Mettl Critical Thinking 2

Question 1

A manager notices that every time sales increase, customer complaints also increase. She concludes that high sales cause more complaints. What logical error has she made?

Accepted Answer

Correlation vs. causation

Answer

Hasty generalization

Answer

Ad hominem

Answer

False dilemma

Question 2

Which of the following best illustrates deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

All mammals breathe air; dolphins are mammals; therefore dolphins breathe air.

Answer

After observing 50 patients respond well to a drug, a doctor concludes it is effective.

Answer

Because it rained the last three Mondays, it will probably rain next Monday.

Answer

Studies suggest coffee improves focus, so coffee must be good for everyone.

Question 3

An analyst argues: 'We should adopt Policy X because our competitor adopted it and their profits rose.' What assumption is being made?

Accepted Answer

Policy X is the reason the competitor's profits rose.

Answer

The competitor's profits were already high before Policy X.

Answer

Both companies operate in the same market.

Answer

Policy X has no implementation costs.

Question 4

A study finds that students who eat breakfast score higher on tests. A school administrator concludes that serving free breakfast will raise all students' test scores. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Students who already perform well are more likely to eat breakfast regardless.

Answer

The study was conducted over two years.

Answer

Free breakfast programs are costly to operate.

Answer

Some students prefer not to eat in the morning.

Question 5

Which argument structure commits the 'straw man' fallacy?

Accepted Answer

Person A says we should reduce sugar in school lunches; Person B argues Person A wants to ban all food from schools.

Answer

Person A says we should reduce sugar; Person B provides data showing sugar harms health.

Answer

Person A says we should reduce sugar; Person B proposes an alternative diet plan.

Answer

Person A says we should reduce sugar; Person B agrees and adds further evidence.

Question 6

A team leader says: 'Either we cut the project budget or we miss the deadline.' This is an example of which fallacy?

Accepted Answer

False dilemma

Answer

Slippery slope

Answer

Appeal to authority

Answer

Circular reasoning

Question 7

An engineer concludes that a bridge is safe because it passed inspection five years ago. Which critical thinking principle does this violate?

Accepted Answer

Currency of evidence

Answer

Parsimony

Answer

Peer review

Answer

Sample size adequacy