FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What type of thinking does a convergent question typically require?

1. Higher-order thinking skills

2. Lower-order thinking skills

3. Creative problem-solving

4. Analytical reasoning

The correct answer is: Lower-order thinking skills

Convergent questions are designed to elicit specific answers and typically focus on knowing or applying previously acquired knowledge. They often require students to recall information, follow established procedures, or apply straightforward reasoning to arrive at a single, correct answer. This type of questioning is aligned with lower-order thinking skills, which involve basic mental processes. While lower-order thinking skills may include fundamental tasks like remembering facts or applying standard methods, higher-order thinking skills usually encompass analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—activities that involve deeper cognitive processes. Therefore, the nature of convergent questioning aligns more closely with the demands of lower-order thinking rather than higher cognitive functions.