Critical thinking: Reason and Evidence
All dogs are cute. Ginger is a dog. Therefore, Ginger is cute. A.) Deductive B.) Invalid C.) Inductive D.) Abductive
A
An anonymous survey is conducted to determine what percentage of the population of married couples lies to their spouse, so the following survey question is formulated: "I don't lie to my spouse because that would be wrong," and participants are asked to select "true" or "false." Which statement is true with respect to this study question? A.) Not good, because the question may lead participants to answer in a certain way. B.) Not good, because it fails to consider the participant's motives. C.) Good, because it addresses the central issue in the study. D.) Good, because the study is anonymous.
A
Casey is a vegetarian who enjoys plant-based foods that taste like real meat. However, Casey will not eat vegetarian products if they look like meat. Even though he knows they do not contain animal protein and would taste good, Casey is disgusted by their meat-like appearance. What cognitive bias explains why Casey is disgusted by vegetarian foods that look like meat? A.) Alief B.) Anchoring C.) Confirmation Bias D.) Representativeness
A
Consider the following argument: A pen is a writing utensil. Sometimes, animals are kept in a pen. Thus, sometimes, animals are kept in a writing utensil. What fallacy is found in this argument? A.) The fallacy of equivocation B.) The fallacy of begging the question C.) The fallacy of sweeping generalization D.) The appeal to popularity fallacy
A
Consider the following argument: Smith inspected 990 jellybeans in the jar. Each of the beans Smith inspected is red. Therefore, all 1000 of the beans in the jar are red. Which kind of argument is this? A.) A strong argument B.) Deductive argument C.) A weak argument D.) A valid argument
A
Everyone should vote ___________________. Which phrase would form an argument when added to this sentence? A.) because it is their duty B.) for the most honest candidate C.) in their assigned district D.) before the deadline
A
Frida Kahlo is the greatest artist because no other artist is as good as her. What logical error does the above argument commit? A.) Begging the question B.) Affirming the consequent C.) Fallacy fallacy D.) Denying the antecendent
A
If the new employee wants to succeed, then they need to show up on time. How many times have we heard the manager complain about tardiness? Nobody likes a 7 a.m. start time, but it was in the job description. We should remind the new employee how important this is. Which is a simple proposition that is expressed in the above paragraph? A.) The new employee wants to succeed. B.) How many times have we heard the manager complain about tardiness? C.) The employees look out for each other. D.) If the new employee wants to succeed, then they need to show up on time.
A
Most students in the class scored less than 70% on the exam. This means that the exam was too difficult to accurately assess student learning. Therefore, as exams are supposed to accurately assess student learning, the exam must be revised and re-administered. Which statement is the conclusion of the above argument? A.) The exam must be revised and re-administered. B.) Some students in the class scored higher than 70% on the exam. C.) Exams are supposed to accurately assess student learning. D.) Most students in the class scored less than 70% on the exam.
A
People have fought for freedom since the beginning of time. Which descriptor best characterizes this sentence? A.) Proposition B.) Inference C.) Weak argument D.) Strong argument
A
Suppose that Smith asserts a claim that could be true but seems implausible. Jones recognizes this point and asks Smith to provide evidence for his claim. Smith responds: "Why don't you try to disprove my claim?" Which fallacy is found in this argument? A.) The fallacy of shifting the burden of proof B.) The fallacy of oversimplification C.) The fallacy of selective attention D.) The red herring fallacy
A
The Bright Tooth toothpaste company runs the following advertisement: "Use Bright Tooth toothpaste. Nine out of ten dentists recommend it!" You decide to research this claim. You discover that the Bright Tooth toothpaste company surveyed only ten carefully selected dentists, nine of whom expressed support for Bright Tooth toothpaste. You also learn that, as of 2019, there were 200,419 dentists in the United States alone. Which error is committed in the advertisement? A.) Selection bias B.) Thinking slow C.) Selective attention D.) Unfair sterotype
A
The U.S. healthcare system is difficult to navigate, and this negatively affects many of us. Many people are unsure exactly how their health insurance coverage works and are not sure where they can go to get care. What can be done to improve this? If changes are not made soon, the problem will only get worse. Which is a simple proposition that is expressed in the above paragraph? A.) Many people are not sure where they can go to get care. B.) The U.S. healthcare system is difficult to navigate, and this negatively affects many of us. C.) What can be done to improve this? D.) Many people are unsure exactly how their health insurance coverage works and are not sure where they can go to get care.
