Assumption and Conclusion Reasoning Questions

1. A teacher observes that students who participate in class discussions get better grades. She concludes that encouraging class participation will improve overall academic performance. Which of the following is an assumption underlying this conclusion?

All students are comfortable speaking in class

Class participation is more important than individual study

Students who participate more do not have other characteristics that account for their better grades

Better grades always indicate improved academic performance

2. All fish live in water. Sharks live in water. Therefore, sharks are fish. This argument is:

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound

3. A company's HR department notices that employees who participate in team-building activities have higher job satisfaction. They conclude that team-building activities increase job satisfaction. Which of the following is an assumption underlying this conclusion?

All employees enjoy team-building activities

Job satisfaction is the most important factor in employee retention

There are no other significant differences between participants and non-participants

Team-building activities are mandatory for all employees

4. A company introduces a new customer loyalty program and sees an increase in repeat business. The marketing director concludes that the loyalty program is responsible for the increase. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?

The company also improved its product quality during the same period

Competitors have similar loyalty programs

Only a small percentage of customers have joined the loyalty program

The increase in repeat business is consistent across all customer segments

5. If you eat vegetables, you'll be healthy. You're healthy. Therefore, you must eat vegetables. This reasoning is:

Modus ponens

Modus tollens

Affirming the consequent

Denying the antecedent

6. No mammals can breathe underwater. All fish can breathe underwater. Therefore, no fish are mammals. This argument is:

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound

7. A study finds that people who own dogs tend to have lower blood pressure. The researchers conclude that owning a dog reduces blood pressure. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?

People with lower blood pressure are more likely to adopt dogs

Dog owners tend to get more exercise than non-dog owners

The study was conducted over a short period of time

Some participants in the study owned multiple dogs

8. If you water plants, they will grow. Your plants have grown. Therefore, you must have watered them. This reasoning is:

Modus ponens

Modus tollens

Affirming the consequent

Denying the antecedent

9. 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

10. All dolphins are mammals. Some mammals live in water. Therefore, some dolphins live in water. This argument is:

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound