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Critical Thinking & Argument Evaluation Flashcards

7 cards from real NBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Critical Thinking & Argument Evaluation flashcards as text

  1. A study shows that students who eat breakfast perform better on tests. A school then mandates breakfast for all students. What hidden assumption underlies this policy decision?

    Answer: The correlation between breakfast and performance is causal

    The policy assumes the association is causal, but the study's correlation alone does not prove eating breakfast causes better performance.

  2. Which of the following statements is a fact rather than an opinion?

    Answer: The tax rate was increased by 3% in the most recent fiscal year

    A percentage increase in tax rate is an objective, verifiable measurement, making it a fact.

  3. What does it mean for an argument to be 'valid but unsound'?

    Answer: The logical structure is correct, but at least one premise is false

    A valid argument has correct logical form, but soundness also requires true premises — an argument can be valid without being sound.

  4. An advertisement claims: 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend our toothpaste!' What critical question should you ask first?

    Answer: How many and which dentists were surveyed, and who conducted the survey?

    The sample size, selection method, and who funded the survey directly affect the credibility of the statistic.

  5. Which logical structure correctly represents a valid modus tollens argument?

    Answer: If P then Q; Q is false; therefore P is false

    Modus tollens denies the consequent (Q is false) to validly conclude the antecedent (P) must also be false.

  6. A speaker says: 'If we allow students to redo one assignment, soon they'll expect to redo every exam and eventually earn grades without doing any work.' This is an example of:

    Answer: Slippery slope fallacy

    The slippery slope fallacy assumes one small action will inevitably lead to extreme consequences without evidence for each step.

  7. What is the best way to identify the main conclusion of a complex argument?

    Answer: Identify the statement that all other claims are designed to support

    The main conclusion is the central claim that the premises and supporting statements are all working to establish.