?' to compare history
Correct answer: Asking 'Why?' repeatedly until the underlying cause is identified (the '5 Whys' technique)
The '5 Whys' technique drills down past symptoms to identify the real root cause of a problem.
The 5 Whys is a root cause analysis technique: start with the problem, ask 'Why did this happen?', then ask 'Why?' again about each answer, repeating until you reach the underlying cause (typically after 5 iterations). It was popularized by Toyota and is widely used in manufacturing, healthcare, and business problem-solving.
Question 4: Which of the following is the best definition of 'evidence-based decision making'?
- Using reliable data and factual information as the primary basis for decisions (Correct answer)
- Basing decisions on the most recent news headlines
- Making decisions based on the opinion of the most senior person present
- Following gut instinct supported by personal experience only
Correct answer: Using reliable data and factual information as the primary basis for decisions
Evidence-based decisions rely on verified data and factual research rather than assumptions or opinion.
Evidence-based decision making (EBDM) involves systematically gathering relevant data, evaluating its quality and reliability, and using it as the primary input for decisions. This approach reduces bias and improves outcomes across fields from medicine to business management. It doesn't mean ignoring experience — but experience should be validated against objective evidence.
Question 5: What is 'lateral thinking'?
- Approaching problems creatively from unexpected angles rather than following conventional logic (Correct answer)
- Thinking about the problem from the perspective of the person to your left
- A method of thinking through one step at a time in sequence
- Revisiting past solutions to apply them to new problems
Correct answer: Approaching problems creatively from unexpected angles rather than following conventional logic
Lateral thinking (coined by Edward de Bono) involves creative, indirect approaches that break conventional patterns.
Lateral thinking, a term coined by Edward de Bono in 1967, refers to solving problems through an indirect, creative approach using reasoning that is not immediately obvious. It contrasts with vertical thinking (logical, step-by-step analysis). Techniques include random word association, provocation, and deliberately challenging assumptions.
Question 6: An employee receives two job offers: Job A pays more but requires long hours; Job B pays less but offers flexibility. Which problem-solving tool would help compare these options most systematically?
- A pros and cons list or decision matrix weighing each factor by importance (Correct answer)
- Flipping a coin to avoid overthinking
- Choosing the option recommended by a friend without analysis
- Selecting the first option presented
Correct answer: A pros and cons list or decision matrix weighing each factor by importance
A decision matrix allows you to weigh multiple factors (salary, hours, flexibility) by importance to reach a rational choice.
A decision matrix (or weighted pros and cons list) assigns importance scores to each criterion (e.g., salary weight = 3, flexibility weight = 5) and scores each option accordingly. This systematic approach surfaces the best option based on your actual priorities, rather than relying on gut feeling or convenience.
NEDP Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 2
Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?