CCTST Evaluation 5

Question 1

A critical thinker evaluating an argument notices that a key term is used in two different senses across the premises. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The fallacy of equivocation

Answer

Equivocation occurs when an argument exploits the ambiguity of a word by shifting its meaning between premises, undermining the logical connection.

Question 2

Which of the following best demonstrates a strong evaluation of competing evidence?

Accepted Answer

Weighing all available evidence and adjusting conclusions based on its overall strength

Answer

Strong evaluation requires considering all relevant evidence and allowing the weight of that evidence to guide the conclusion rather than cherry-picking support.

Question 3

A politician argues: 'If we allow same-sex marriage, next people will want to marry animals.' Which fallacy should a critical evaluator identify?

Accepted Answer

Slippery slope fallacy

Answer

A slippery slope fallacy assumes that one step will inevitably lead to extreme consequences without providing evidence for why intermediate steps would occur.

Question 4

When evaluating an inductive argument, what does it mean for the argument to be 'strong'?

Accepted Answer

The premises make the conclusion highly probable even if not certain

Answer

A strong inductive argument is one where true premises would make the conclusion very likely, even though absolute certainty is not possible in inductive reasoning.

Question 5

A health blog claims: 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend our toothpaste.' What is the most important evaluative question to ask?

Accepted Answer

What population of dentists was surveyed and what exactly were they asked?

Answer

The statistic's value depends on how the sample of dentists was selected and whether the question asked was specific enough to make the claim meaningful.

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test

CCTST Evaluation 5