R.2.4 Quiz

Out of the following, identify the example of abductive reasoning:

• A student checks the dress code rules and sees that ripped jeans are not allowed, so they know they will get in trouble for wearing them.

• A teacher notices that most students wearing ripped jeans are being sent to the office and concludes that ripped jeans must be against the dress code.

• A student sees that ripped jeans have been banned at two other schools.

• A student assumes that ripped jeans are against the rules just because they don’t like them.

Answer explanation

This is abductive reasoning because the teacher is making the best possible guess based on observations.

Out of the following, identify the example of abductive reasoning:

• A student asks three classmates if they chew gum in class, and they all say yes.

• A student randomly assumes that people chew gum just because they like the smell of mint.

• A student notices gum under almost every desk and concludes that students must be secretly chewing gum in class.

• A student sees that the school handbook says gum is not allowed, so they know they shouldn’t chew it.

Answer explanation

This is abductive reasoning because the student is making a logical guess based on evidence, even without direct proof

An ​ (a)   is when you use reasons and facts to explain and prove your point or opinion about something.

• argument
• abductive reasoning
• evidence
• fallacy

The best evidence for the argument "Chewing gum helps students stay focused and calm if they use it responsibly" is:

• Research suggests that chewing gum lowers cortisol levels, which helps students feel calmer in stressful situations.

• People have been chewing gum forever, and that is the main reason why it should be allowed.

• Gum is not harmful at all. In fact, most kids really like it!

• Dress codes create a more equal environment by reducing competition over clothing brands and styles.

​What's the difference between a claim and an argument?

• A claim is HOW you believe a topic.

  An argument is WHEN you argue.

• A claim needs evidence and an argument does not.

• There is NO difference.

• A claim is WHAT you believe about a topic.
  
  An argument is WHY you believe it.

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

• Martin Luther King Jr. gave powerful speeches, so he must have been the greatest speaker of his time.

• Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during protests.

• All people who fight for civil rights believe in equality. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights, so he believed in equality.

• Martin Luther King Jr. inspired many people, so he must have been the most influential leader in history.

Answer explanation

This follows a clear logical structure: a general rule (all civil rights fighters believe in equality) leads to a specific conclusion (MLK Jr. believed in equality).

Match the CLAIMS and the EVIDENCE

Groups:

(a) CLAIM

,

(b) EVIDENCE

• Beaches are easily accessible.

• Florida has 825 miles of sandy beaches

• Florida averages 237 sunny days per year

• Florida experiences 40% of all U.S. hurricanes

• Hurricanes are a common threat.

• Florida has warm, sunny weather.

Facts, statistics, numerical data, quotations, specific examples, and expert opinions that support a claim:

• abductive reasoning

• reasoning

• evidence

• inductive reasoning

"In the last five games, every time James takes a three-point shot, he makes it. Therefore, James is a great three-point shooter." THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF:

• inductive reasoning

• abductive reasoning

• deductive reasoning

• evidence

Answer explanation

Inductive reasoning looks at specific observations and makes a general conclusion based on them.

• The observations: James has made three-pointers in the last five games.

• The general conclusion: James is a great three-point shooter.

When there is INDUCTIVE reasoning, it is not always guaranteed to be​ (a)  

• true
• false
• incorrect
• evidence