AWA Evaluating Evidence and Assumptions 3

Question 1

An argument states: 'Whenever crime rates fall, the police chief credits the new patrol strategy. Therefore, the patrol strategy reduces crime.' What logical flaw is present?

Accepted Answer

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Answer

Post hoc reasoning assumes that because the patrol strategy preceded the crime drop, it caused it, ignoring other possible explanations.

Question 2

In evaluating an AWA argument, what is an 'alternative explanation'?

Accepted Answer

A different cause that could account for the observed evidence

Answer

An alternative explanation is another plausible cause for the evidence that the arguer has not considered, weakening the original causal claim.

Question 3

A company argues: 'We surveyed 200 of our most loyal customers and they love our product, so our product is widely popular.' What is the main weakness?

Accepted Answer

The sample is biased toward people already predisposed to like the product

Answer

Surveying only loyal customers creates selection bias, since this group is unlikely to represent the full range of customer opinion.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a 'false analogy' in an argument?

Accepted Answer

Comparing two situations that seem similar but differ in ways that affect the conclusion

Answer

A false analogy occurs when an argument assumes two situations are comparable, but key differences make the comparison invalid.

Question 5

An argument claims: 'Because Riverton's recycling program increased participation by 40%, implementing the same program in Lakeside will produce similar results.' What must be true for this conclusion to hold?

Accepted Answer

Riverton and Lakeside must be similar in the factors that affect recycling participation

Answer

For the analogy to work, the two cities must be similar in demographics, infrastructure, and attitudes that drive recycling participation.

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Evaluating Evidence and Assumptions 3