Question

what type of cognition is characterized as absolute, black and white, and right and wrong type of thinking?

a.) postformal
b.) relativism
c.) dualism
d.) multiplicity

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks for the type of cognition characterized by absolute, black-and-white, and right-and-wrong thinking.

Evaluate the options based on cognitive development theories

• Postformal thought is a stage of post-adolescent cognitive development characterized by an understanding that answers are rarely simple, and that truth can vary depending on the situation.
• Relativism is a stage in William Perry's scheme of intellectual development where the individual recognizes that knowledge is contextual and subjective, rather than absolute.
• Dualism is the initial stage in Perry's scheme of intellectual and ethical development. In this stage, students view the world in polarities (e.g., right vs. wrong, good vs. bad, black vs. white) and believe that absolute truths exist and are held by authorities.
• Multiplicity is a stage where students recognize that there are multiple perspectives or answers, but they often view these as equally valid opinions because they do not yet have a systematic way to evaluate them.

Identify the correct concept

The description "absolute, black and white, and right and wrong type of thinking" perfectly matches the definition of Dualism (or dualistic thinking) in Perry's developmental model.

Relate to existing knowledge

While Formal operational stage thinking allows for systematic logic, Perry's scheme describes how college students specifically transition from Dualism to more complex cognitive stages like relativism and commitment.

Answer:

• a.) Postformal
• b.) Relativism
• c.) Dualism (Correct answer)
• d.) Multiplicity