A
We should buy an electric car. Granted, they are more expensive up front than gas cars, but we have the money, and we will save on gas in the long run. Additionally, electric cars are better for the environment. And they are becoming more stylish! Which is a hidden assumption of the given argument? A.) If something is better for the environment, then that counts in favor of choosing it. B.) Gas cars will continue to become cheaper in the future as they lose popularity. C.) Electric cars' batteries do not have any negative consequences for the environment. D.) We do not have enough money for an electric car because we spent all our money on a vacation this year.
A
What fallacy occurs when a person reasons that one event is likely to lead to another event due to a chain of intermediary events, even though the probability of that entire chain being realized is low? A.) The slippery slope fallacy B.) The fallacy of ad hominem C.) The fallacy of avoiding the issue D.) The bandwagon fallacy
A
When asked how likely it is for an urban cyclist to get in an accident, a survey respondent remembered that their friend got into a cycling accident last week. This makes them conclude that cycling accidents are fairly likely. Which statement is correct about the source of bias in the passage and how to avoid its impact? A.) This is availability bias. It is best avoided by carefully considering whether the examples that come to mind are truly representative of the world at large. B.) This is confirmation bias. It is best avoided by seeking out the best arguments for alternative viewpoints. C.) This is availability bias. It is best avoided by going with one's instincts and avoiding too much deliberation. D.) This is confirmation bias. It is best avoided by staying fixed in one's beliefs and not allowing outside influences to change one's views.
A
Which is the best example of System 2 thinking? A.) Choosing the best college for one's child B.) Realizing, due to a crashing sound, that something happened upstairs C.) Thinking that food is rotten because it smells bad D.) Solving the equation 1+3=?
A
Which of the following is most likely to be most impacted by cognitive bias? A.) A social media post from a nonexpert concerning a controversial topic B.) A peer-reviewed academic journal C.) A newspaper article about a recent baseball game D.) A history textbook written by a reputable historian
A
Which passage best demonstrates the principle of charity? A.) Shae said, "It seems that the earth is flat." Shae must mean that the earth looks flat to observers on the ground even though our planet really is round. B.) Morgan said, "The new tax levy to support local schools is too expensive." Morgan must think education is unimportant. C.) Reese said, "The oil industry has contributed to climate change." Reese must believe the oil industry is responsible for every natural disaster that occurs. D.) Campbell said, "People convicted of theft should not automatically receive harsh prison sentences." Campbell must mean that people who steal should never be punished.
A
Which statement about how to respond to bias is correct? A.) Different forms of bias are best responded to in different ways, depending on how they impact a person. B.) Since humans are bound to be influenced by bias in everything they do, there is no point in trying to respond to bias. C.) Humans are not influenced by bias. D.) All different forms of bias can be responded to in the same way: by putting extra weight on any conclusion that does not seem immediately plausible.
A
A formal fallacy concerns _______, but an informal fallacy concerns _______.
A formal fallacy concerns the structure of an argument, but an informal fallacy concerns the informational content. -By definition, a formal fallacy concerns the structure of an argument and an informal fallacy concerns the information contained in the argument's structure. -By definition, a formal fallacy concerns the structure of an argument and an informal fallacy concerns the information contained in the argument's structure.
"Since we cannot go out until the restaurant opens, and given that we are trying to save money, we should just hang out here until closer to dinner." Which statements are the premises of the above argument? Choose 2 answers. A.) We cannot go out until the restaurant opens. B.) We are trying to save money. C.) We should just hang out here until closer to dinner. D.) We can have a good time without spending money.
