Critical Thinking
The Constitution and USAF/USSF Core Values
Problem Solving and Unprofessional Relationships
Followership, Leadership, and Teambuilding
Establishing Expecations and Conflict Management
100

What is critical thinking?

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment

100

What is the branch of the US Government that establishes military authority

The executive branch
100

What is problem solving?

A structured, cognitive process of identifying a challenge, diagnosing its root cause, and implementing an effective solution to achieve a desired goal

100

What are the four stages of team building?

Forming, storming, norming, performing

100

What is the importance of setting expectations

The importance of establishing expectations is that it provides a structure and framework for completing goals. Without establishing expectations subordinates can become confused, anxious, and ineffective.

200

Often called the 'gateway to all standards,' this intellectual standard ensures that a statement is clearly understood.

Clarity

200

What are the three USAF and four USSF core values?

USAF:

1. Integrity First

2. Service Before Self

3. Excellence in all we do

USSF:
Character, Commitment, Connection, Courage

200

What are the effects of unprofessional relationships on unit cohesiveness?

  • Unprofessional relationships erode trust in a unit and can lead to favoritism and degradation of unit morale
200

What are the five basic types of followership?

Sheep – Low critical thinking, low participation

Alienated Follower – High critical thinking, low participation

Yes People – Low critical thinking, high participation

Survivor – Does whatever it takes to survive and nothing more

Effective Follower – High critical thinking, high participation

200

What are 3 potential sources of conflict?

Communication Factors, Structural Factors (Rewards, Resource Interdependence), Personality, Value, and Perception factors.

300

How doe cognitive domain operations relate to disinformation?

The cognitive domain focuses on people’s critical thinking skills and is a vulnerability that our adversaries can exploit. Operations there take advantage of people’s biases and assumptions and use them as combat targets

300

Why are core values important for Airman and Guardians to follow?

It creates a shared moral code that all service members can strive for and all civilians can look up to.

300

There are many prohibitions relating to unprofessional relationships. Name two of them as they relate to officers and enlisted personnel. 

Officers may not:
Have a sexual relationship or date, gamble with, live in a shared household with, borrow from or lend money to, or get into business with enlisted personnel. 

 

300

How do leaders and followers both contribute to a team's success?

Leaders focus on defining goals, fostering open communication, and enabling autonomy, while effective followers take ownership, provide honest feedback, and model positive, collaborative behavior.

300

What's the difference between distributive and integrative approaches to negotiations

Distributive approach to negotiations is a zero-sum game, one winner, no compromise. Integrative approach is a collaborative approach where there can be a win-win solution

400

Name 2 common thinking errors that can lead to faulty thinking

Confirmation bias, halo effect, belief perseverance, thinking too quickly

400

This provision of the US constitution determines which powers go to the federal government and which powers go to the state government.

Federalism

400

Compare the 8-step Practical Problem-Solving Method to the OODA Loop Model

The 8-step PPSM method is for addressing long term problems, while the OODA loop is for problems that require an immediate solution

400

What are some characteristics of an effective follower?

Proactively supports the team, offers honest, constructive feedback to leaders, takes initiative, and fosters collaboration while maintaining high competence and personal integrity.

400

What are the four different AFNC problem solving approaches?

Cooperate, Comply, Evade, Insist

500

List all 8 of the elements of reasoning used in critical thinking

Information, Inferences, Implications

Purpose, Point of View

Question, Assumption, Concepts

Remember - The 3 "I"d duck named PePe QACed

500

This amendment is the basis for article 31 of the USMJ, stating "Service members have the right to remain silent, legal counsel, and protection against compelled statements "

The 5th Amendment

500

What are the eight steps of the Practical Problem-Solving Method

1.Clarify the problem

2. Break down the problem and ID performance gaps

3. Set Targets

4. Determine root causes

5. Develop countermeasures

6. See countermeasures through

7. Evaluate process and results

8 Standardize and share success

500
Name 4 types of leadership

(EXAMPLE - LAISSEZ-FAIRE)
No you cannot use Laissez Faire as one 

Management by Exception - Active

Management by Exception - Passive

Individual Consideration

Contigent Rewards

Idealized Influence

Inspirational Motivation 

Intellectual Stimulation

500

What are two of the four guidelines for establishing expectations?

Expectations must be clear -> Communicate simply, know what your boss expects

Seek Buy-In -> Reduce frustration, foster agreement and connection

Make the connection -> Help your personnel understand that what they do matters and how it relates to the mission

Encourage buy-in -> Include team in expectation building process, ensure goals are achievable, demonstrate trust

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