The More _____ a Problem Is to a Postformal Thinker

question 20

Short Answer

The more _____ a problem is to a postformal thinker, the greater the number of possible solutions that might be generated.

Recognize the implications of having categorical, hypothetical, or disjunctive conclusions for the form of the argument.

Analyze the use of conditional and connective words (e.g., if, unless, either or, without) in shaping argument forms.

Distinguish between universal, particular, and singular categorical propositions.

Analyze the validity of arguments based on the relationship between premises and conclusion, regardless of the type of syllogism.

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Definitions:

Hypothetical Variable

A variable that is not directly observable, proposed to explain relationships and effects in scientific models.

Dependent Variable

In research, the variable that is being measured or tested to see how it is affected by changes in another variable (the independent variable).

Independent Variable

The variable in an experimental study that is manipulated by the researcher to investigate its effect on the dependent variable.

Control Variable

A variable that is kept constant during a scientific experiment to ensure that the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable is observed without interference.