A, B
All dogs can fly. Ginger is a dog. Therefore, Ginger can fly. Which types of reasoning are illustrated in this example? Choose 2 answers. A.) Deductive B.) Valid C.) True D.) Sound
A,B
Which pairs of sentences are arguments? Choose 2 answers. A.) Every time I walk by here, Chris is doing nothing. Chris must not do anything with the available time. B.) We need to act now to reverse greenhouse gas emissions. If we do not, the earth will soon become inhospitable to human life. C.) John Lennon was shot and killed. So were Bobby Kennedy and his brother John. D.) One student cheated on the test. But it was only because the student felt ill prepared.
A,B
Which questions are most appropriate for evaluating the credibility of an information source? Choose 2 answers. A.) Who funded it? B.) Does it try to get you to distrust other sources? C.) Does it support your beliefs and values? D.) Is it free of bias?
A,B
Which sentences reflect strong critical thinking? Choose 2 answers. A.) I disagree with my opponent's position on this issue, but I respect my opponents and I am curious to hear their thoughts on the matter. B.) I know that issues can be complicated, and that it is often difficult to determine the best approach to a problem. C.) Unlike some others, I do not jump to conclusions, nor am I biased. D.) While I am open to discussion on the topic, I am committed to my position because I know it is right.
A,B
Everyone who lives in Los Angeles lives in California. Everyone who lives in California lives in the United States. Therefore, everyone who lives in Los Angeles lives in the United States. Which terms categorize this deductive argument? Choose two answers. A.) Vaild B.) Invalid C.) Sound D.) Unsound
A,C
Everyone who lives in Los Angeles lives in California. Everyone who lives in California lives in the United States. Therefore, everyone who lives in Los Angeles lives in the United States. Which terms categorize this deductive argument? Choose two answers. A.) Valid B.) Invalid C.) Sound D.) Unsound
A,C
In the past, it has snowed in Alaska every winter for the last 100 years. Therefore, it will probably snow in Alaska next winter. Which terms categorize this inductive argument? Choose two answers. A.) Strong B.) Weak C.) Cogent D.) Uncogent
A,C
Jordan says, "I am the best student at our high school; I am the tallest and most athletic, and I have the best car." Taylor, Jordan's best friend, totally agrees. Which two descriptors best characterize Jordan's comments? Choose two answers. A.) Weak argument B.) Proposition C.) Inference D.) Strong argument
A,C
Which sentences are arguments? Choose 2 answers. A.) We know the student cheated on the exam because the instructor caught the student stealing glances at their neighbor's test. B.) The student only cheated on the exam because their financial aid depended on it. C.) No one has ever been to the moon, so we do not know that it is not made of cheese. D.) If you suspect you have been infected with rabies, then you should contact a medical professional immediately.
A,C
Which words or phrases are conclusion indicators? Choose 2 answers. A.) As a result B.) For C.) Hence D.) As indicated by
A,C
All Californians are Canadians. Bert is a Californian. Therefore, Bert is a Canadian. Which terms categorize this deductive argument? Choose two answers. A.) Valid B.) Invalid C.) Sound D.) Unsound
A,D
In the past, it has snowed in Miami, Florida every summer. Therefore, it will probably snow in Miami next summer. Which terms categorize this inductive argument? Choose two answers. A.) Strong B.) Weak C.) Cogent D.) Uncogent
A,D
Which questions can best help readers avoid being misled by fake news? Choose 2 answers. A.) Has the story been vetted by independent fact-checkers? B.) Does the story support your political views? C.) Has the subject of a negative story dismissed it as fake news? D.) Are multiple news outlets independently reporting the same story?
