HBRI Critical Evaluation of Arguments 2

Question 1

A report states: 'Sales increased in every region where we ran TV ads.' A colleague concludes TV ads cause sales increases. What additional information would most weaken this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The regions with TV ads also had newly hired sales teams during the same period

Answer

If regions also received new sales teams simultaneously, the sales increase could be attributed to the sales force rather than the ads.

Question 2

Which of the following represents a conclusion that goes beyond what the evidence supports?

Accepted Answer

Because our top performer works 60-hour weeks, all employees should work 60-hour weeks to maximize productivity

Answer

One person's habits cannot be universalized to all employees without evidence that long hours universally cause higher productivity.

Question 3

An argument is described as 'sound.' What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It is logically valid AND all its premises are true

Answer

Soundness in logic requires both formal validity (the conclusion follows from premises) and factual accuracy of the premises themselves.

Question 4

A team proposes that customer lifetime value (CLV) is declining. Which evidence best supports this claim?

Accepted Answer

Average revenue per customer in year 3 fell from $4,200 to $3,800 across three consecutive cohorts

Answer

A consistent drop in revenue per customer across multiple cohorts over multiple years is direct, quantified evidence of declining CLV.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of circular reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Our strategy is effective because it works, and we know it works because it is effective

Answer

Circular reasoning restates the conclusion as its own justification without providing independent evidence.

HBRI - Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory Practice Test

HBRI - Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory Practice Test

HBRI Critical Evaluation of Arguments 2