Critical Thinking & Decision Making Flashcards

A coworker proposes a fix based on a single past experience. How should you critically evaluate it?

Answer: Consider whether the current situation truly matches the past one and check supporting evidence

A solution from one past case is only valid if the conditions match and evidence supports it.

Which is the strongest sign that you have found a root cause rather than a symptom?

Answer: Addressing it prevents the problem from recurring

A true root-cause fix stops the problem from coming back.

You have two data sources with different conclusions and limited time. What is the most rational action?

Answer: Identify which source is more reliable for this situation and weight your decision accordingly

Weighting the more reliable source leads to a more rational decision than guessing.

Why should assumptions be stated explicitly when solving a problem?

Answer: Stating them lets you test whether they hold and avoid hidden errors

Making assumptions explicit allows them to be tested and prevents hidden flawed reasoning.

A decision must be made with incomplete information. What is the best critical-thinking response?

Answer: Make the best reasoned choice from available evidence while managing the risk

Reasoning from the best available evidence while managing risk is better than refusing to act.

Which scenario best demonstrates evaluating trade-offs?

Answer: Choosing a slightly slower method because it is far safer and more reliable

Accepting a small downside for a large gain in safety and reliability is evaluating trade-offs.

After implementing a fix, why is follow-up monitoring important?

Answer: It confirms the fix worked and catches any new issues it may have introduced

Follow-up monitoring verifies the fix held and detects any side effects it caused.