CCTST Analysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A graph shows that ice cream sales and drowning rates both peak in summer. A commentator concludes that ice cream causes drowning. This error is best described as:
- Confusing correlation with causation (Correct answer)
- Hasty generalization
- False dichotomy
- Appeal to authority
Correct answer: Confusing correlation with causation
Both variables are driven by a third factor (summer heat), making this a classic case of mistaking correlation for a causal relationship.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a 'necessary condition' in logical analysis?
- A condition that must be present for an outcome to occur, though it may not be sufficient alone (Correct answer)
- A condition whose presence guarantees the outcome
- A condition that is unrelated to the outcome
- A condition that is sometimes, but not always, required
Correct answer: A condition that must be present for an outcome to occur, though it may not be sufficient alone
A necessary condition must be met for the outcome to occur, but it alone may not bring about that outcome.
Question 3: An argument states: 'Either we raise taxes or cut services. We cannot cut services. Therefore, we must raise taxes.' This is an example of:
- Disjunctive syllogism (Correct answer)
- Affirming the consequent
- Hypothetical syllogism
- Ad hominem reasoning
Correct answer: Disjunctive syllogism
Disjunctive syllogism eliminates one option from an either/or statement to conclude the other must be true.
Question 4: When a study uses a sample of only college students to draw conclusions about 'all adults,' the primary analytical concern is:
- Whether the sample is representative of the broader population (Correct answer)
- Whether the study was peer-reviewed
- Whether the college students volunteered willingly
- Whether the study was conducted recently
Correct answer: Whether the sample is representative of the broader population
College students differ systematically from the general adult population, so the sample may not support conclusions about all adults.
Question 5: Which of the following statements is an analytic (logically true) claim?
- All bachelors are unmarried (Correct answer)
- The sky is blue
- Water freezes at 32°F
- Exercise improves health
Correct answer: All bachelors are unmarried
'Bachelor' is defined as an unmarried man, so 'all bachelors are unmarried' is true by definition, not by observation.
Question 6: A critical thinker reading an editorial notices the author only cites evidence that supports the position and ignores contradictory data. This is best identified as:
- Selective use of evidence (cherry-picking) (Correct answer)
- Ad hominem attack
- Slippery slope reasoning
- False analogy
Correct answer: Selective use of evidence (cherry-picking)
Cherry-picking involves presenting only favorable evidence while omitting contradictory data, creating a misleadingly one-sided picture.
Question 7: If the statement 'All reptiles are cold-blooded' is true, which of the following must also be true?
- If an animal is not cold-blooded, it is not a reptile (Correct answer)
- If an animal is cold-blooded, it is a reptile
- Some reptiles are warm-blooded
- Cold-blooded animals evolved before warm-blooded ones
Correct answer: If an animal is not cold-blooded, it is not a reptile
The contrapositive of 'All A are B' is 'If not B, then not A,' which is logically equivalent and must be true.
CCTST Analysis 3
A graph shows that ice cream sales and drowning rates both peak in summer.
A commentator concludes that ice cream causes drowning.
This error is best described as: