Critical Thinking Flashcards
6 cards from real BCAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Critical Thinking flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of identifying implicit assumptions in a BCAT argument?
Answer: To assess whether the argument would hold if the assumption were false
Testing whether an argument depends on an unstated assumption reveals a potential weakness or hidden logical gap.
Which of the following best describes 'inductive reasoning'?
Answer: Drawing probable general conclusions from specific observations
Inductive reasoning moves from specific examples to a general likely conclusion, but cannot guarantee certainty.
A BCAT passage argues: 'Most convicted felons have tattoos. Therefore, having tattoos causes crime.' What flaw is present?
Answer: Correlation is mistaken for causation
The argument wrongly assumes that a statistical association implies a causal relationship.
When a BCAT question asks you to identify the 'main conclusion,' you should look for:
Answer: The statement that all other statements are designed to support
The main conclusion is the central claim the argument is building toward; all other statements serve as evidence or support for it.
Which of the following is an example of an appeal to authority fallacy?
Answer: We should ban this drug because a famous actor says it is dangerous
An appeal to authority becomes a fallacy when the authority cited has no relevant expertise on the topic.
In BCAT critical thinking, 'counter-argument' best refers to:
Answer: A reason or evidence that opposes the main conclusion
A counter-argument presents evidence or reasoning that challenges or undermines the main conclusion.