Power Learning 9e Chapter 10: Making Good Decisions

Comprehensive flashcards covering Chapter 10 of Power Learning 9e on decision making, problem-solving strategies, critical thinking principles, cognitive biases, and metacognition.

What is the definition of decision making?

The process of deciding between various options.

What five key qualities of good decision making reflect critical thinking?

Clarity (communicating ideas clearly), Precision (being specific and careful), Accuracy (using correct information), Consistency (reasoning fits together logically), and Impartiality & Fairness (being open-minded and avoiding bias).

What are assumptions?

Beliefs or ideas we accept as true without clear evidence.

How is bias defined?

When a decision is influenced by feelings, habits, or other people rather than by facts or careful thinking.

What is the first step of the P.O.W.E.R. decision-making process (Prepare)?

Identify your goals, keeping both short-term and long-term goals in mind.

In the P.O.W.E.R. process, what are the key steps involved in assessing alternatives (Organize)?

Determine the possible outcomes of each alternative, determine the probability that those outcomes will take place, and compare the alternatives taking potential outcomes into account.

How is freewriting used to generate alternative solutions?

Writing continuously for $5$ to $10\text{ minutes}$ to brainstorm about a topic on paper or a computer.

What responsibilities are involved in carrying out a decision during the 'Work' stage of the P.O.W.E.R. process?

Committing to your choice, accepting responsibility for the outcome, and being ready to adjust if new information appears.

What is the focus of the 'Evaluate' step in the P.O.W.E.R. decision-making process?

Considering the results and outcomes, asking if you made the right decision, and re-evaluating or considering alternatives if you are not happy with your initial decision.

What questions should you ask yourself during the 'Rethink' step of the P.O.W.E.R. process?

Are my decisions still producing the desired consequences? Are they still appropriate? Are they consistent with what I want to get out of life? Do they fit with my personal mission statement?

What is problem solving?

The process of generating alternatives to work on.

What are the six steps of the problem-solving process?

1. Identify & analyze, 2. Brainstorm solutions, 3. Evaluate options, 4. Implement & commit, 5. Assess results, and 6. Apply learning.

What does the problem-solving strategy of 'working backward' involve?

Starting with the final goal and planning the steps needed to reach it.

What is the problem-solving technique known as 'Mindspin'?

Sharing your idea with someone else to spark new ways of thinking.

How does 'considering the opposite' function as a problem-solving strategy?

Thinking about what not to do in order to clarify the right approach.

What is critical thinking?

The ability to analyze and evaluate information objectively in order to make well-reasoned decisions.

How does a fact differ from an opinion?

A fact is objective, states reality, can be verified, and uses unbiased words; an opinion is subjective, interprets reality, cannot be verified by objective evidence, and uses value words.

What are the six sequential steps to critical thinking?

1. Gather information, 2. Understand/comprehend information, 3. Analyze information, 4. Evaluate information, 5. Apply information, and 6. Create something new.

What is the Barnum Effect?

When people believe a general description is special and true for them.

What is metacognition, and how does it support critical thinking?

Thinking about your own thinking; it enables individuals to recognize biases and assumptions, monitor understanding, evaluate thinking strategies, avoid jumping to conclusions, and adjust decisions.

What is confirmation bias?

The tendency to focus on information that supports what we already believe and ignore or reject information that challenges our beliefs.

What is the key difference between correlation and causation?

Correlation means two things occur together, whereas causation means one thing causes the other; correlation does not prove causation.

Why should critical thinkers be skeptical of 'common sense'?

Because it is based on experience and beliefs rather than evidence, can be inaccurate or misleading, often contradicts itself, and may be influenced by bias or assumptions.