Recognizing Bias in Reasoning Flashcards
7 cards from real Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Recognizing Bias in Reasoning flashcards as text
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?
Answer: Sampling bias
Sampling bias occurs because the study used a non-representative group (teens already in treatment), skewing the conclusion.
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?
Answer: Survivorship bias
Survivorship bias ignores clients whose investments failed, presenting only the successful cases.
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:
Answer: The judge has limited exposure to wrongful convictions that were overturned elsewhere
The judge's experience is limited to cases in their courtroom, creating a biased sample that excludes systemic errors they never witnessed.
An editorial claims: 'Crime rates rose after the new police reform policy was implemented, proving the policy failed.' Which reasoning error is present?
Answer: Post hoc ergo propter hoc
Post hoc reasoning falsely assumes that because crime rose after the policy, the policy caused the rise.
A hiring manager reviews resumes and consistently rates candidates from her own alma mater more favorably. This is best described as:
Answer: In-group bias
In-group bias leads people to favor those who share their group membership, such as attending the same school.
A politician argues: 'We must either increase military spending or accept national vulnerability.' A critical thinker would identify this as:
Answer: A false dilemma presenting only two options when others exist
The false dilemma fallacy artificially limits options to two extremes, ignoring middle-ground or alternative solutions.
After reading a news article about shark attacks, a tourist decides swimming anywhere in the ocean is extremely dangerous despite statistics showing attacks are rare. This illustrates:
Answer: Availability heuristic
The availability heuristic causes people to overestimate risks based on how easily vivid examples come to mind.