CM4203 Communications Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of a Straw Man fallacy?

  • Distorting an opponent's actual position (correct)
  • Providing a balanced view of both arguments
  • Using emotional appeals to persuade
  • Triggering a logical conclusion

Which of the following best defines a Red Herring?

  • A logical conclusion based on evidence
  • A straightforward argument presented clearly
  • A misleading or distracting piece of information (correct)
  • An emotional appeal in an argument

In the context of fallacies, what does Slanting refer to?

  • Promoting unfounded accusations against an opponent
  • Choosing selective evidence to support one's argument (correct)
  • Presenting two opposing options without compromise
  • Manipulating emotions to gain support

What does the False Dilemma fallacy imply?

<p>It assumes there are only two options available. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which appeal is primarily concerned with the credibility of the speaker?

<p>Ethos (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main flaw in the reasoning displayed in the rooster example?

<p>Confusing correlation with causation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a fallacy of relevance?

<p>Attacking the character of the opponent instead of their argument (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can an argument remain persuasive even if it contains logical fallacies?

<p>By aligning with audience biases and emotions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the slippery slope fallacy?

<p>It suggests that one action will lead to a chain of related events. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of begging the question, which of the following is true?

<p>It includes premises that restate the initial conclusion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does hasty generalization refer to in logical reasoning?

<p>Making broad generalizations from a limited sample. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does sample size play in statistical fallacies?

<p>Smaller sample sizes can result in biased conclusions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the concept of loaded questions?

<p>They assume a particular answer that may not be true. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fallacy is demonstrated when one claims that democracy is the best form of government solely because it is governed by the people?

<p>Begging the question. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with gathering statistics that are based on a biased sample?

<p>It often leads to inaccurate conclusions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a logical argument, what does the term 'doomsayers' imply?

<p>Critics who forecast negative consequences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed to determine if the conclusion emerges naturally from the premises?

<p>The adequacy of the evidence provided (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is NOT mentioned as part of argument analysis?

<p>Use of statistics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best encapsulates the sentiment regarding the US economy as presented?

<p>The economy is showing signs of recovery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In presentations, which of the following elements contributes to the effectiveness of the speaker?

<p>The speaker's non-verbal communication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is least likely to enhance the persuasive power of an argument?

<p>Presence of logical fallacies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option suggests a potential problem in presentation quality?

<p>The presentation lacks a clear structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is implied to be important for virtual presentations post-pandemic?

<p>Trust among team members (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental step in mapping an argument?

<p>Asking about evidence supporting the premises (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning involves anticipating outcomes and assessing logical consequences?

<p>Deductive reasoning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the need to be sceptical about tradition?

<p>Questioning deeply held assumptions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an ad-hominem fallacy in an argument?

<p>Attacking the character of the opponent instead of their argument (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In critical thinking, evaluating the validity of an argument means assessing what?

<p>The underlying premises and their relationship (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best exemplifies an ambiguous context in problem-solving?

<p>Facing uncertainties without sufficient information (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a common issue when evaluating quantitative data?

<p>Data collection methods may introduce biases and agendas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of critiquing the relationships between power and knowledge in critical thinking?

<p>Examining who controls the information and narratives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a fallacy involving ambiguity?

<p>Employing a term with more than one meaning without clarification (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Premise

A statement or fact that is used to support a claim or conclusion.

Conclusion

The main point or argument that is being made.

Evidence

The evidence presented to support the premises.

Weak Argument

An argument where the evidence does not sufficiently support the conclusion, making the claims less convincing.

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Introduction

The introduction of an argument, setting the stage for the main points to follow.

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Key Ideas

Identifying and explaining the main ideas or premises presented in an argument.

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Structure Analysis

Analyzing the logical flow and structure of an argument.

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Argument Analysis

Assessing the overall impact and persuasiveness of an argument, including its strengths and weaknesses.

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Ad Hominem

Attacking the person making the argument instead of addressing their argument. This is like poisoning the well of discussion, making the audience less likely to believe anything the person says.

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Straw Man Fallacy

Replacing a person's actual argument with a distorted or exaggerated version, making it easier to attack.

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Slanting

Presenting evidence that supports your claim while ignoring or downplaying evidence that contradicts it.

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Red Herring

A piece of information intended to distract from the main issue, like a red herring used to confuse hunting dogs.

