Solution Manual for McGraw-Hill Connect Resources for Feldman, P.O.W.E.R.

Learning and Your

Solution Manual for McGraw-Hill Connect Resources

for Feldman, P.O.W.E.R. Learning and Your Life:
Essentials of Student Success, 2e

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 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Decision making is the process of

A. thinking critically.
B. working backwards.
C. choosing from various alternatives.
D. using analogies.

2. Every decision starts with

A. thinking through all your options.
B. clarifying the details of your situation.
C. identifying your short- and long-term goals.
D. creating a practical, do-able plan.

3. _________ is a useful way to generate a list of flexible alternatives.

A. Clearly identifying your goals
B. Freewriting continuously for five to ten minutes
C. Considering the outcomes of various options
D. Brainstorming with other students and friends

4. What is one key step in assessing alternatives to make a decision?

A. to go with your gut feeling
B. to take another perspective
C. to consider your prior experiences
D. to determine possible outcomes for each alternative

5. Problem solving is focused on _________, while decision making is focused on choosing

among alternatives.
A. generating alternatives
B. creating solutions
C. following guidelines
D. evaluating alternatives

8-1
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving

6. _______ is the first step in solving any problem.

A. Generating alternatives
B. Separating fact from opinion
C. Defining the problem as clearly as possible
D. Imagining the outcome

7. "All college students who drink beer make less than a 4.0 G.P.A. It is obvious then that
drinking beer lowers a student's grades." The person who made this statement believes that
A. myth is applicable to common sense.
B. truisms are factually true.
C. correlation proves causation.
D. generalities are definitive statements.

8. Listed below are some strategies that could be useful when choosing between several
alternatives. Click all that your textbook indicates could be effective.
A. Give the decision time.
B. Procrastinate.
C. Play the alternatives out as "mental movies."
D. Toss a coin.
E. Hope the circumstances change so you don't have to make a decision.
F. Answers a, c, & d are correct

9. Which of the following actions are common pitfalls in decision making and problem
solving?
A. looking at a problem from all perspectives
B. confusing opinion with fact
C. jumping to conclusions
D. distinguishing between cause and effect
E. accepting vague generalities
F. Answers b, c, & e are correct

8-2
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving

True / False Questions

10. Major decisions are seldom reversible.

True False

11. Every problem has a clear-cut solution.

True False

12. When weighing a decision, you should assume all outcomes have an equal probability of
occurring.
True False

13. When alternatives seem equally positive or negative to you, it might be a good idea to take
some time making your decision.
True False

14. In assessing alternatives, it is useful to compare them by taking into account their potential
outcomes.
True False

15. When making a decision, asking others for advice is not a recommended strategy.
True False

16. Using simple common sense can be very helpful in making decisions.
True False

8-3
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving

17. Being aware of the biases that may affect our thinking can help us avoid them.
True False

18. Having fewer alternatives to choose from makes it easier to reach the right decision.
True False

8-4
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving

Short Answer Questions

19. Imagine that you have just graduated from college and are exploring various job
opportunities. You have researched what each job involves, how likely you are to get it, and
how the different workplaces compare with each other. What strategies might you use to
make a final decision about which job to apply for?

20. List five strategies you might use in order to solve a complicated problem (for example,
how to prioritize paying bills that total more than the amount in your checking account, how
to solve a complicated algebra problem, or how to synthesize all the material you have
researched for an end-of-term paper). Then provide a brief example of how you would apply
one of them to a problem you recently confronted.

21. "There is no such thing as a bad movie." Do you consider this statement to be a fact or an
opinion? Please explain your answer.

8-5
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving

22. Consider an important decision that you have made in the last six months (for example,
selecting a major, choosing a new roommate, or starting a part-time job to help pay for
school), state what it was, and list four questions you could ask yourself to evaluate whether
you made the right choice.

8-6
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

Multiple Choice Questions

1. (p. 193) Decision making is the process of

A. thinking critically.
B. working backwards.
C. choosing from various alternatives.
D. using analogies.

Decision making is the process of deciding among various alternatives.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Considering and Assessing the Alternatives

2. (p. 193) Every decision starts with

A. thinking through all your options.
B. clarifying the details of your situation.
C. identifying your short- and long-term goals.
D. creating a practical, do-able plan.

Identifying the goals that underlie decisions ensures that we make decisions in the context of
our entire lives rather than simply providing short-term answers to immediate problems.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Considering and Assessing the Alternatives

8-7
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

3. (p. 193) _________ is a useful way to generate a list of flexible alternatives.

A. Clearly identifying your goals
B. Freewriting continuously for five to ten minutes
C. Considering the outcomes of various options
D. Brainstorming with other students and friends

In freewriting, the idea is to write as many different ideas as possible, generating a list of
alternatives.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Develop a List of Alternatives

4. (p. 193) What is one key step in assessing alternatives to make a decision?
A. to go with your gut feeling
B. to take another perspective
C. to consider your prior experiences
D. to determine possible outcomes for each alternative

Some outcomes are positive, some negative. It is important to consider as many outcomes and
alternatives as possible when making a decision.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Assess Alternatives

8-8
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

5. (p. 199) Problem solving is focused on _________, while decision making is focused on
choosing among alternatives.
A. generating alternatives
B. creating solutions
C. following guidelines
D. evaluating alternatives

While decision making is focused on choosing among alternatives, the central issue in
problem solving is generating alternatives.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-02
Topic: Problem Solving: Applying Critical Thinking to Find Solutions

6. (p. 199) _______ is the first step in solving any problem.

A. Generating alternatives
B. Separating fact from opinion
C. Defining the problem as clearly as possible
D. Imagining the outcome

The first step in solving any problem is to be as clear as you can about what the problem is.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-02
Topic: What's the Problem?

