Which level of the cognitive domain is characterized by making judgments and decisions based on information?

The level of the cognitive domain characterized by making judgments and decisions based on information is Evaluation. At this stage, learners engage in critical thinking processes to assess and compare various materials or scenarios. They analyze information to form opinions or conclusions, which involves weighing evidence, identifying relevant criteria, and making informed decisions.

In the context of Bloom's Taxonomy, Evaluation is a higher-order thinking skill that requires not just understanding or applying knowledge but also forming judgments about the value or quality of the information presented. This could manifest in activities such as critiques, recommendations, or assessments where learners demonstrate their ability to judge the merit and impact of certain ideas or solutions.

While other levels like Synthesis involve combining elements to create something new, Application focuses on using knowledge in practical situations, and Comprehension refers to understanding information at a basic level, Evaluation specifically demands that learners make complex judgments based on in-depth analysis and synthesis of information, which is what makes it the most fitting answer for the question.