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False Dilemma

An argument that presents only two options, ignoring other possibilities, often making the argument seem more compelling.

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Correlation vs. Causation

Assuming that because two things happen together, one must cause the other. It's like assuming the rooster's crow causes the sun to rise.

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Logical Fallacy

An error in logic or reasoning that weakens an argument.

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Pathos

Using emotional appeals instead of logical arguments to persuade.

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Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze problems, evaluate potential solutions, and make informed decisions based on evidence and logic.

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Inductive Reasoning

Reasoning that moves from specific observations or data to a general conclusion. Used to make decisions based on probabilities and likelihood.

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Deductive Reasoning

Reasoning that starts with general principles or laws and applies them to specific situations. Used to predict outcomes and anticipate consequences.

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Fallacy

An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or unsound. It often uses faulty logic or irrelevant information to reach a conclusion.

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Evaluating Arguments

The process of examining and evaluating arguments, considering the truthfulness of the premises and whether the argument's structure is valid.

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Being Sceptical

Challenging assumptions and traditional beliefs, looking beyond surface-level information to uncover underlying motivations and biases.

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Critiquing Relationships Between Power and Knowledge

The understanding and awareness of how power dynamics influence the creation, dissemination, and interpretation of information. Questioning the power structures behind knowledge.

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Begging the question

An argument that assumes the very thing it is trying to prove. The conclusion is a restatement of one of the premises.

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Hasty Generalization

A conclusion is drawn from a sample that is too small to be representative. It involves jumping to conclusions without enough evidence.

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Slippery Slope

A type of informal fallacy where an argument claims that a first step will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences, usually ending in a disastrous outcome. It is often used to oppose any change, even small ones.

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Faulty Sample

It occurs when the sample used to draw conclusions is not representative of the population it is intended to represent. It's when a group is selected in a way that might not be reflective of the entire group.

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Biased Sample

A type of faulty sample where the respondents, the interviewers, or both, are biased in a way that influences the outcome of the study. This can lead to inaccurate interpretations and unfair generalizations.

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Sample Size

The number of cases or participants in a study. A larger sample size generally leads to more reliable results. However, a larger sample size does not guarantee a representative or unbiased sample.

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Statistical Fallacies

A type of fallacy where a conclusion is drawn from a statistical argument that is based on a biased or misleading sample. It can also occur when the statistics used are misrepresented or manipulated.

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Leading Questions

These are questions that are phrased in a way that leads respondents to a particular answer. They can influence the outcome of surveys and make them unreliable.

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Study Notes

CM4203 Communications

  • Course code: CM4203
  • Instructor: Dr. Caoilfhionn Ní Bheacháin
  • Year: 2024

Critical Thinking: Essential for Business Professionals

  • Problem analysis: Essential skill for professionals
  • Evaluating alternatives: Requires considering different options
  • Precise contexts: Using deductive reasoning to anticipate consequences, logical outcomes and assess regulations
  • Ambiguous contexts: Problem solving in uncertain, risky or ambiguous environments
  • Inductive/inferential reasoning: Making decisions based on the likelihood of success, given available information

Being Sceptical

  • Questioning assumptions: Taking less for granted and questioning deeper and more fundamental assumptions

  • Objective facts: Quantitative data are not simply given but derived from complex processes involving people, operations, and choices

  • What do we measure? This requires critical assessment of the data

  • Who do we account for? Understanding responsibility for the processes

  • What agendas are within these processes? Recognition of underlying interests and intentions

Critical Thinking

  • Statements and arguments: Critical evaluation of the validity and potential flaws within
  • Societal values & structures: A critical perspective is required
  • Power and knowledge: Critiquing the relationship between power and knowledge is a skill.

Evaluating Arguments

  • Truth: Assessment of the truthfulness of premises
  • Validity: Checking the logical structure of the argument
  • Structure: Crucial element in understanding the argument.

When Arguments Go Wrong...

  • Fallacy: An unsound argument
  • Rationality: Errors in argument structure
  • Ambiguity: Problems stemming from imprecise language or definitions
  • Relevance: When premises are not relevant to the conclusion

Fallacies

  • Common fallacies: A limited selection for illustration
  • Textbook consultation: Recommended for further examples and expanded explanations

Common Logical Fallacies

  • Ad Hominem: Attacking the person rather than the argument itself
  • Straw Man: Misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opponent's argument
  • Slippery Slope: Assuming a series of negative consequences will inevitably follow a single event

Fallacies of Relevance

  • Ad Hominem: Attacking the person rather than the argument. (Example: dismissing a claim due to personal shortcomings)
  • Poisoning the well: Discrediting the credibility of a source before they can present their argument.

