Critical thinking why how questions – UGC NET Question

Critical thinking involves analysing reasons,evaluating evidence and questioning assumptions. When students ask “why” and “how,”they move beyond memorising facts to examining underlying relationships and causes. This behaviour is central to critical thinking. Thus,the type of thinking nurtured in the stem is correctly identified as critical.

Option A:
Rote thinking or rote learning focuses on memorising information without questioning it. Encouraging “why” and “how” questions is meant to move students away from rote approaches.

Option B:
Conformist thinking emphasises acceptance of ideas without questioning,which is opposite to a classroom environment that welcomes probing questions.

Option C:
Mechanical thinking suggests routine,unreflective use of procedures without understanding reasons,which again contrasts with the goal of encouraging students to ask probing questions.

Option D:
Critical thinking helps learners become independent and reflective,which matches the teacher’s aim in the stem.