AICE Thinking Skills Word List #4

Assumption

A proposition or statement taken for granted is accepted as accurate without proof and often unstated.

Pseudoscience

A collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on the scientific method

Debunk

Expose the falseness or hollowness of a myth, idea, or belief

Double-Blind Testing

A type of clinical trial in which the participants and the researcher only know which treatment or intervention participants receive once the clinical trial is over.

Triple-Blind Testing

A type of clinical trial in which the participants, the researcher, and data analysts only know which treatment or intervention participants will receive once the clinical trial is over.

Homeopathy

A treatment of disease by minute doses of natural substances that simulate the actual healing process.

Allopathy

A system in which medical doctors and other health care professionals treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery.

Overgeneralization

A cognitive distortion where it is assumed that an experience from one event will apply to another.

Negative Test

The process of identifying critical assumptions by converting what is thought to be the assumption to its opposite and seeing if the conclusion still holds.

Inference

A conclusion or opinion that is formed based on known facts, evidence, or beliefs of something being true.

Argot

The language used by a particular type or group of people often a secret vocabulary

Aspersion

A false or misleading charge meant to harm someone's reputation

Assiduous

Showing great care, attention, and effort. Marked by careful attention or persistent application.

Assuage

To make less severe or decrease the intensity of something that pains or distresses

Astringent

Harsh, severe, biting, to contract

Attenuate

To weaken or lessen the force, effect, or amount of something

Audacious

To be bold, daring, adventurous, or showing a lack of respect

Avarice

An excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain

Aver

To affirm, avow, or declare to be true in a public manner

Avocation

A second type of employment that is pursued in addition to one's regular employment often for enjoyment.