AWA Evidence Evaluation & Support 4

Question 1

An AWA argument uses the phrase 'many experts agree' without naming sources. Why is this evidence weak?

Accepted Answer

Vague attribution prevents verification and assessment of the experts' qualifications or consensus size

Answer

Experts are rarely correct about complex issues

Answer

All expert opinions must be published to count as evidence

Answer

The argument should use only non-expert perspectives for balance

Question 2

Which scenario best illustrates the 'false equivalence' flaw in using evidence?

Accepted Answer

Treating a blog post and a peer-reviewed journal article as equally credible evidence

Answer

Comparing two studies that use similar methodologies

Answer

Using two different statistics to support the same point

Answer

Citing both primary and secondary sources in the same argument

Question 3

An argument presents data showing test scores rose after a new curriculum was adopted and concludes the curriculum caused the improvement. What alternative explanation should be explored?

Accepted Answer

Whether other changes—such as new teachers, increased funding, or a different student cohort—occurred simultaneously

Answer

Whether the tests were graded consistently

Answer

Whether the curriculum was expensive to implement

Answer

Whether test scores are a valid measure of learning

Question 4

In AWA evidence evaluation, what is a 'confounding variable'?

Accepted Answer

An unmeasured factor that influences both the studied cause and the outcome, distorting the apparent relationship

Answer

A variable that is difficult to define clearly

Answer

A variable that appears in the conclusion but not the evidence

Answer

A data point that contradicts the main trend

Question 5

An AWA argument states that since violent crime fell in cities that adopted a specific policing strategy, the strategy reduced crime. A strong critique would ask:

Accepted Answer

Whether crime was already declining nationally, making the local drop unremarkable

Answer

Whether the police department has enough officers

Answer

Whether the policing strategy is ethical

Answer

Whether the city's population changed during the period

Question 6

Which of the following is the strongest form of evidence for an AWA argument about whether a medication is effective?

Accepted Answer

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in a peer-reviewed journal

Answer

Numerous patient testimonials praising the drug

Answer

A manufacturer's press release citing internal research

Answer

An endorsement from a well-known physician on social media

Question 7

An argument uses absolute numbers—'10,000 people complained'—rather than rates to support a claim about widespread dissatisfaction. What concern does this raise?

Accepted Answer

Without knowing the total population size, 10,000 complaints could represent a tiny fraction of users

Answer

Absolute numbers are never valid in arguments

Answer

Complaints should be measured in survey percentages only

Answer

The number is too round to be credible