STAT - Special Tertiary Admissions Argument and Evidence Analysis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A political advertisement states: 'Candidate X has the most social media followers, so they are clearly the best choice for president.' Which logical fallacy is most evident in this statement?

Accepted Answer

Bandwagon Fallacy (Ad Populum)

Answer

Straw Man

Answer

Ad Hominem

Answer

Slippery Slope

Question 2

A study found a correlation between ice cream sales and the number of drownings. The conclusion drawn was that eating ice cream causes drowning. What is the primary flaw in this reasoning?

Accepted Answer

The conclusion ignores a potential common cause for both phenomena.

Answer

The sample size of the study was not mentioned and is likely too small.

Answer

The study demonstrates a causal relationship, not just a correlation.

Answer

The evidence is anecdotal and not based on scientific observation.

Question 3

An argument is presented: 'All successful entrepreneurs work more than 60 hours a week. Sarah works more than 60 hours a week. Therefore, Sarah is a successful entrepreneur.' What is the unstated assumption required for this conclusion to be logically valid?

Accepted Answer

All people who work more than 60 hours a week are successful entrepreneurs.

Answer

People who are not entrepreneurs do not work more than 60 hours a week.

Answer

Working more than 60 hours a week is the only requirement for being a successful entrepreneur.

Answer

Sarah wants to be a successful entrepreneur.

Question 4

A city council member argues against a proposed bicycle lane project by stating, 'If we approve this bike lane, it's only a matter of time before activists demand we ban all cars from the city center.' Which of the following best describes this argumentative tactic?

Accepted Answer

Slippery Slope

Answer

Red Herring

Answer

Hasty Generalization

Answer

False Dilemma

Question 5

Which of the following pieces of evidence would most strongly support the claim that a new tutoring program is effective at improving student test scores?

Accepted Answer

A controlled study showing that students in the program had a statistically significant greater score increase than a comparable group of students who were not in the program.

Answer

A collection of positive testimonials from students who enjoyed the program.

Answer

A report showing that the program's lead tutor has a PhD in education.

Answer

A newspaper article quoting the school principal saying the program is a 'resounding success'.

Question 6

An op-ed argues that a country's economic problems are solely due to the policies of the current government, which has been in power for one year. In evaluating the strength of this argument, which question is most crucial to ask?

Accepted Answer

What were the economic conditions and trends before the current government took office?

Answer

What is the political affiliation of the op-ed's author?

Answer

How many people have read and shared the op-ed online?

Answer

Does the current government plan to change its economic policies in the future?