Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Recognizing Bias in Reasoning 4

Question 1

A researcher studying the effects of social media concludes: 'Social media causes depression in teenagers.' The study only surveyed teenagers who were already receiving mental health treatment. Which bias is most evident?

Accepted Answer

Sampling bias

Answer

Sampling bias occurs because the study used a non-representative group (teens already in treatment), skewing the conclusion.

Question 2

A financial advisor tells a client: 'Most of my clients who followed this investment strategy made money, so it will work for you too.' What logical flaw undermines this reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Survivorship bias

Answer

Survivorship bias ignores clients whose investments failed, presenting only the successful cases.

Question 3

A judge says: 'In my 20 years on the bench, I've never seen an innocent person convicted, therefore our justice system is nearly perfect.' This reasoning is flawed because:

Accepted Answer

The judge has limited exposure to wrongful convictions that were overturned elsewhere

Answer

The judge's experience is limited to cases in their courtroom, creating a biased sample that excludes systemic errors they never witnessed.

Question 4

An editorial claims: 'Crime rates rose after the new police reform policy was implemented, proving the policy failed.' Which reasoning error is present?

Accepted Answer

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Answer

Post hoc reasoning falsely assumes that because crime rose after the policy, the policy caused the rise.

Question 5

A hiring manager reviews resumes and consistently rates candidates from her own alma mater more favorably. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

In-group bias

Answer

In-group bias leads people to favor those who share their group membership, such as attending the same school.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Recognizing Bias in Reasoning 4