Caroline's best friend tells her that eating a chili pepper with each meal will increase her metabolism and help her burn more calories
. "That sounds interesting," says Caroline, "but is there any evidence to back up this claim?" Caroline's question illustrates what element of critical thinking?
A) the principle of parsimony
B) cynicism
C) tolerating ambiguity
D) skepticism
Answer: D
Rationale: Skepticism involves not automatically excepting statements as fact, and instead asking to see the evidence behind it. This is not the same as being cynical or scornful of other people's beliefs.
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As group size increases, conformity will
a. increase. b. decrease. c. increase as long as each additional member of the group is perceived as an independent source of influence. d. decrease as long as each additional member of the group is perceived as an independent source of influence.
Regarding the diathesis-stress model, which of the following statements is false?
a. Diatheses are generally genetic in nature, although they may also involve psychological factors. b. Significant sources of stress may increase the risk of developing particular disorders. c. The stronger the diathesis, the less stress is needed to produce a disorder. d. Disorders may develop under benign life circumstances. e. Whether a person having a diathesis develops a particular disorder is primarily dependent on his or her cluster of personality traits.