Five Rules for Evaluating Generalisations

According to Rule 1 ("use more than one example"), why is a single example insufficient to support a generalization?

• It is too complex.

• It is always representative.

• It may be an exception.

• It is too simple.

What is the main point of Rule 2 ("use representative examples")?

• Even a large number of examples may still misrepresent the set being generalized about.

• You need to use complex examples.

• You need to use a single example.

• You need to use simple examples.

If you wanted to use the example "everyone in my neighborhood favors McGraw for president" to prove that McGraw was going to win, why could this be a weak argument?

• This argument is weak because it used too few examples.

• This argument is weak because single neighborhoods seldom represent the voting population as a whole

• This argument is weak because it used too many examples.

• This argument is weak because it used a representative sample.

What does Rule 3 ("background rates may be crucial") emphasize?

• You need to show the importance of single examples.

• You need to show that your evidence comes from observations of many different examples, not just a few.

• You need to show the importance of simple examples.

• You need to show the importance of complex examples.

What is a key question to ask when evaluating vivid examples, according to Rule 3 ("background rates may be crucial")?

• How many times was it ignored?

• How many times was it tried?

• How many times did it succeed?

• How many times did it fail?

What does Rule 4 ("statistics need a critical eye") caution against?

• Using too few statistics.

• Ignoring background rates.

• Trusting statistics without critical thinking.

• Using too many statistics.

Why is the 'more than 50 percent' graduation rate for athletes potentially misleading?

• It excludes all schools.

• It does not compare to the general student population.

• It includes all schools.

• It compares to previous rates.

What is the purpose of considering counterexamples, according to Rule 5 ("consider counterexamples")?

• To support your generalization.

• To contradict your generalization.

• To simplify your generalization.

• To ignore your generalization.

What is a counterexample to the argument that all fast foods are unhealthy?

• French fries

• Deep-fried chicken

• Subway sandwiches

• Milkshakes

What should you do if you find counterexamples to your generalization?

• Adjust your generalization.

• Support them.

• Simplify them.

• Ignore them.