Critical Thinking on Assumptions and Claims
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a value assumption?

  • A belief based on personal experience.
  • A belief about the cause-and-effect relationship between events.
  • A belief about what is morally right or wrong. (correct)
  • A statement about the effectiveness of a particular strategy.

    • What is a common challenge associated with causal claims?

  • They are often based on unreliable data.
  • They are difficult to prove definitively. (correct)
  • They can be influenced by personal biases.
  • They can be difficult to test in a controlled environment.

    • Which of the following is NOT a common reason for difficulty in accepting causal claims?

  • The subjective nature of the claim, making it inherently debatable. (correct)
  • Lack of strong evidence to support the claim.
  • The presence of multiple possible causes for the observed effect.
  • The difficulty in isolating the specific cause from other factors.

    • How can we evaluate the accuracy of a reality assumption?

    <p>By examining evidence and data gathered through research. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential way to identify plausible rival causes for a causal claim?

    <p>Exploring alternative explanations for the observed effect. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an underlying assumption in an argument?

    <p>A belief that is taken for granted, without being stated. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are underlying assumptions important to consider when evaluating an argument?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of people having different underlying assumptions?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can underlying assumptions be identified in an argument?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does an author often assume that the reader shares their assumptions?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a tacit belief system?

    <p>A system of beliefs that are held unconsciously. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If the underlying assumptions of an argument are questionable, why might the argument be weakened?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to consider underlying assumptions when evaluating an argument?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main idea of the text?

    <p>It is important to consider alternative explanations when identifying causal relationships. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a rival cause?

    <p>An alternative explanation for a correlation that does not involve a direct causal link. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a potential rival cause?

    <p>Direct causation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the example provided, what is the potential rival cause to the claim that humanities courses improve career success?

    <p>Students who choose to take humanities courses are intrinsically more motivated and driven. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of rival cause is highlighted in the example of collecting customer feedback?

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

    Which of the following best defines reverse causation?

    <p>When the effect is actually the cause of another variable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines third factor causation?

    <p>When a third variable influences both variables, creating an apparent but false correlation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main point of the example about humanities courses?

    <p>The impact of humanities courses on career success needs further investigation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a stated benefit of free university tuition in Canada, according to the author?

    <p>Reduced government spending on education (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of evidence does the author use to support the claim that free tuition benefits the economy?

    <p>A general statement about the positive effects of an educated workforce (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The author suggests that free tuition would help students contribute to the economy sooner. What is the main reason for this?

    <p>Students would be less likely to take on student loan debt (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an underlying assumption presented in the argument for free university tuition?

    <p>The quality of education will not be affected by free tuition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the statement 'any developed country that prioritizes education should pay for it'?

    <p>To argue that Canada should adopt a free tuition policy like other developed countries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential counterargument to the author's claim that free tuition will lead to a more equitable society?

    <p>Free tuition might disproportionately benefit students from wealthy families (B), Free tuition might lead to a decrease in the quality of education (C), Free tuition might not address other systemic barriers to education (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's proposed solution to the problem of student debt?

    <p>Making university tuition free (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible reason why someone could believe the evidence presented in the text, but still not accept the claim for free university tuition?

    <p>They believe that students should be responsible for their own education (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary aim of an experiment?

    <p>To find out if changes in one variable cause changes in another. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key element of a research design?

    <p>Random assignment of participants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a technique of persuasion mentioned in the text?

    <p>Presenting strong evidence to support your claims. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can you anticipate and counter objections to your argument?

    <p>Presenting a rebuttal to each objection raised. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of destructive testing of ideas?

    <p>To identify the flaws in an idea. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a 'reality assumption'?

    <p>An assumption that is used to support a causal claim. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best way to avoid a 'contrary evidence' objection?

    <p>Address possible objections and provide evidence for the claim. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might a causal claim be considered unreasonable due to chronological succession alone?

    <p>The study may not have sufficiently controlled for other factors that could have contributed to the observed outcome. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main argument made in the example about coffee consumption and health?

    <p>Coffee consumption has been shown to have a positive effect on human health, contrary to previous beliefs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of the phrase "Cue the happy dance and fire up your Starbucks app" in the context of the causal claim about coffee?

    <p>The phrase is a call to action for coffee lovers to celebrate the positive news about coffee's health benefits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a plausible reason for the change in findings about coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease?

    <p>The newer studies may have had larger and more diverse sample sizes, leading to more accurate results. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can we use the concept of rival causes to critique a causal claim?

    <p>By investigating potential confounding variables that could explain the observed correlation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential problem with relying solely on chronological succession to determine causality?

    <p>It may not account for the possibility of other factors that could contribute to the outcome. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key flaw of the post hoc, ergo propter hoc fallacy?

    <p>It assumes a causal relationship exists simply because one event followed another. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of the statement "Humans have been drinking coffee, a natural source of caffeine, for centuries...?" in the passage?

    <p>Coffee consumption is not a modern phenomenon, but a long-standing practice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Underlying Assumptions

    Beliefs taken for granted that support an argument.

