ieGAT Critical Thinking and Argumentation

Question 1

An executive argues: 'Our new product launch was a success because sales increased last quarter.' Which of the following most seriously weakens this argument?

Accepted Answer

Overall market sales for all competitors also increased last quarter due to seasonal demand.

Answer

The product was launched in only three markets.

Answer

The marketing budget was higher than in previous quarters.

Answer

Customer satisfaction scores were not measured.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a hasty generalization?

Accepted Answer

I met two rude people from City X, so everyone from City X must be rude.

Answer

All mammals are warm-blooded; whales are mammals; therefore whales are warm-blooded.

Answer

If prices rise, demand typically falls, assuming all else is equal.

Answer

The study surveyed 10,000 randomly selected adults to draw its conclusions.

Question 3

Premise 1: All strategy consultants are strong analytical thinkers. Premise 2: Maria is a strong analytical thinker. What can be validly concluded?

Accepted Answer

Maria might or might not be a strategy consultant.

Answer

Maria is a strategy consultant.

Answer

Maria is not a strategy consultant.

Answer

All strong analytical thinkers become strategy consultants.

Question 4

A politician says: 'You are either with us on this policy, or you are against progress.' This statement is an example of which fallacy?

Accepted Answer

False dichotomy

Answer

Ad hominem

Answer

Straw man

Answer

Appeal to authority

Question 5

A company report states: 'Employee engagement scores rose 15% after the new wellness program launched. Therefore, the wellness program caused greater engagement.' Which assumption is the argument relying on?

Accepted Answer

No other significant changes occurred in the company during the same period.

Answer

Engagement scores are the most important metric for company performance.

Answer

The wellness program was enjoyed by all employees equally.

Answer

Engagement scores were measured using a standardized tool.

Question 6

Read the argument: 'Reducing working hours will decrease productivity. Therefore, we should not reduce working hours.' Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

Accepted Answer

A meta-analysis of 50 companies found that productivity fell in 80% of cases after working-hour reductions.

Answer

Several firms that reduced working hours reported no change in output.

Answer

Research consistently shows that fatigue from overwork reduces output quality and quantity.

Answer

Workers in countries with shorter working weeks report higher job satisfaction.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the logical structure of this argument? 'Students who study daily perform better on exams. Carlos performs well on exams. Therefore, Carlos studies daily.'

Accepted Answer

Affirming the consequent

Answer

Valid deductive reasoning

Answer

Denying the antecedent

Answer

Modus ponens