AQL Critical Thinking and Analysis

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of a logical fallacy known as 'ad hominem'?

Accepted Answer

Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself

Answer

Drawing a conclusion from insufficient evidence

Answer

Assuming that because two things are correlated they are causally related

Answer

Presenting only two options when more exist

Question 2

What is deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Starting with a general principle and applying it to reach a specific conclusion

Answer

Starting with specific observations and drawing a general conclusion

Answer

Using emotional appeals to persuade an audience

Answer

Listing evidence without drawing any conclusion

Question 3

Which of the following best defines 'inductive reasoning'?

Accepted Answer

Using specific observations to form a general conclusion

Answer

Applying a universal law to a particular situation

Answer

Repeating a claim until it seems true

Answer

Accepting an argument because an authority figure stated it

Question 4

A 'false dichotomy' fallacy occurs when:

Accepted Answer

Only two options are presented as if no other possibilities exist

Answer

A conclusion is drawn from unrelated premises

Answer

The same argument is repeated in different words

Answer

A popular belief is accepted without question

Question 5

What does it mean to 'evaluate the credibility' of a source?

Accepted Answer

Assess the expertise, objectivity, and evidence quality of the source

Answer

Count the number of references it cites

Answer

Determine whether the source is printed or online

Answer

Check if the source is longer than five pages

Question 6

Which of the following is the best example of an 'assumption' in an argument?

Accepted Answer

An unstated belief that the argument depends on being true

Answer

A clearly stated conclusion supported by evidence

Answer

A question posed to challenge the reader

Answer

A statistic cited from a government report