Assumption and Conclusion Reasoning Questions

1. 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

2. 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

3. If you study hard, you'll pass the exam. You didn't pass the exam. Therefore, you didn't study hard. This reasoning is:

Modus ponens

Modus tollens

Affirming the consequent

Denying the antecedent

4. A restaurant owner notices that customers who order appetizers tend to leave larger tips. He concludes that encouraging appetizer orders will increase overall tips. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?

Customers who order appetizers usually spend more time in the restaurant

The restaurant's appetizers are priced higher than main courses

Customers who can afford appetizers are generally more affluent

The quality of service is better for customers who order appetizers

5. A politician argues that increasing the minimum wage will lead to job losses. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?

Countries with higher minimum wages have lower unemployment rates

Small businesses often struggle to pay higher wages

Inflation tends to increase along with minimum wage increases

Workers with higher wages tend to be more productive

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

Valid

Sound

Invalid

Both valid and sound

8. 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

9. A study finds that students who participate in music programs have higher math scores. The researchers conclude that music education improves mathematical ability. Which of the following is an assumption made in this conclusion?

All students have equal access to music programs

Mathematical ability is the most important academic skill

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

All types of music education have the same effect on math scores

10. If you study hard, you'll get good grades. You didn't get good grades. Therefore, you didn't study hard. This reasoning is:

Modus ponens

Modus tollens

Affirming the consequent

Denying the antecedent