A,D
Which two errors represent cognitive biases? Choose 2 answers. A.) Representativeness B.) Cogency C.) Validity D.) Availability
A,D
Which words or phrases are premise indicators? Choose 2 answers. A.) In that B.) Consequently C.) It follows that D.) Because
A,D
Conner and Miller are discussing the topic of intelligent life in other solar systems. Conner asks Miller, "Do you believe that there is intelligent life in the Alpha Centauri planetary system?" Miller replies, "I don't know that there isn't intelligent life there. There's no proof that there isn't. So, I believe there is intelligent life in that planetary system." Which fallacy did Miller commit? A.) The false dilemma fallacy B.) The fallacy of appeal to ignorance C.) The fallacy of begging the question D.) The fallacy of appeal to the people
B
Consider the following argument: If Jones is a baseball player, then Jones is an athlete. Jones is a baseball player. Thus, Jones is an athlete. Which kind of argument is this? A.) A conditional proposition B.) A valid argument C.) A strong argument D.) An invalid argument
B
If I am a soldier, then I am brave. I am not a soldier. Therefore, I am not brave. Which type of logic error is this an example of? A.) Affirming the consequent B.) Denying the antecendent C.) Begging the question D.) The fallacy fallacy
B
If it is the hottest day of the year, then the ice will melt. The ice melted. Therefore, it must have been the hottest day of the year. What fallacy does the above argument commit? A.) Begging the question B.) Affirming the consequent C.) Fallacy fallacy D.) Denying the antecedent
B
If the computer is not fixed, then the company either needs to buy a new one or will not be able to keep up productivity. Which of the following breaks down the complex proposition above into the simple propositions? A.) If the computer is not fixed, then the company needs to buy a new one. The company will not be able to keep up productivity. B.) The computer is not fixed. The company needs to buy a new computer. The company will not be able to keep up productivity. C.) The computer is not fixed. The company either needs to buy a new one or will not be able to keep up productivity. D.) The company does not have enough computers.
B
If the light is red, then you should stop. The light is not red. Therefore, you should not stop. What form does the above argument have? A.) Modus tollens B.) Denying the antecedent C.) Modus ponens D.) Affirming the consequent
B
In deductive reasoning, what is the difference between validity and soundness? A.) Validity concerns the truth of an argument's premises, but soundness requires a high degree of probability. B.) Validity only concerns the structure of an argument, but soundness requires both validity and true premises. C.) Validity concerns an argument's probability, but soundness requires clearly defined terms. D.) Validity concerns the inductive strength of an argument, but soundness requires both strength and plausible premises.
B
In which argument do premises (1) and (2) provide conjoint support for conclusion (3)? A.) (1) Broccoli is high in important nutrients like vitamin C. (2) Broccoli also has antioxidants that prevent cell damage. (3) I told you that broccoli was healthy! B.) (1) If we fix our car, we will not have enough money for a vacation. (2) I guess we just have to fix our car, though. (3) Therefore, we will not have enough money for a vacation. C.) (1) The Titanic famously capsized in 1912, even though people thought it was very safe. (2) There have been high-profile passenger plane crashes around the world. (3) Clearly traveling is not without some risk. D.) (1) The new candidate has significant experience in the field. (2) Furthermore, they were recommended by someone I trust. (3) I think we should hire them.
B
In which way should an information source be approached if it is stating that it is the only source of real information and that other sources cannot be trusted? A.) Confidently, because the source likely has exclusive information. B.) Skeptically, because the source may lack credibility. C.) Confidently, because the source is concerned with telling the true story. D.) Skeptically, because the source reflects a formal fallacy.
