WorksheetsErrors in Reasoning
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 10mins
What are common errors in everyday reasoning?
Overgeneralization
Selective observation
Illogical reasoning
Resistance to change
All of the above
As described in your text book, “everyday errors” refer to errors that
frequently occur in nonscientific, unreflective discourse about the social world
are rarely identified in social research
easy to avoid in research
have little to do with logic in analyzing the social world
Overgeneralization occurs when we
choose to look only at things that align with our preferences or beliefs
conclude that what we have observed or know to be true for some cases is true for all cases
prematurely jump to conclusions or argue on the basis of invalid assumptions
are reluctant to change our ideas in light of new information
[insert answer] is when we prematurely jump to conclusions and argue on the basis of invalid assumptions
(a)
We commit the error of selective observation when we
decide that what we observe in a small group must be true for the larger group as well
jump to conclusions about how media affects gratuitous violence by individuals
choose to look only at things that align with our preferences or beliefs
don’t critically evaluate the ideas of those in positions of authority
Resistance to change is defined as [insert answer] to change ideas in light of new information due to ego-based commitments, excessive devotion to tradition, or uncritical agreement with authorities.
(a)
Not enough devotion to tradition can stifle adaptation to changing circumstances.
True
False
Which error are we committing when we prematurely jump to conclusions?
selective observation
resistance to change
inaccurate observation
illogical reasoning
Reasons we might commit the everyday error known as "resistance to change" include
ego-based commitments
excessive devotion to tradition
uncritical agreement with authority
All of the above
[insert answer] is defined as observations chosen because they are in accord with preferences or beliefs of the observer.
(a)
