Final answer:
High levels of stress and anxiety do not contribute to improved critical thinking in adolescents; rather, they hinder the cognitive processes needed for reflective and rational thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that does not contribute to improved critical thinking in adolescents is b) High levels of stress and anxiety. While exposure to diverse viewpoints, opportunities for independent decision-making, and encouragement of questioning and reasoning skills all foster critical thinking, stress and anxiety can impair cognitive processes.
Adolescents are at a stage where they are capable of abstract thinking, considering multiple points of view, and evaluating competing facts. However, when they experience high levels of stress and anxiety, their ability to engage in these higher-order thinking processes is compromised. Stress can lead to rushed decisions and poor judgment because it depletes the mental resources needed for reflective, rational thought. In contrast, when adolescents are relaxed and given time to ponder problems, they are able to utilize their cognitive skills more effectively.
It is essential, therefore, for the development of adolescents' critical thinking abilities that they learn in an environment which minimizes stress and supports their psychological and cognitive development. This approach will help them to refine their skills in actively applying logic, asking appropriate questions, and maintaining a healthy skepticism when evaluating information.