B
Politician A proposes new tax cuts for large corporations. Initially Politician B opposes these tax cuts. However, instead of quickly dismissing the proposal as a mere favor to powerful interests, Politician B first considers the strongest available evidence for the argument that Politician A's proposal could create new jobs and stimulate the economy. Which argumentation concept does this passage illustrate? A.) Confirmation bias B.) The principle of charity C.) Availability D.) Heuristics
B
Some arguments are such that the premises of the argument entail its conclusion, which means that if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true. What are such arguments called? A.) Fallacious arguments B.) Valid arguments C.) Inductive arguments D.) Abductive arguments
B
Two politicians are engaged in a debate about healthcare. The first politician claims that human beings have a right to access healthcare. The second politician responds that this claim is unclear. He asks, "What do you mean by 'right' and 'access'?" The first politician responds by claiming that voters support accessible healthcare. Which fallacy is the first politician committing? A.) The false dilemma fallacy B.) The red herring fallacy C.) The equivocation fallacy D.) The ad hominem fallacy
B
Which error may the principle of charity help minimize? A.) Representativeness B.) Confirmation bias C.) Denying the antecedent D.) Anchoring and adjustment
B
Which indicator is a premise indicator? A.) Hence B.) Because C.) Thus D.) Therefore
B
Which is the best example of System 1 thinking? A.) Researching different candidates' tax plans to determine how to vote B.) Automatically forming a judgment about someone based on how they are dressed C.) Splitting the bill with friends at a restaurant D.) Consulting multiple sources to form an investment plan
B
Which sentence expresses a complex proposition? A.) Birthday parties can be really fun. B.) The cat ate the food, but did not like it. C.) Too many employees are used to high-stress work environments in the U.S. D.) Why did the monkey escape, and who is responsible?
B
Which sentences are propositions? Choose 2 answers. A.) Hey, let's go to lunch at noon today. B.) Mangino's has the best pizza. C.) They will likely put the other restaurants out of business. D.) Do you like Mangino's pizza?
B
Which study is most likely to be corrupted by bias? A.) A study by the marketing department of an oil company determining the best use of the company's advertising dollars B.) A study by a group representing organic farmers examining the health benefits of eating organic foods C.) A study by an independent research group detailing the effects of global warming D.) A study by a nonpartisan polling firm showing strong support for a new tax levy
B
Which type of generalization is rationally acceptable? A.) A generalization treated as if there were no exceptions, when in fact there is at least one exception B.) A generalization based on an adequate number of relevant cases C.) A generalization based on an unfair stereotype D.) A generalization based on an insufficient sample
B
Which of the following are reasons for applying the principle of charity? Choose 2 answers. A.) It makes debates easier to win. B.) It is morally right to give others the benefit of the doubt. C.) It allows for a clearer understanding of the issue. D.) It makes one look good by making one's opponent look weak.
B,C
Which two statements are true with respect to heuristics? Choose 2 answers. A.) They are problematic because they represent formal logic fallacies. B.) They are problematic because they can lead to cognitive biases. C.) They are helpful because they enable fast, efficient decisions. D.) They are problematic because they lack validity.
B,C
All Texans are Americans. Ana is an American. Therefore, Ana is a Texan. Which terms categorize this deductive argument? Choose two answers. A.) Valid B.) Invalid C.) Sound D.) Unsound
B,D
In 1962, it snowed in downtown Los Angeles. Therefore, it will probably snow in downtown Los Angeles next winter. Which terms categorize this inductive argument? Choose two answers. A.) Strong B.) Weak C.) Cogent D.) Uncogent
B,D
A high school geology teacher asks her class whether Mount Everest is taller than 8,000 feet. Most students guess that it is. Then the teacher offers extra credit for correctly guessing the actual height of the mountain. Answers range from 6,000 feet to 16,000 feet, but nobody comes close to the actual height of Mount Everest (which is 29,000 feet). What cognitive bias explains why students' guesses are around 8,000 feet? A.) Representativeness B.) Selection bias C.) Anchoring D.) Aleif
C
A report concludes that people who drive red cars get more speeding tickets than people who drive other color cars. Based on this report, an individual concludes that red cars encourage people to drive fast. Which concept does this conclusion illustrate? A.) The principle of charity B.) Anchoring C.) Selection bias D.) Representativeness
C
Dogs are bred for many different purposes. Poodles, for example, make good house pets, while German shepherds and other large breeds can be used for home protection. Therefore, because it is important to select the right breed for your needs, you should carefully research dog breeds to make the right choice. Which statement is the conclusion of the argument? A.) German shepherds and other large breeds can be used for home protection. B.) Dogs are bred for many different purposes. C.) You should carefully research dog breeds to make the right choice. D.) It is important to select the right breed for your needs.
