____________ holds that, when dealing with competing theories, the simplest one should be chosen
A) Skepticism
B) Ambiguity
C) The principle of parsimony
D) Critical thinking
Answer: C
Rationale: Scientific and critical thinking involves the use of the principle of parsimony, which means that the simplest of all competing explanations (the most "parsimonious") of a phenomenon should be the one we accept.
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One evening, when he couldn't sleep, Mr. Bradley turned on the television and saw an infomercial for a new sleep aid. As a critical thinker, Mr. Bradley should be most cautious about this new product if
a. the product had been subjected to an experimental study and the scrutiny of a peer-review process. b. its makers claim it has been "proven" to induce sleep in 80 percent of test participants. c. its makers discuss the scientific investigations that have compared it to other effective sleep aids rather than relying on testimonials of those with insomnia. d. the results of research connect the efficacy of the sleep-aid to other widely accepted scientific findings. e. the advertisement noted several scientifically controlled studies that all found the same results.
In HIV transmission, female-to-male transmission through vaginal intercourse is twice as likely as male-to-female transmission
Indicate whether the statement is true or false