8-9
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

7. (p. 207) "All college students who drink beer make less than a 4.0 G.P.A. It is obvious then
that drinking beer lowers a student's grades." The person who made this statement believes
that
A. myth is applicable to common sense.
B. truisms are factually true.
C. correlation proves causation.
D. generalities are definitive statements.

Just because two events appear to be associated with one another, or correlated, you cannot
assume that one event has caused the other to occur.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Outcome: 08-03
Topic: Don't Fool Yourself: Avoiding Everyday Problems in Critical Thinking

8. (p. 194) Listed below are some strategies that could be useful when choosing between several
alternatives. Click all that your textbook indicates could be effective.
A. Give the decision time.
B. Procrastinate.
C. Play the alternatives out as "mental movies."
D. Toss a coin.
E. Hope the circumstances change so you don't have to make a decision.
F. Answers a, c, & d are correct

Useful decision making strategies include giving the decision time, mentally rehearsing the
alternatives, and tossing a coin to check out your true feelings.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Choosing among Alternatives

8-10
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

9. (p. 203) Which of the following actions are common pitfalls in decision making and problem
solving?
A. looking at a problem from all perspectives
B. confusing opinion with fact
C. jumping to conclusions
D. distinguishing between cause and effect
E. accepting vague generalities
F. Answers b, c, & e are correct

Avoiding confusing opinion with fact, jumping to conclusions, and vague generalities will
help improve your critical thinking greatly.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-03
Topic: Don't Fool Yourself: Avoiding Everyday Problems in Critical Thinking

8-11
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

True / False Questions

10. (p. 197) Major decisions are seldom reversible.

FALSE

If you select the wrong alternative, you should attempt to reverse course and reconsider your
options.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Considering the Outcomes

11. (p. 202) Every problem has a clear-cut solution.

FALSE

Not every problem has a clear-cut solution. Sometimes we need to be satisfied with a degree
of uncertainty and ambiguity.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-02
Topic: Assessing Your Potential Solutions

12. (p. 194) When weighing a decision, you should assume all outcomes have an equal
probability of occurring.
FALSE

Some outcomes are far more likely than others. Make a rough estimate of the likelihood that
an outcome will come to pass, ranging from 100 percent (certainty) to 0 percent
(impossibility).

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Assess Alternatives

8-12
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

13. (p. 195) When alternatives seem equally positive or negative to you, it might be a good idea
to take some time making your decision.
TRUE

Sometimes waiting can help. Time can give you a chance to think of additional alternatives.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Choosing among Alternatives

14. (p. 194) In assessing alternatives, it is useful to compare them by taking into account their
potential outcomes.
TRUE

By comparing potential outcomes, your decision will be easier, but not necessarily easy.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Assess Alternatives

15. (p. 197) When making a decision, asking others for advice is not a recommended strategy.
FALSE

Although our society teaches the virtues of individualism, asking a friend, instructor, parent,
or counselor for advice can provide helpful recommendations.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Choosing among Alternatives

8-13
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

16. (p. 207) Using simple common sense can be very helpful in making decisions.
FALSE

Common sense often presents us with contradictory advice, making it a less-than-useful

guide.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-03
Topic: Don't Fool Yourself: Avoiding Everyday Problems in Critical Thinking

17. (p. 203) Being aware of the biases that may affect our thinking can help us avoid them.
TRUE

Being able to think clearly and without bias is the basis for critical thinking.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-03
Topic: Don't Fool Yourself: Avoiding Everyday Problems in Critical Thinking

18. (p. 193) Having fewer alternatives to choose from makes it easier to reach the right decision.
FALSE

After you have generated as many alternatives as you can, then you can go back and sift out
the reasonable ones from the wacky ones.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Develop a List of Alternatives

8-14
 CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

Short Answer Questions

19. (p. 194) Imagine that you have just graduated from college and are exploring various job
opportunities. You have researched what each job involves, how likely you are to get it, and
how the different workplaces compare with each other. What strategies might you use to
make a final decision about which job to apply for?

Give the decision some time. Toss a coin. Make a mental movie, acting out each job. Ask for
advice. Go with your gut feeling.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Assess Alternatives

20. (p. 200) List five strategies you might use in order to solve a complicated problem (for
example, how to prioritize paying bills that total more than the amount in your checking
account, how to solve a complicated algebra problem, or how to synthesize all the material
you have researched for an end-of-term paper). Then provide a brief example of how you
would apply one of them to a problem you recently confronted.

Break the problem down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Work backward. Use a graph,
chart, or drawing to redefine the problem. Consider the opposite. Use analogies. Take
another's perspective. Forget about it for a while.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Outcome: 08-02
Topic: Strategies for Solving Life's Messier Problems

8-15
Solution Manual for McGraw-Hill Connect Resources for Feldman, P.O.W.E.R. Learning and Your

CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions and Problem Solving Key

21. (p. 205) "There is no such thing as a bad movie." Do you consider this statement to be a fact
or an opinion? Please explain your answer.

Because this statement is so absolute, it is most likely an opinion.

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Outcome: 08-03
Topic: Don't Fool Yourself: Avoiding Everyday Problems in Critical Thinking

22. (p. 198) Consider an important decision that you have made in the last six months (for
example, selecting a major, choosing a new roommate, or starting a part-time job to help pay
for school), state what it was, and list four questions you could ask yourself to evaluate
whether you made the right choice.

Is my decision still producing desired consequences? Is my decision still appropriate, given

my circumstances and changes in my life? Is my decision consistent with what I want to get
out of life? Does my decision fit with my mission statement or guiding philosophy of life?

AACSB: Reflective thinking

Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Outcome: 08-01
Topic: Reconsidering Your Goals and Options

8-16

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