C
I know who vandalized Riley's car with spray paint. It was Jordan! Consider the facts. Jordan was seen near Riley's house yesterday afternoon, and last night we noticed paint on Jordan's shirt. Besides, Jordan has been out to get Riley ever since Riley broke Jordan's lawn mower. Which description best characterizes the above? A.) A story B.) An explanation for why something happened C.) An argument D.) A disconnected set of statements
C
If I set a world speed record, then I will win the race. I won the race. So, I must have set a world speed record. What form does the above argument have? A.) Affirming the antecedent B.) Denying the antecedent C.) Affirming the consequent D.) Denying the consequent
C
It is okay to cheat on my taxes. Everyone else does it, so why shouldn't I? Which irrelevant appeal does the above argument commit? A.) Appeal to consequences B.) Appeal to authroity C.) Appeal to popularity D.) Appeal to force
C
It is wrong to cheat on a test, since cheating on a test is morally bad. A.) Affirming the consequent B.) Denying the antecedent C.) Begging the question D.) The fallacy fallacy
C
Jamie's argument against the conspiracy theorist commits the straw figure fallacy. So, clearly Jamie is wrong, and the conspiracy is real. What logical error does the above argument commit? A.) Begging the question B.) Affirming the consequent C.) Fallacy fallacy D.) Denying the antecedent
C
My nutritionist said that "a vegetarian diet can be healthy." However, it is absurd to say that we can live on lettuce and carrots alone. We are not rabbits. Humans need protein. Which fallacy of relevance does the above argument commit? A.) Red herring B.) Ad hominem C.) Straw person D.) Appeal to authority
C
Suppose Jones believes that every morning that he steps out of his house with his right foot first, he will have a good day. Jones believes this because last Tuesday morning he stepped out of his house with his right foot first. Later in the day, he received a raise at work, his friends took him to lunch, and he won $500 in the lottery. Which fallacy did Jones commit? A.) The fallacy of appeal to emotion B.) The fallacy of wishful thinking C.) The fallacy of post hoc ergo propter hoc D.) The false dilemma fallacy
C
Usually when the audience comes out of a theater laughing, that means the film was funny. The audience leaving the theater after this film is laughing. So the film probably is funny. Which type of reasoning is illustrated in this example? A.) Valid B.) Sound C.) Inductive D.) Deductive
C
Which argument is inductive? A.) All cubes have six sides. This die is a cube. Hence, this die has six sides. B.) No magical creatures exist. Unicorns are magical creatures. Therefore, unicorns do not exist. C.) Because most penguins are from areas with cold climates, it is probable that the penguin you saw at the zoo was from an area with a cold climate. D.) If the egg fell, then it broke. The egg did not break. So, the egg did not fall.
C
Which argument would require a conjoint, hidden assumption to be paired with premise (1) when mapped? A.) (1) We can either eat out at a restaurant or stay in. (2) We should not stay in. (3) So we should go out to a restaurant. B.) (1) If it had rained last night, the sidewalk would still be wet. (2) But the sidewalk is dry. (3) So it must not have rained last night. C.) (1) Out of all the movies we could watch tonight, Movie A is the funniest. (2) Therefore, we should watch Movie A. D.) (1) If we want to support a reasonable tax plan, we should vote for Candidate A. (2) We do want to support a reasonable tax plan. (3) So we should vote for Candidate A.
C
Which of the following is the most pertinent question to ask when trying to identify the fallacy of begging the question? A.) Are the premises known to be true? B.) Is the argument relevant to the topic of the debate? C.) Are any of the premises of the argument identical to the conclusion of the argument? D.) Is the conclusion known to be true?
