Logical Reasoning III

Question 1

Most causal conclusions are…

Answer 1

flawed because there can be alternate explanations for the stated relationship - another cause could account for the effect.

Question 2

Terms that introduce cause and effect

Answer 2

1. Caused by
2. Because of
3. Responsible for
4. Reason for
5. Leads to
6. Induced by
7. Promoted by
8. Determined by
9. Produced by
10. Product of
11. Played a role in
12. Was a factor in
13. Is an effect of

Question 3

How to attack a Causal Conclusion

Answer 3

1. Find an alternate cause for the effect
2. Show that even when the cause occurs, the effect does not
3. Show that although the effect occurs, the cause did not occur
4. Show that the stated relationship is reversed
5. Show that a statistical problem exists with the data used to make the causal statement

Question 4

How to Strengthen an argument

Answer 4

1. Identify the conclusion
2. Personalize the argument
3. Look for weaknesses in the argument - many strengthen questions want you to find the missing link between a premise and the conclusion
4. Answer choices that strengthen analogy or survey are usually correct
5. Answer can strengthen a little or a lot

Question 5

Justify the Conclusion

Answer 5

Requires you to select an answer that logically proves the conclusion of the argument.

Premise + Answer choice = Conclusion

Question 6

Many JTC question stems…

Answer 6

use the word “assumed” or “assumption”. Be careful.

Question 7

Most JTC question stems contain:

Answer 7

1. The word “if” or another sufficient condition indicator
2. “Allows the conclusion to be properly drawn” or “enables the conclusion to be properly drawn”
3. The stem does not lessen the degree of justification (i.e. most justifies is not JTC)

Question 8

Solving JTC

Answer 8

1. Any “new” element in the conclusion will appear in the correct answer.
2. Elements common to the conclusion and at least one premise normally are wrong.
3. Elements that appear in premises but not in conclusion usually appear in correct answer.

Question 9

Assumption questions

Answer 9

1. Uses the word “assumption” “presupposition”

2. Never uses “if” or any other sufficient indicator

Question 10

Supporter Assumption

Answer 10

These assumptions link together new elements in the stimulus or fill logical gaps in the argument.

Question 11

Defender Assumption

Answer 11

These assumptions contain statements that eliminate ideas or assertions that would undermine the conclusion. In this sense, they “defend” the argument by showing that a possible source of attack has been eliminated.

Question 12

3 Quirks for Assumption Questions

Answer 12

1. Answers starting with “at least one” or “at least some” are usually correct.
2. Avoid answers that claim an idea was the most important consideration for the author.
3. Watch for the use of “not” or negatives in assumption answer choices.

Question 13

Resolve the Paradox

Answer 13

The correct answer will actively resolve the paradox, that is, it will allow both sides to be factually correct and it will either explain how the situation came into being or add a piece of info that shows how the two ideas or occurrences can coexist.