AST Logical Reasoning and Evidence 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence presents a claim supported by evidence rather than an unsupported opinion?
- I think electric cars are better.
- Electric cars are clearly superior in every way.
- Studies show that electric cars produce 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime. (Correct answer)
- Everyone knows electric cars are the future.
Correct answer: Studies show that electric cars produce 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime.
An evidence-based claim cites specific data or research rather than personal opinion or vague assertions.
Strong academic claims are supported by specific evidence. Choice A is a personal opinion ('I think'). Choice B is an unsupported superlative ('superior in every way'). Choice D is an appeal to common belief. Only choice C cites a concrete, measurable finding ('50% fewer emissions') that could be verified through research.
Question 2: A 'straw man' fallacy occurs when someone:
- Attacks a person's character instead of their argument
- Misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack (Correct answer)
- Appeals to the majority to justify a claim
- Draws a conclusion from insufficient evidence
Correct answer: Misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack
A straw man distorts or exaggerates an opponent's position to refute a weakened version of their argument.
A straw man misrepresents an opponent's argument in a distorted or exaggerated way that is easier to attack. Example: 'You want to cut the military budget.' 'So you want to leave the country defenseless?' The second speaker distorted the first's position. Ad hominem (A) attacks the person; bandwagon (C) appeals to popularity.
Question 3: Which of these best describes an inference?
- A direct quotation from a source
- A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning (Correct answer)
- An opinion without supporting data
- A restatement of an author's main claim
Correct answer: A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning
An inference is a logical conclusion reached by interpreting available evidence and reasoning.
An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence and logical reasoning rather than directly stated. Example: You walk outside and the ground is wet — you infer it rained. Inference requires reading between the lines and using context. It differs from a direct quote (explicit) or summary (restatement).
Question 4: In evaluating a source, which factor most directly relates to credibility?
- Length of the article
- Author's expertise and qualifications (Correct answer)
- Popularity of the website
- Number of images included
Correct answer: Author's expertise and qualifications
Credibility is most directly established by the author's relevant expertise and qualifications.
Source credibility (part of the CRAAP test: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) is most directly tied to the author's expertise and credentials. A long article, popular website, or image-rich page do not guarantee accuracy. An author with relevant qualifications in the field is the strongest credibility indicator.
Question 5: A false dichotomy presents an argument as if there are only two options when in reality:
- Both options are equally valid
- Neither option is correct
- More options exist (Correct answer)
- The options are mutually exclusive
Correct answer: More options exist
A false dichotomy oversimplifies by ignoring additional valid alternatives.
A false dichotomy (or false dilemma) is a fallacy that presents two options as if they are the only possibilities when others exist. Example: 'You're either with us or against us' ignores neutrality or moderate positions. Identifying hidden middle-ground options is key to refuting this fallacy.
Question 6: Which term describes reasoning that supports a conclusion using a series of if-then logical steps?
- Analogical reasoning
- Deductive reasoning (Correct answer)
- Circular reasoning
- Abductive reasoning
Correct answer: Deductive reasoning
Deductive reasoning moves from premises through logical steps to a necessary conclusion.
Deductive reasoning uses established general principles and applies them to specific cases through if-then logic. Classic syllogism: If all humans are mortal (premise 1) and Socrates is human (premise 2), then Socrates is mortal (conclusion). The conclusion is logically necessary if the premises are true.
AST Logical Reasoning and Evidence 2
Which sentence presents a claim supported by evidence rather than an unsupported opinion?