C
Which piece of information would be the most helpful to know in assessing the credibility of a news story? A.) Whether the political party affiliation of the author is identified B.) Whether the article contains video footage C.) Whether the name of the author and the publication are identified D.) Whether there is widespread agreement with the story on social media
C
Which sentence is a non-proposition? A.) If the burglar did not go out the front door, they must have gone out a window. B.) The earth is the third planet from the sun. C.) Where are the keys to my car? D.) Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
C
Which statement correctly identifies the subpremise, the main premise, and the main conclusion in the following argument? (1)The elementary school should run more earthquake drills next year. (2) We have reason to believe that the likelihood of an earthquake is increasing because (3) a federal report released last year said that our area's earthquake danger is on the rise. A.) 1 is the main premise, 2 is the subpremise, and 3 is the main conclusion. B.) 1 is the main premise, 2 is the main conclusion, and 3 is the subpremise. C.) 1 is the main conclusion, 2 is the main premise, and 3 is the subpremise. D.) 1 is the subpremise, 2 is the main premise, and 3 is the main conclusion.
C
While researching a topic on the internet, a student encounters two different websites, one of that looks more official than the other and includes tables, charts, and statistics, while the other does not. What is the line of reasoning this student should employ to determine which site is more credible? A.) Neither site is credible, unless one of the two is truly an official government website run by a government agency. B.) The site that looks more official with tables, charts, and statistics is more credible because it reflects professionalism and objectivity. C.) It is not feasible to determine which site is more credible from the information provided. D.) The site that looks less official and does not include tables, charts, and statistics is more credible because it is more straightforward and objective.
C
Complete the statement: A formal fallacy is a type of _______. A.) Good structure B.) Good statement C.) Bad argument structure D.) Bad statement
C Formality is associated with structure.
An individual drops hundreds of objects, and each time they fall to the ground. The individual therefore concludes that if someone drops a pencil, it will fall. Which terms describe the argument? Choose 2 answers. A.) Deductive B.) Valid C.) Strong D.) Cogent
C,D
Because flying cars will relieve traffic congestion, and since the research and development of such vehicles will be expensive, it follows that the government should encourage industry to develop flying cars and banks should help fund industry research. Which phrases contain conclusions of this argument? Choose 2 answers. A.) Flying cars will relieve traffic congestion B.) The research and development of such vehicles will be expensive C.) The government should encourage industry to develop flying cars D.) Banks should help fund industry research
C,D
Critical thinkers are constantly alert for possible biases in their own thinking. When the potential for bias is present, which two actions may strong critical thinkers take to help minimize bias in their thinking? Choose 2 answers. A.) Employ heuristics for decision-making B.) Look for consensus on social media C.) Broaden their sources of information D.) Slow their thought process
C,D
To understand how people in a county feel about a proposed increase in property taxes, a person walks door-to-door in his neighborhood, asking people to complete a survey. Which two statements are true with regard to this statistical sample? Choose 2 answers. A.) Not good because it lacks validity B.) Good because it is sound C.) Not good because it is not representative D.) Not good because it is not random
C,D
A young person is wearing a tie-dyed shirt and driving a Volkswagen (VW) bus. Based on this, another individual concludes that this person has liberal political views. Which bias does this reasoning reflect? A.) Availability bias B.) Anchoring and adjustment bias C.) Confirmation bias D.) Representativeness bias
D
Did the company really close that deal? It has had a great year. Where is the president right now? Let's go ask whether the deal was closed. In the above paragraph, which sentence expresses a proposition? A.) Where is the president right now? B.) Did the company really close that deal? C.) Let's go ask whether the deal was closed. D.) It has had a great year.
D
Elliott notices that many of the news articles, blogs, social media postings, and other information she sees on the internet support her view on a particular issue. Based on this information, what can Elliott reasonably conclude with respect to their view on the issue? A.) Most people likely agree with Elliott's view. B.) Elliott's view is most likely incorrect. C.) Elliott's view is most likely correct. D.) Algorithms may be linking Elliott with like-minded information.
