Critical Thinking Flashcards

Which statement describes DEDUCTIVE reasoning?

Answer: Reaching a certain conclusion that must follow from true premises

Deductive reasoning guarantees the conclusion if both premises are true and the argument structure is valid.

A news headline reads: 'New Study Links Coffee to Longer Life.' What should a critical reader ask FIRST?

Answer: Was the study peer-reviewed, and how large was the sample?

Evaluating the study's methodology and sample size determines whether the claim is scientifically credible.

Which action shows a student is analyzing POINT OF VIEW rather than just summarizing?

Answer: Explaining WHY the author chose certain words to influence the reader

Analyzing word choice and its persuasive intent demonstrates understanding of the author's perspective and technique.

Which situation is the BEST example of using logical reasoning to solve a problem?

Answer: Listing pros and cons based on evidence before making a decision

Systematically weighing evidence through a pros-and-cons analysis reflects structured logical reasoning.

An author supports a claim about pollution using only data from 1975. A critical reader should be concerned because:

Answer: Outdated data may not reflect current conditions

Environmental data from decades ago may not accurately represent current pollution levels due to regulatory and industrial changes.

Which word signal often introduces a CONCLUSION in an argument?

Answer: Therefore

'Therefore' is a logical connector that signals the conclusion drawn from preceding premises.

A student argues: 'We should ban all junk food because too much sugar is unhealthy.' What weakness does this argument have?

Answer: It jumps from a health fact to an extreme policy without addressing nuance

The argument does not account for personal choice, moderation, or alternative solutions, making it an oversimplified leap.