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WorksheetsInductive Techniques in Argument
Total questions: 58
Worksheet time: 2hrs 57mins
According to the passage, do we have conclusive evidence for all of the things we accept as true?
No, we do not have conclusive evidence for all of the things we accept as true.
Yes, we have conclusive evidence for everything we accept as true.
We have conclusive evidence only for scientific facts.
We have conclusive evidence only for historical events.
What does the passage say we can show about our beliefs?
We can show that our beliefs are sound, or well-founded, or that they are more probable than some other conclusions which we might have reached.
We can show that our beliefs are always correct and never need to be questioned.
We can show that our beliefs are based solely on emotions and feelings.
We can show that our beliefs are universally accepted by everyone.
What is a generalization according to the passage?
A generalization is a statement about all of the members of a class of objects; they are claims we make with respect to many particular instances.
A generalization is a specific example that applies only to one object.
A generalization is a random guess made without any evidence.
A generalization is a statement that describes only the exceptions in a group.
Which of the following is an example of a generalization mentioned in the passage?
Water is blue
Sugar is sweet
Dogs can fly
Stones are light
According to the passage, stones sink in water.
True
False
Water will ______ if left on fire.
boil
freeze
evaporate
solidify
According to the passage, what happens if we do not generalize our experiences?
We would merely be aware of indefinitely many unrelated experiences, without having any means of classifying or discussing them.
We would be able to remember every detail perfectly.
We would develop a deeper understanding of each individual experience.
We would find it easier to communicate our thoughts to others.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an example of a generalization in the passage?
Water will boil if left on fire
The sun rises every morning
Rain always falls at night
Daylight is followed by darkness
The passage suggests that all generalizations are simple and straightforward.
True
False
What does the passage say we want to know about our generalizations?
We want to know that the generalization we have arrived at is the best that can reliably be inferred from whatever evidence we have to hand.
We want to know if our generalizations are always correct regardless of evidence.
We want to know if our generalizations are popular among experts.
We want to know if our generalizations are easy to understand.
The three most usual kinds of generalization we make are of the form: (i) All A are ___; Viz. every case of A is also a case of ___.
B, B
A, A
C, D
B, C
The three most usual kinds of generalization we make are of the form: (ii) All A are caused by ___; Viz. every case of ___ is caused by A.
B, B
A, A
C, C
D, D
The three most usual kinds of generalization we make are of the form: (iii) All A are like ___; Viz. every case of A is analogical to (the Established) case ___
B, B
A, A
C, D
X, Y
According to the passage, the two main sources for our generalizations are:
personal experience and authority
intuition and luck
imagination and creativity
tradition and superstition
The main problem discussed in the passage regarding generalizations is:
They can lead to incorrect conclusions.
They always provide accurate information.
They are never used in arguments.
They are only used in scientific research.
What is the form of a sound generalization as described in the passage?
All A's are B
All B's are A
Some A's are B
None of the above
According to the passage, what is simple enumeration?
Simple enumeration is the process of collecting confirmatory instances of the particular type of case in question to justify a generalization.
Simple enumeration is the process of eliminating all possible cases to disprove a generalization.
Simple enumeration is the act of randomly selecting cases without any specific purpose.
Simple enumeration is the process of comparing two unrelated cases to find differences.
The greater the number of confirmatory instances, the higher the ______ that the conclusion is justified.
probability
difficulty
ambiguity
uncertainty
What is the example of a general statement given in the passage?
If I wait for the postman then I will miss the bus to the university.
The postman always arrives at 8 AM.
I like to travel by bus.
The university is far from my home.
What is the conclusion drawn from the given cases?
If I wait for the postman, I will catch the bus.
If I wait for the postman, I will miss the bus.
If I do not wait for the postman, I will miss the bus.
If I do not wait for the postman, I will catch the bus.
The reasoning method used in the passage is called _________.
simple enumeration
deductive reasoning
analogy
hypothetical reasoning
Read the passage: To show this by simple enumeration, I might argue in the following way: - On Monday I waited for the postman and missed the bus. - On Tuesday I waited for the postman and missed the bus. - On Wednesday I waited for the postman and missed the bus. - On Thursday I waited for the postman and missed the bus. Therefore, if I wait for the postman I will miss the bus. True or False: The conclusion is supported by a collection of confirmatory evidence and a failure to encounter any contrary instances.