D
If I am bald, then I am old. I am old. Therefore, I am bald. Which type of logic error is this an example of? A.) Begging the question B.) The fallacy fallacy C.) Denying the antecendent D.) Affirming the consequent
D
It must be true if she said it. She did not say it. Consequently, it must not be true. What fallacy does the above argument commit? A.) Begging the question B.) Affirming the consequent C.) Fallacy fallacy D.) Denying the antecedent
D
My opponent argues that the earth is round because Dr. Evil shaped it that way using his satellite mounted laser. Since Dr. Evil is a fictitious character, you must reject the argument that the earth is round. This is an example of which type of logic error? A.) Denying the antecedent B.) Affirming the consequent C.) Begging the question D.) The fallacy fallacy
D
Smith is committed to the belief that technological advancement is always beneficial and thus never detrimental to human life. Smith reads a carefully written and sufficiently argued essay in which the author contends that the human adoption of any new technology involves both advantages and disadvantages to its adopters. Since Smith is a loyal technophile, Smith accepts the author's claims about the advantages of technology but rejects the author's claims about the disadvantages of technology. Which cognitive bias is Smith demonstrating? A.) Dunning-Kruger effect B.) Principle of charity C.) Optimism bias D.) Confirmation bias
D
Which action can simply be taken in many instances to gain a clearer, more accurate understanding of a situation? A.) Checking social media B.) Affirming the consequent C.) Narrowing the topic D.) Broadening our perspective
D
Which argument is deductive? A.) Given that most new businesses fail within five years, I bet that kid's lemonade stand will not be around in ten years. B.) There is a hole in the fence. Therefore, the dog likely escaped through the opening. C.) Hayden has always been late for class before. So, Hayden will probably be late for class today. D.) All rabbits have long ears. Bugs is a rabbit. Consequently, Bugs has long ears.
D
Which of the following is a fallacy of relevance? A.) The fallacy of hasty generalization B.) The fallacy of shifting the burden of proof C.) The fallacy of anthropomorphism D.) The genetic fallacy
D
Which of the following is a form of cognitive bias? A.) The false dilemma fallacy B.) The Peter Principle C.) Begging the question D.) Alief
D
Which of the following is an accurate characterization of "fallacy" as that term is used in logic? A.) A fallacy is a formal violation of a state law. B.) A fallacy is a false claim. C.) A fallacy is a deliberate attempt to deceive. D.) A fallacy is a common mistake in reasoning.
D
Which of the following is an example of the anchoring bias? A.) Ortega is inclined to accept relevant evidence that supports his views about religion, but to deny relevant evidence that counts against his views. B.) Smith accepts a belief only because all of his friends accept it. C.) Miller possesses a good deal of knowledge about her profession, which is banking. She therefore concludes that she also knows a good deal about political science. D.) Jones collects five pieces of evidence to support a belief, but arbitrarily emphasizes the first piece of evidence.
D
Which of the following is the most relevant question to ask when seeking to identify an unwarranted statistical generalization? A.) Does the generalization follow at least one rule of deductive logic? B.) Does the generalization confirm what you already believe? C.) Is the generalization consistent with popular beliefs in your society? D.) Is the generalization based on a sufficient number of relevant samples?
D
Which statement is a simple proposition? A.) Because I was dressed for work, I took an umbrella and ran to my car. B.) I had a work deadline approaching, so I ate lunch at my desk and finished my work. C.) I stopped at the grocery store and bought some milk. D.) By noon, the sun was shining.
D
Suppose a person argues that one and only one of two options is true. However, there are more than two options. In other words, the argument looks like this: Either p is true or q is true. Q is not true. Therefore, p is true. However, there is a third option, r. Which of the following fallacies is present in this argument? A.) The fallacy of cherry-picking the evidence B.) The fallacy of shifting the burden of proof C.) The fallacy of circular reasoning D.) The false dilemma fallacy
D This fallacy occurs when a person assumes that only two options are available for consideration, when in fact there are more than two. It is important to note that the argument in the example is not fallacious if premises (1) and (2) are in fact true.
An individual does not believe the moon landing ever occurred. She claims there are plenty of internet postings that agree with this idea, and while photos, documentation, witness accounts, and physical evidence of a moon landing may exist, these are all things that can easily be manufactured by the government, which cannot be trusted. Which argumentation concept does this passage illustrate? A.) Anchoring and adjustment B.) Confirmation bias C.) Denying the antecedent D.) Representativenss
B
