Critical Analysis Flashcards

A researcher claims that since violent crime rates dropped after a new policing strategy was introduced, the strategy caused the reduction. What logical flaw does this argument contain?

Answer: Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Post hoc ergo propter hoc assumes causation from temporal sequence alone, ignoring other possible explanations.

Which of the following best describes an 'inference' in critical reasoning?

Answer: A conclusion drawn from evidence beyond what is explicitly stated

An inference goes beyond stated facts to reach a conclusion supported by but not contained in the evidence.

An author argues that either we ban social media entirely or our democracy will collapse. Which fallacy is illustrated?

Answer: False dilemma

A false dilemma presents only two options when other alternatives exist.

When evaluating a study, a critical reader notices the sample consisted only of university students. This is a concern about:

Answer: Representativeness of the sample

A non-representative sample limits the ability to generalize findings to broader populations.

Which statement about correlation and causation is most accurate?

Answer: Correlation is necessary but not sufficient to establish causation

While causation typically produces correlation, correlation alone cannot confirm that one variable causes the other.

A student dismisses a peer's argument about climate policy by saying the peer failed a chemistry exam last year. This is an example of:

Answer: Ad hominem

Ad hominem attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

In a passage, the author presents supporting evidence followed by a concluding claim. The concluding claim is best described as the:

Answer: Conclusion

The conclusion is the main claim the author is trying to establish using the supporting premises.