Mettl Critical Thinking 3

Question 1

A report states: 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend Brand X toothpaste.' Which question is most important to ask before accepting this claim?

Accepted Answer

How many dentists were surveyed and how were they selected?

Answer

Sample size and selection method determine whether the statistic is representative and reliable.

Question 2

Inductive reasoning differs from deductive reasoning primarily because inductive conclusions are:

Accepted Answer

Probable rather than guaranteed, even with true premises

Answer

Inductive conclusions generalize from observations and carry probability, not certainty, even when premises are true.

Question 3

Which of the following is the strongest evidence that a new training program improves employee productivity?

Accepted Answer

A randomized controlled study shows trained employees outperform an untrained control group.

Answer

A randomized controlled study with a comparison group provides the strongest causal evidence by controlling for confounding variables.

Question 4

A politician argues: 'If we lower the voting age to 16, soon people will want to let 10-year-olds vote.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Slippery slope

Answer

A slippery slope fallacy claims that one step will inevitably lead to extreme consequences without justifying that chain of events.

Question 5

A market analyst reads: 'Sales of umbrellas rise whenever ice cream sales rise.' The most plausible explanation is:

Accepted Answer

Hot summer weather increases both ice cream consumption and, separately, umbrella purchases for sun protection.

Answer

A common cause—summer heat—can drive two correlated variables without either causing the other.

Mettl Practice Test