Assumption and Conclusion Reasoning Questions

1. If it's snowing, it's cold outside. It's cold outside. Therefore, it must be snowing. This reasoning is:

Deductive

Inductive

Abductive

Fallacious

2. If a student studies hard, they will pass the exam. Sarah passed the exam. Therefore, Sarah must have studied hard. This reasoning is:

Deductive

Inductive

Abductive

Fallacious

3. If it rains, the picnic will be canceled. The picnic was not canceled. Therefore, it did not rain. This argument is an example of:

Modus ponens

Modus tollens

Affirming the consequent

Denying the antecedent

4. A company claims that their new smartphone app helps users save money. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this claim?

The app requires a paid subscription

Users report no significant change in their spending habits after using the app

The app has received positive reviews in technology magazines

The company's previous apps have been successful

5. A study finds that people who drink coffee live longer on average. The researchers conclude that coffee consumption increases lifespan. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this conclusion?

Coffee contains antioxidants that have been linked to longevity

People who drink coffee tend to have more active social lives

The study was conducted over a short period of time

Participants in the study consumed varying amounts of coffee

6. A health expert claims that reducing salt intake will lower the risk of heart disease in the population. Which of the following is an assumption underlying this claim?

All heart disease is caused by high salt intake

People will be willing to reduce their salt intake

There are no other significant factors affecting heart disease rates

The current salt intake in the population is higher than recommended levels

7. All birds lay eggs. Penguins lay eggs. Therefore, penguins are birds. This argument is:

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound

8. A teacher observes that students who take notes by hand perform better on exams than those who use laptops. She concludes that taking notes by hand improves learning. Which of the following is an assumption underlying this conclusion?

All students have legible handwriting

Laptops are more likely to cause distractions during class

The act of writing by hand, rather than other factors, is responsible for the improved performance

Students who take notes by hand spend more time studying

9. A study finds that people who meditate regularly report lower levels of stress. The researchers conclude that meditation reduces stress. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this conclusion?

Participants' cortisol levels (a stress hormone) decreased after beginning a meditation practice

People who are less stressed are more likely to try meditation

The study was conducted over a short period of time

Participants in the study were all experienced meditators

10. An advertisement claims that people who use a certain brand of toothpaste have fewer cavities. Which of the following is an assumption made in this claim?

The toothpaste is the only factor affecting cavity formation

People who use this toothpaste have similar dental hygiene habits to those who don't

All dentists recommend this brand of toothpaste

Cavities are the most important dental health issue