Q: Which of the following is a valid deductive argument?

$$\text{P: All fruits are fat free.}$$ $$\text{P: An avocado is a fruit.}$$ $$\text{C: Avocados are fat free.}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes an inductive argument?

Accepted Answer

It makes a case for a general conclusion from more specific premises.

Question 2

Consider the following argument:

$$p: If I $$pay more for running shoes, they last longer. 
$$p: If I $$pay more for my car, it requires fewer repairs. 
$$c:$$ Quality comes with higher prices.

What type of argument is this, and how strong is it?

Accepted Answer

Inductive; strong

Question 3

Which of the following is a valid deductive argument?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{P: All fruits are fat free.}$$
$$	ext{P: An avocado is a fruit.}$$
$$	ext{C: Avocados are fat free.}$$

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a sound deductive argument?

Accepted Answer

An argument that is valid and has all true premises.

Question 5

Evaluate the following argument:

$$p:$$ Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Berlioz and Britten are great composers.
$$c:$$ Composers with names that begin with B are great.

What is the main flaw in this argument?

Accepted Answer

It assumes a general conclusion from a small and specific sample.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about inductive arguments is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Their strength is subjective and based on how compelling the case is.

Question 7

Suppose a medical researcher observes that 90% of patients who take a new drug recover faster than those who do not. She concludes that the drug is effective for all patients. What type of reasoning is this?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 8

Consider the following argument:

$$p:$$ All dairy products contain protein.
$$p:$$ Soy beans contain protein.
$$c:$$ Soy beans are dairy products.

What is the logical error in this argument?

Accepted Answer

It assumes that sharing a property means belonging to the same category (affirming the consequent).

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates a weak inductive argument?

Accepted Answer

My friend, the dog-trainer, has five female dogs who are all pregnant. Therefore, all female dogs are pregnant.

Question 10

A student claims: 'Every time I eat peanuts, I sneeze. Therefore, peanuts cause sneezing.' What type of argument is this, and what is a potential flaw?

Accepted Answer

Inductive; correlation does not imply causation.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a deductive argument?

Accepted Answer

It makes a case for a general conclusion from specific premises.

Question 12

A scientist observes that all swans she has seen are white and concludes that all swans are white. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

An inductive argument that may be strong or weak depending on the sample size and diversity.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the evaluation of an inductive argument?

Accepted Answer

It is evaluated as strong or weak based on how well the premises support the conclusion.

Question 14

If an argument is valid but has a false premise, what can be said about the argument?

Accepted Answer

It is not sound.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a deductive argument?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{P: All mammals have lungs.}$$
$$	ext{P: A whale is a mammal.}$$
$$	ext{C: A whale has lungs.}$$

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the argument 'All fruits are fat free. An avocado is a fruit. Therefore, avocados are fat free.' is valid?

Accepted Answer

The conclusion logically follows from the premises using deductive reasoning.

Analyzing Arguments: Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

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