Fallacy Identification Quiz

Which of the following is an example of the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy? (This fallacy assumes that because one event followed another, the first caused the second.)

• The teacher gave us homework because she's in a bad mood today.

• Since I started wearing my lucky socks, my favorite team has won every game.

• The politician didn't answer the question, but instead, talked about an unrelated policy.

• If we allow free speech on campus, soon it will turn into total chaos.

Answer explanation

The fallacy "post hoc ergo propter hoc" claims causality based on mere sequence. The example assumes that wearing lucky socks is the cause of the team’s winning streak.

Which of the following is an example of the false dichotomy (either/or) fallacy? (This fallacy presents only two options when, in fact, more alternatives exist.)

• You either support my decision, or you're against me completely.

• People only get sick because they don't eat healthy food.

• Because it's raining, the event will be canceled, or there will be low attendance.

• If you allow this small change, the entire system will collapse.

Answer explanation

The false dichotomy fallacy limits the situation to only two possibilities: support or opposition, when there could be other nuanced stances.

Which of the following is an example of the slippery slope fallacy? (This fallacy suggests that one small step will inevitably lead to a chain of related events culminating in a significant (usually negative) outcome.)

• If we let kids choose their bedtime, next thing you know, they'll stop following any rules.

• You either eat vegetables or you'll be unhealthy for the rest of your life.

• I didn't get hired because I wasn't wearing a suit during the interview.

• I don't agree with your proposal, but let's focus on next week's project instead.

Answer explanation

The slippery slope fallacy argues that allowing children to choose their bedtime will lead to a cascade of events resulting in the rejection of all rules, which is an exaggerated outcome.

Which of the following is an example of the red herring fallacy? (This fallacy diverts attention from the real issue by bringing up something irrelevant.)

• My opponent argues for tax reform, but did you know they have personal debts?

• If you don't exercise every day, you'll gain weight and lose all your energy.

• Since people have always used paper, switching to digital is unnecessary.

• You either support climate change action or you're okay with the Earth being destroyed.

Answer explanation

The red herring fallacy occurs when attention is diverted from the topic of tax reform by pointing to the opponent’s personal financial situation, which is irrelevant to the argument.

Which of the following is an example of the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy?

• I got an A on my test because I wore my lucky shirt that day.

• If we increase taxes, it will lead to more poverty.

• Either you're with us, or you're with the enemy.

• Instead of discussing his performance, the manager pointed out unrelated budget issues.

Answer explanation

This example assumes that wearing the lucky shirt caused the test result, purely based on their sequence in time.

Which of the following is an example of the false dichotomy (either/or) fallacy?

• We can either cut social programs or face national bankruptcy.

• Because I didn't drink coffee this morning, I was late to work.

• We shouldn't regulate tech companies because innovation will stop completely.

• She avoided answering the direct question and changed the subject to the weather.

Answer explanation

This presents two extreme options—cut social programs or face national bankruptcy—when other solutions could be possible.

Which of the following is an example of the slippery slope fallacy?

• If we allow students to retake one exam, next they'll want to retake all their exams, and soon no one will take deadlines seriously.

• If you don't get enough sleep, you'll never perform well in your career.

• I missed the bus today because I left my phone at home and went back to get it.

• You have to choose between supporting this law or rejecting all forms of justice.

Answer explanation

The slippery slope fallacy suggests that allowing one exam retake will snowball into students disregarding all deadlines, which is an exaggerated and unlikely conclusion.

Which of the following is an example of the red herring fallacy?

• You argue that the school budget should be increased, but have you seen the crime rate in this city lately?

• If you don't follow a strict diet, you'll gain weight immediately.

• Since more people are using public transportation, we need to expand the bus system.

• You can either vote for this bill or vote against progress.

Answer explanation

The red herring fallacy occurs here because the speaker diverts the conversation about the school budget to an unrelated topic—the city’s crime rate—rather than addressing the issue at hand