__________ refers to the attitude that includes a questioning mind and a critical assessment of audit evidence.

Professional skepticism is an essential mindset for auditors. It involves maintaining a questioning and critical attitude when assessing audit evidence. Auditors with professional skepticism are not easily swayed by management assertions or documents, but instead seek to obtain sufficient and appropriate evidence to support their conclusions. This attitude helps auditors to objectively evaluate the reliability and integrity of financial information, identify potential misstatements or fraud, and ensure the overall quality and credibility of the audit process.