Straw Man Fallacy

  • Misrepresentation of position: Instead of engaging with the actual argument, the opponent's stance is simplified or distorted.
  • Example: Example of the Misrepresenting the actual position of a speaker

Slanting

  • Selection of evidence: Selecting or emphasizing evidence which supports a specific claim, suppressing or ignoring evidence which conflicts with the presented stance
  • Sin of omission: Involves intentionally omitting relevant evidence.

Red Herring

  • Misdirection: Presenting irrelevant information to distract from the main issue
  • Example: Distracting from an important issue with a related but nonessential contention.

Persuasion

  • ETHOS: Establishing credibility of the speaker or source.
  • LOGOS: Appealing to reason by providing logical evidence. Avoiding fallacies and faulty thinking is important
  • PATHOS: Appealing to emotions

Logical/Rational Fallacy

  • Flawed argument: A false statement that weakens an argument by distorting an issue. It may utilize misrepresentative evidence or poor language to draw a false conclusion.

Fallacies of Rationality

  • False Dilemma: Presenting limited options when multiple alternatives exist. (e.g., "Either you're with us or against us.")
  • Doubtful Cause: Assuming that because one thing follows another, it's the cause.

Rationality: Slippery Slope

  • Chain of events: A chain of events. Describing negative consequences as inevitable results of a starting point or action.
  • Social or political discussions: These are often used in such contexts

Begging the Question

  • Unproven assertion: An argument that assumes what it's trying to prove. The conclusion is essentially a restatement of a premise.
  • Example: "Democracy is the best form of government because it's rule by the people."

Hasty Generalization

  • Small sample size: Drawing a conclusion from an insufficient or unrepresentative sample size
  • Inductive reasoning: A type of logical fallacy linked to inductive arguments

Statistical Fallacies

  • Faulty sampling: Problems due to biased samples, including biased respondents or interviewers
  • Sample size: Concerns about the size of the sample
  • Gathering statistics: Issues with gathering the data
  • Leading questions: Questions that are worded to influence responses or lead to specific answers.
  • Loaded questions: Questions that imply something is true without proof, or contain assumptions about the answer

Review

  • Common mistakes: Common argumentation issues
  • Argument evaluation: Crucial skill in academic and professional contexts
  • Mapping arguments: Useful technique for analysing the structure, validity, and evidence within arguments

Argument Analysis: Example

  • Optimistic recovery readings: Summary of an argument regarding the US economic recovery from depression
  • Indicators: Key indicators supporting the argument
  • Rhetorical impact: Understanding the impact of the rhetoric

Argument Analysis

  • Introduction: Crucial part of analysis.
  • Argument structure: Identifying key ideas, premises, and the conclusion.
  • Organization and effect: Assessing the effectiveness of organization and rhetorical devices
  • Audience analysis: Crucial element in successful persuasion

Getting Started with Presentations

  • Organisations: Frequent use of various presentation types
  • Virtual presentations: Important and growing trend

Learning from Experience

  • Effective presentations: Identifying factors contributing to presentation success
  • Unsuccessful presentations: Identifying factors contributing to presentation failure

Persuasion

  • Speaker credibility: Importance of credibility to effective persuasion
  • Appeal to reason: Avoid fallacies and faulty thinking.
  • Emotional appeal: Using emotional cues to enhance persuasive messaging

Not all Presentations are Equal

  • Context Matters: The context of a presentation is crucial for interpretation
  • Virtual setup: Today, virtual settings are important aspects of a presentation

Summary

  • Common fallacies: A critical analysis of common errors in argumentation
  • Key skills: Mapping and evaluation of arguments are crucial
  • Practical application: How these principles apply in professional and academic settings

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Critical Thinking CM4203 - Nov 2024 PDF

Description

Test your critical thinking skills essential for business professionals in the CM4203 Communications course. This quiz covers problem analysis, evaluating alternatives, and inductive reasoning in uncertain contexts. Prepare to question assumptions and analyze quantitative data effectively.

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