True
False
According to the passage, what method do the sciences use to arrive at generalizations?
Deductive reasoning
Simple enumeration
Hypothesis testing
Random sampling
The more supporting evidence we have, the more ______ it is to believe in the truth of the generalization.
reasonable
difficult
unusual
impossible
A scientist should do which of the following to ensure that a generalization is sound?
Test the generalization with repeated experiments
Rely on a single observation
Make assumptions without evidence
Ignore contradictory data
According to the passage, why is it impossible or impractical to conduct a complete survey of every teenager in the country?
Because it is impossible or impractical for obvious reasons, such as the large population size and logistical challenges.
Because teenagers are not interested in participating in surveys.
Because there are no available methods to conduct surveys.
Because the government does not allow surveys to be conducted.
What are some of the sampling methods mentioned in the passage?
Random sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling, quota sampling.
Systematic sampling, convenience sampling, snowball sampling, judgmental sampling.
Simple random sampling, panel sampling, event sampling, time sampling.
Purposive sampling, accidental sampling, theoretical sampling, network sampling.
In the context of the passage, what is the main purpose of taking a sample in social science investigations?
To yield a reliable result that is as extensive and unbiased as possible.
To ensure that only the opinions of experts are considered.
To reduce the amount of data collected to a minimum.
To focus solely on the most extreme cases.
According to the passage, what is a generalization having the form 'So-and-so cases of A are cases of B' called?
statistical generalization
universal law
causal inference
deductive argument
Why is it important for the conditions observed and tested to be typical of the general conditions when making a generalization?
Because the soundness or accuracy of a generalization depends on whether the observed and tested conditions are typical of the general conditions.
Because it makes the experiment more expensive.
Because it allows for more variables to be ignored.
Because it ensures that only rare cases are considered.
If 48 per cent of the first hundred teenagers questioned said they could swim 5 metres, and the same percentage is found in the next 500 teenagers questioned, what can we reasonably conclude about teenagers in South Africa?
We can have considerable confidence in the generalization that half of the teenagers in South Africa can swim.
We can be certain that all teenagers in South Africa can swim.
We can conclude that no teenagers in South Africa can swim.
We can conclude that only 48 teenagers in South Africa can swim.
According to the passage, what method is used in the basic stages of an investigation in natural and physical sciences?
Complex deduction
Simple enumeration
Hypothesis testing
Random sampling
Galileo noted that Body A, when dropped, accelerated at a rate of ___ feet per second.
32
16
9.8
50
Galileo derived the generalization from his experiments that:
objects of different masses fall at the same rate in the absence of air resistance
heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones
lighter objects float while heavier ones sink
the speed of falling objects depends on their color
According to the passage, Galileo made an inference from each particular experiment to a general conclusion by simple enumeration.
True
False
According to the passage, what is required for generalizations made from sampling to be justified?
Only a large sample size
Only an unbiased sample
Further unstated conditions must be met
The postman must always deliver at the same time
The difficulty described in the passage, which applies to all kinds of inductive arguments, is known as the problem of _________.
induction
deduction
causation
correlation
What does the Fallacy of Weak Induction imply about the strength of an argument?
It suggests that conclusions drawn from insufficient evidence can lead to incorrect generalizations.
It indicates that all arguments based on strong premises are valid.
It shows that personal beliefs can never influence logical reasoning.
It means that comparisons between unrelated subjects are always flawed.
In the example given, what generalization does Bongani make after seeing two motorbikes whiz by?
Bongani says, 'All the motorcyclists in this town ride like madmen.'
Bongani decides to buy a motorbike himself.
Bongani says, 'Motorbikes are very quiet.'
Bongani thinks, 'No one in this town owns a car.'
The text implies that drawing conclusions from a limited number of examples can lead to inaccurate assumptions.
