ISAT Analyzing and Extending Ideas 2

Question 1

A researcher concludes that exercise improves mood based on a study of 50 college athletes. Which limitation most undermines this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The sample lacks diversity and may not generalize to other populations

Answer

A non-diverse sample of college athletes limits generalizability to the broader population.

Question 2

An author argues that social media causes loneliness, citing that heavy users report feeling more isolated. What logical error does this argument contain?

Accepted Answer

Confusing correlation with causation

Answer

The argument assumes social media causes loneliness, but lonely people may simply use social media more.

Question 3

A passage states: 'All effective leaders are decisive. Maria is decisive. Therefore, Maria is an effective leader.' What flaw does this reasoning contain?

Accepted Answer

It assumes the converse of the original statement is true

Answer

The argument incorrectly assumes that being decisive guarantees being an effective leader, which is not supported by the original premise.

Question 4

Which approach best extends the claim that 'urban green spaces reduce stress' to a policy recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Mandate green space quotas in urban planning regulations

Answer

Mandating green space in urban planning directly applies the evidence to create sustainable policy.

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

Smarter students may be more likely to eat breakfast due to better habits overall

Answer

The relationship may be reversed or driven by a third variable, so intelligence causing better habits is equally plausible.

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test Practice Test

ISAT - International Student Admissions Test Practice Test

ISAT Analyzing and Extending Ideas 2