STAT Argument and Evidence Analysis 3

Question 1

A newspaper editorial states: 'Teen crime rates fell after the youth curfew was introduced; therefore, the curfew caused the reduction.' Which flaw does this reasoning contain?

Accepted Answer

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Answer

Assuming that because B followed A, A caused B is the post hoc fallacy — correlation in time does not establish causation.

Question 2

An argument uses the following structure: 'All mammals are warm-blooded. Dolphins are warm-blooded. Therefore, dolphins are mammals.' This reasoning is:

Accepted Answer

An example of affirming the consequent

Answer

This is affirming the consequent: just because dolphins share one property of mammals does not logically guarantee they are mammals.

Question 3

In evaluating a scientific study as evidence, which factor is most important for assessing its reliability?

Accepted Answer

The study was peer-reviewed and used a large sample size.

Answer

Peer review and large sample sizes are key methodological markers of a reliable study.

Question 4

A health advertisement claims: '9 out of 10 dentists recommend our toothpaste.' Which question is most critical for evaluating this claim?

Accepted Answer

How many dentists were surveyed and how were they selected?

Answer

Without knowing the sample size and selection method, the statistic cannot be evaluated for representativeness or bias.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of anecdotal evidence being used to support a general claim?

Accepted Answer

'My grandfather smoked his whole life and lived to 95, so smoking can't be that harmful.'

Answer

Using one person's experience to draw a general conclusion about population-level risk ignores statistical evidence.

STAT - Special Tertiary Admissions Test Practice Test

STAT - Special Tertiary Admissions Test Practice Test

STAT Argument and Evidence Analysis 3