CARS CARS Evidence Evaluation and Research Methods

Question 1

A CARS passage states that a study found a correlation between coffee consumption and improved memory. What is the most important limitation to consider when evaluating this claim?

Accepted Answer

Correlation does not establish causation

Answer

The study must have used animals as subjects

Answer

Coffee is not widely consumed in the US

Answer

Memory cannot be measured scientifically

Question 2

In a CARS passage, an author cites a single case study to support a broad universal claim. Which type of reasoning error does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Hasty generalization

Answer

False dichotomy

Answer

Circular reasoning

Answer

Appeal to authority

Question 3

A CARS passage describes a double-blind study. What does 'double-blind' mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

Neither participants nor researchers know who received the treatment

Answer

The study was conducted twice to verify results

Answer

Two separate research teams conducted the study

Answer

Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used

Question 4

An author in a CARS passage uses only peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last five years to support an argument. What does this suggest about the evidence?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is current and has undergone expert scrutiny

Answer

The evidence is automatically correct and unbiased

Answer

Older research is irrelevant to all academic topics

Answer

Only recent studies can be cited in academic work

Question 5

A CARS passage presents a study where the sample consisted entirely of college students. What methodological concern does this raise?

Accepted Answer

The findings may not generalize to broader populations

Answer

College students are unreliable research subjects

Answer

The study must be repeated with older participants

Answer

Student samples are never acceptable in research

Question 6

Which of the following best defines 'external validity' in the context of a research study discussed in a CARS passage?

Accepted Answer

The degree to which results can be generalized beyond the study's sample

Answer

Whether the study measures what it intends to measure

Answer

The accuracy of the data collected during the study

Answer

The objectivity of the researchers conducting the study