Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills Practice Questions: 20 | Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills for MCAT PDF Download

Recent research suggests that happiness can be self-regulated regardless of external circumstances, challenging the previous belief that happiness levels were genetically predetermined. While genetic predispositions to cheerfulness or pessimism exist, they are not fixed. Studies indicate that emotions and even the structure of the brain can be modified through certain practices.

Psychologist Gordon Watson's 1930 study titled "Happiness Among Adult Students of Education" marked a significant shift in understanding happiness. Previously considered an elusive and mysterious emotion, Watson's serious exploration of happiness was groundbreaking. By the 1970s, the field of psychology expanded its research on happiness. Today, over 2000 researchers from 42 countries are actively engaged in happiness research.

Among the multitude of researchers in the field, Richard Davidson, a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin, has made notable contributions. Davidson utilized cutting-edge brain science technologies like quantitative electrophysiology, positron emission tomography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging to observe brain activity patterns in relation to mental and emotional states. His groundbreaking findings challenge the once-held belief that the brain is a static organ. Instead, Davidson discovered that the brain possesses neuroplasticity, the ability to change and develop over time. This discovery has had a profound impact on the study of happiness.

Davidson's studies revealed that the functions of the cerebral cortex extend beyond intelligence, sensory interpretation, and motor control. The cerebral cortex also plays a role in determining personality and emotional predispositions. Levels of activity in the left and right sides of the cerebral cortex correspond to feelings of happiness and sadness. Higher activity in the left frontal area of the cerebral cortex aligns with feelings of happiness, while activity in the right frontal area corresponds to feelings of sadness. Activities that generate side-specific activity can enhance these feelings.

For instance, meditation has been shown to generate left-brain activity and induce positive emotions. Davidson conducted research on the relationship between meditation and happiness, focusing on Tibetan Buddhist monks. By studying observable electrical activity in the central nervous system, Davidson bridged Eastern and Western traditions, connecting objective reality with once-considered subjective internal states of consciousness. Through recording the brain activity of meditating monks, Davidson discovered that meditation can, over time, alter the brain's structure by increasing the size and activity level of the left cerebral cortex.
Q.1. In the context of the passage, the word elusive means:
(a) prevaricating
(b) deceitful
(c) frank
(d) evasive

Correct Answer is Option (d)
To correctly answer this question about interpreting vocabulary, the initial step is to search the passage for the term "elusive." It is located in paragraph 2, within the discussion about the attributes of happiness. Notably, the word "elusive" is not employed in a negative manner, contrary to options A and B (both synonymous with "lying"). Option C does not align with the other characteristic of happiness mentioned, which is "mysterious." It is logically inconsistent for something to be both "frank" or "honest and forthright" and simultaneously "mysterious." Therefore, option D emerges as the most fitting answer.

Q.2. The author’s claim that Gordon Watson’s scientific study of happiness was startling is supported by:
(a) details about Watson’s background and the publicity his study received
(b) the description of the study’s subject
(c) the assertion that happiness was, at the time, desired but thought to be elusive and mysterious
(d) the fact that he conducted the study in 1930

Correct Answer is Option (c)
To determine the correct answer for this question, it is necessary to assess the evidence provided in the passage. Authors often use examples to support their statements, so we need to locate information that explains why Watson's study was considered startling. By scanning paragraph 2 for the specific reference, we find the answer in the second sentence: "Since happiness was considered a highly desired yet elusive and mysterious emotion, Watson's serious endeavor was startling." This clear statement indicates that choice C is the correct answer.

Q.3. According to the passage, all of these are true EXCEPT:
(a) the brain is able to change over time, a process known as neuroplasticity.
(b) science is attempting to prove there is a mind–body connection.
(c) Tibetan monks increase their left-side cerebral cortex activity through meditation.
(d) the right frontal area of the brain corresponds with feelings of sadness.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
One approach is to identify the false statement, which then allows you to eliminate the other answer choices. In this case, you can eliminate choice A because the last two sentences of paragraph 3 contain the information stated there. Choice C corresponds to the content in paragraph 5, and choice D corresponds to the information in paragraph 4. The correct answer is choice B because the passage explicitly states that "findings show the mind-body connection cannot be denied," rather than suggesting that science is attempting to prove the connection.

Q.4. Based on information in the passage, which of these outcomes should someone expect after silently repeating the phrase “I am successful” for 20 minutes?
(a) a feeling of well-being
(b) sadness
(c) a creative impulse
(d) fatigue

Correct Answer is Option (a)
To determine the correct answer for this question, you are required to identify the cause and effect relationship implied in the passage. It is important to note that the passage does not explicitly mention the example of a subject repeating the phrase "I am successful." However, the final paragraph indicates that the repetition of a positive affirmation can result in increased activity in the left cerebral cortex and enhanced feelings of happiness and well-being. Since "I am successful" qualifies as such an affirmation, it is reasonable to expect that choice A, a feeling of well-being, would be the outcome following its repetition.