Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Recognizing Bias in Reasoning

Question 1

A researcher selects only studies that support their hypothesis and ignores all contradictory evidence when writing a report. This behavior most clearly illustrates which type of bias?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Confirmation bias involves selectively seeking or accepting information that supports one's pre-existing beliefs while discounting contrary evidence.

Question 2

A news report concludes that a new policy is unpopular based solely on interviews conducted outside one political party's headquarters. Which bias most undermines this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias

Answer

Selection bias occurs when the sample used is not representative of the broader population, skewing the conclusions drawn.

Question 3

A candidate is told the typical salary for a role is $70,000 before negotiating and ends up anchoring all their counteroffers close to that figure. This best demonstrates which cognitive bias?

Accepted Answer

Anchoring bias

Answer

Anchoring bias describes the tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions.

Question 4

Without knowing the circumstances, a manager concludes that an employee who arrived late is irresponsible and lazy. This is a classic example of which reasoning error?

Accepted Answer

Fundamental attribution error

Answer

The fundamental attribution error involves over-attributing others' behavior to their character while underweighting situational factors.

Question 5

A politician states: 'Either you support this bill entirely, or you are against economic progress.' Which form of biased reasoning does this statement exemplify?

Accepted Answer

False dichotomy

Answer

A false dichotomy presents only two options as if no alternatives exist, forcing a choice between extremes when middle positions are possible.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Recognizing Bias in Reasoning