Analyzing and Extending Ideas Flashcards
7 cards from real ISAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Analyzing and Extending Ideas flashcards as text
A researcher concludes that exercise improves mood based on a study of 50 college athletes. Which limitation most undermines this conclusion?
Answer: The sample lacks diversity and may not generalize to other populations
A non-diverse sample of college athletes limits generalizability to the broader population.
An author argues that social media causes loneliness, citing that heavy users report feeling more isolated. What logical error does this argument contain?
Answer: Confusing correlation with causation
The argument assumes social media causes loneliness, but lonely people may simply use social media more.
A passage states: 'All effective leaders are decisive. Maria is decisive. Therefore, Maria is an effective leader.' What flaw does this reasoning contain?
Answer: It assumes the converse of the original statement is true
The argument incorrectly assumes that being decisive guarantees being an effective leader, which is not supported by the original premise.
Which approach best extends the claim that 'urban green spaces reduce stress' to a policy recommendation?
Answer: Mandate green space quotas in urban planning regulations
Mandating green space in urban planning directly applies the evidence to create sustainable policy.
A study finds that students who eat breakfast score higher on tests. A classmate concludes that eating breakfast makes students smarter. What is the most appropriate critique?
Answer: Smarter students may be more likely to eat breakfast due to better habits overall
The relationship may be reversed or driven by a third variable, so intelligence causing better habits is equally plausible.
An essay argues that libraries are obsolete because internet access is widespread. Which counterargument most effectively challenges this?
Answer: Libraries provide equitable access to resources and services for those without reliable internet
Libraries serve communities who lack internet access, directly challenging the assumption of universal connectivity.
A graph shows ice cream sales and drowning rates both peak in summer. What is the most accurate interpretation?
Answer: A third variable — hot weather — likely explains both trends
Both variables are driven by summer heat, making this a classic case of a confounding variable.