True
False
According to the passage, what is a weak induction? A weak induction is when we take a case or two and from them assume a _______ pattern.
universal
random
isolated
temporary
What is the main cause of racial prejudice as described in the passage?
Careful analysis of facts
Weak induction from limited experiences
Scientific research
Strong logical reasoning
The passage suggests that a lot of conflict in the world today arises from weak induction.
True
False
What is the consequence of applying negative stereotypes from a few individuals to an entire community?
It fosters a culture of discrimination and bias against that community.
It encourages open dialogue and mutual respect among different groups.
It leads to a better understanding of individual differences within the community.
It has no significant effect on the perception of the community.
According to the passage, why is the statement 'All the professors at this university possess a doctorate. I have checked all of the 94 professors in the Faculty of Medicine and they all have a doctorate.' considered a weak induction?
Because the sample, although large, is biased as it only includes one kind of person (professors in the Faculty of Medicine), not all professors at the university.
Because the statement assumes that all professors in the Faculty of Medicine do not have a doctorate.
Because the sample size is too small to make any conclusion about the university.
Because the statement is based on information from students, not professors.
What is the mistake mentioned in the passage when we attempt to extrapolate a generalization about the future?
The mistake is assuming that nothing will change and basing future generalizations solely on present conditions.
The mistake is considering only past experiences and ignoring current trends.
The mistake is relying on expert opinions without evidence.
The mistake is making predictions based on random guesses.
What is the mistake called when someone assumes that a trend will continue indefinitely without considering possible changes?
Logical deduction
Unwarranted extrapolation
Scientific reasoning
Careful estimation
According to the scenario, if the number of families who own T.V. sets in South Africa increased by 100% in the last five years, and this trend is projected for the next three years, how many T.V. sets per household does the projection claim there will be?
20 T.V. sets per household
2 T.V. sets per household
10 T.V. sets per household
5 T.V. sets per household
By the year 2000 AD, according to the unwarranted extrapolation in the scenario, how many T.V. sets per household are projected?
1000 sets per household
10 sets per household
2 sets per household
50 sets per household
Based on the passage, what is the main mistake made when extrapolating into the future from the present?
Assuming all present conditions will remain the same
Considering all possible future scenarios
Ignoring present evidence
Making decisions without any evidence
The text illustrates a scenario where a conclusion about the future is drawn from a ______ set of information available in the present.
narrow
extensive
arbitrary
unrelated
According to the passage, what is the predicted consequence of granting teachers more money today, as per the given example?
The wage-price inflation spiral that will follow will wreck the South African economy tomorrow.
Teachers will become less motivated to work.
The education system will immediately improve.
There will be a decrease in student enrollment.
Why is it challenging to validate optimistic forecasts about the future?
There is insufficient data
The future is unpredictable
People ignore forecasts
Forecasts are always wrong
What caused Bongani's stomach pain according to Mandisa?
He had fallen asleep wearing his tight trousers, which likely caused the stomach cramp.
He ate too much spicy food at dinner.
He was running in the cold rain for too long.
He drank a lot of cold water quickly.
Read the passage below and answer the question: While many people may argue that optimism can lead to positive outcomes, it is often challenging to substantiate such claims with concrete evidence. Predictions of a bright future are frequently made without substantial proof, making them difficult to validate.
True or False: The passage implies that optimistic predictions are usually supported by strong evidence.True
False
Bongani's reaction to his stomach pain illustrates which aspect of human nature?
People often seek help when in distress.
People always ignore pain.
People never express their feelings.
People enjoy experiencing discomfort.
The sample: 'All of teenagers in Umtata' is adequate for a generalization concerning the number of teenagers in South Africa who can swim.
No, because it does not represent all teenagers in South Africa.
Yes, because all teenagers are similar across South Africa.
Yes, because Umtata is a large city.
No, because it only includes adults.
A survey conducted among 1000 individuals in urban areas of South Africa is sufficient to draw conclusions about public opinion on the abolition of the monarchy.
No, because urban residents do not reflect the views of the entire country.
Yes, because 1000 participants provide a statistically significant sample.
Yes, because urban areas have a variety of perspectives.
No, because the sample may not include rural opinions.
