Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Relevance 3

Question 1

Statement: 'Should the government fund free mental health clinics in low-income neighborhoods?' Argument: 'Yes, because mental illness rates are higher in low-income areas but access to care is disproportionately lower.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it directly identifies the disparity the policy is designed to correct

Answer

The argument is strong because it presents a direct, data-grounded reason that justifies targeting this specific population.

Question 2

Statement: 'Should social media platforms be held legally liable for user-generated misinformation?' Argument: 'No, because social media companies employ many people and liability could reduce jobs.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Weak, because employment impact is too indirectly related to misinformation liability

Answer

The argument is weak because potential employment effects are too speculative and tangential to the core legal question of misinformation liability.

Question 3

Statement: 'Should the US adopt a four-day workweek as a national standard?' Argument: 'Yes, because studies in multiple countries show productivity remained equal or improved with one fewer workday.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it addresses the core concern that shorter weeks might reduce output

Answer

The argument is strong because empirical evidence directly rebuts the main objection to the policy.

Question 4

Statement: 'Should schools ban smartphones during class?' Argument: 'No, because smartphones were invented in the 1990s and have become ubiquitous.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Weak, because the invention date and widespread use don't justify classroom access

Answer

The argument is weak because the age or prevalence of a technology does not constitute a reason against restricting its use in educational settings.

Question 5

Statement: 'Should fast food restaurants be required to display calorie counts on menus?' Argument: 'Yes, because research shows that visible calorie information leads many consumers to make lower-calorie choices.' Is this argument strong or weak?

Accepted Answer

Strong, because it provides behavioral evidence directly supporting the policy's goal

Answer

The argument is strong because it cites evidence directly linking the policy mechanism (display) to the intended outcome (healthier choices).

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Evaluating Argument Relevance 3