CCTST Deductive and Inductive 5

Question 1

A geologist finds the same type of rock layer in multiple locations and infers they were formed during the same geological period. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning from observed patterns

Answer

Inferring a general geological event from multiple observed rock layer patterns is inductive reasoning.

Question 2

Hypothetical syllogism is a valid deductive argument form. Which example correctly illustrates it?

Accepted Answer

If A then B; if B then C; therefore if A then C

Answer

Hypothetical syllogism chains two conditional statements: if A→B and B→C, then A→C follows necessarily.

Question 3

A survey of 2,000 randomly selected US adults finds 63% support a policy. The researcher concludes that roughly 63% of all US adults support it. This is:

Accepted Answer

An inductive statistical inference subject to margin of error

Answer

Projecting sample statistics to a population is inductive reasoning, and results carry a margin of error.

Question 4

Which situation illustrates a SOUND deductive argument?

Accepted Answer

All mammals breathe air; whales are mammals; therefore whales breathe air

Answer

This argument is valid (conclusion follows from premises) and sound because both premises are actually true.

Question 5

The CCTST evaluates inductive reasoning partly by testing whether test-takers can recognize when a conclusion:

Accepted Answer

Goes beyond what the evidence logically supports

Answer

Recognizing that inductive conclusions can exceed evidential support is a key critical thinking skill assessed by the CCTST.

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test

CCTST Deductive and Inductive 5