Assumption and Conclusion Reasoning Questions

1. 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

2. If it's a holiday, the bank is closed. The bank is closed today. Therefore, it must be a holiday. This reasoning is:

Deductive

Inductive

Abductive

Fallacious

3. A study finds that students who listen to classical music while studying perform better on tests. The researchers conclude that classical music improves cognitive function. Which of the following is an assumption made in this conclusion?

All students enjoy listening to classical music

Classical music is the only type of music that affects studying

The improved performance is due to the music and not other factors

Students who perform well on tests always listen to classical music

4. A company introduces a new product and sees a spike in sales. The CEO concludes that the new product is responsible for the increase in revenue. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?

The company launched a major advertising campaign at the same time

The new product is priced higher than similar products in the market

Customer reviews of the new product are mostly positive

The company's main competitor recently went out of business

5. All birds have feathers. Penguins have feathers. Therefore, penguins are birds. This argument is:

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound

6. A city council member proposes implementing a soda tax to reduce obesity rates. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this proposal?

Similar taxes in other cities have led to decreased soda consumption

The proposed tax would generate significant revenue for the city

Studies show that soda consumption is not strongly correlated with obesity rates

Some residents oppose any new taxes

7. 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

8. All planets orbit stars. Earth orbits a star. Therefore, Earth is a planet. This argument is:

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound

9. A fitness trainer claims that people who exercise in the morning burn more calories throughout the day. Which of the following is an assumption underlying this claim?

Everyone has time to exercise in the morning

Morning exercisers do not compensate by being less active later in the day

Burning calories is the most important aspect of fitness

All types of exercise are equally effective when done in the morning

10. If you exercise regularly, you'll be fit. You're fit. Therefore, you must exercise regularly. This reasoning is:

Modus ponens

Modus tollens

Affirming the consequent

Denying the antecedent