    Causal Claims

    Statements that assert a cause-and-effect relationship.

    Critical Thinking

    Objective analysis and evaluation of an issue.

    Evidence

    Facts or information supporting a claim.

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    Techniques of Persuasion

    Methods used to convince others of a viewpoint.

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    Claims

    Statements presented as true, needing support.

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    Implications of Assumptions

    Consequences of holding certain beliefs unconsciously.

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    Different Assumptions

    Varied beliefs that people hold, impacting interpretations.

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    Education quality

    Comparison of the educational systems in countries, especially free vs. non-free education.

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    Reality assumptions

    Beliefs about events and how things work in the world based on personal experiences.

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    Value assumptions

    Ideals and standards of what is right or wrong according to society and culture.

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    Assumption

    An underlying belief that supports a claim but is not explicitly stated.

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    Educational Equity

    Ensuring equal access to education for all individuals.

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    Economic Benefits

    Positive impacts on the economy from a more educated workforce.

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    Quality of Education

    The standard of teaching and learning in educational institutions.

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    Enrollment Increase

    A rise in the number of students attending and graduating from schools.

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    Developed Countries

    Nations known for high levels of education and economic stability.

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    Rival Cause Identification

    Recognizing other factors that might explain an outcome.

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    Correlation vs Causation

    Correlation means two events occur together, not that one causes the other.

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    Direct Causation

    A relationship where one event (A) directly causes another (B).

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    Reverse Causation

    Where the outcome (B) may actually cause the initial event (A).

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    Third Factor Causation

    When a separate factor (C) causes both A and B, misleadingly suggesting a direct link.

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    Humanities Courses Benefits

    Studying humanities can enhance communication and career success.

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    Causal Explanation

    A description of how one event leads to another in a cause-and-effect relationship.

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    Successful Careers Connection

    Completing humanities courses is linked to improved career trajectories and well-being.

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    Coffee Health Benefits

    Drinking coffee is linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

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    Causal Relationships

    Links between cause and effect can be established through experimental research.

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    Research Design Elements

    Critical components include random assignment and control of variables.

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    Contestable Claim

    A statement that can be challenged or disputed based on evidence.

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    Quality Evidence

    Credible data or information used to support a claim.

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    Counter Objections

    Anticipating and addressing opposing viewpoints builds credibility.

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    Destructive Testing of Ideas

    Critically assessing and challenging ideas to promote stronger arguments.

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    Rival Causes

    Alternative explanations for an observed effect, needing to be addressed.

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    Post hoc, ergo propter hoc

    A logical fallacy assuming that if one event follows another, the first caused the second.

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    Causal Claim Example

    A specific instance where one event is claimed to cause another, often based on evidence.

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    Chronicled Evidence

    Data or information gathered over a period, showing patterns or relationships.

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    Caffeine and Health

    The evolving perceptions of caffeine's effects on human health through research.

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    Study Notes

    Underlying Assumptions, Causal Claims, & Techniques of Persuasion

    • Learning Outcome 2: Using current and complex business topics, explain and apply critical thinking and its five dimensions.
    • The five dimensions are claims, evidence, underlying assumptions and values, causal claims, and techniques of persuasion.

    What are Underlying Assumptions?

    • Underlying assumptions are the suppositions upon which an argument is based.
    • They are often implicit or unstated.
    • They must be accepted for the evidence to be relevant to the claim.

    Why are Underlying Assumptions Important?

    • Authors often believe the reader holds the same assumptions.
    • These assumptions are deeply engrained, tacit, or taken for granted.
    • Different people have different assumptions.
    • Questionable underlying assumptions can weaken an argument or claim, even when it has strong evidence.

    How to Find Underlying Assumptions

    • Determine what must be true for a claim to be valid given the evidence.
    • Consider what beliefs the author might assume the reader already holds.
    • Consider if there is a general principle that links the claim to the evidence.
    • Evaluate whether someone could accept the evidence, but not accept the claim.

    What are Causal Claims?

    • Causal claims state that events or factors act as causes, which lead to other events or factors (effects).
    • An example is collecting customer feedback makes companies successful.
    • Causal claims are used to understand the world.
    • It's important that causal relationships are not easily accepted when there may be rival causes.

    How to Identify Plausible Rival Causes

    • Carefully evaluate the cause-and-effect relationship.
    • Look for alternative causes due to differences between groups, correlation between characteristics, or post hoc, ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore because of this) fallacies.

    Rival Cause Identification: Differences Between Groups

    • Example: Students majoring in technical fields could benefit from taking humanities courses, which helps them develop better communication skills for success in their careers.

    Rival Cause Identification: Correlation Between Characteristics

    • Correlation does not prove causation.
    • Direct causation: One factor causes another.
    • Reverse causation: The second factor causes the first.
    • Third-factor causation: A third factor causes both.

    Rival Cause Identification: Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

    • This is a fallacy. Just because one event comes after another, it doesn't mean the first event caused the second.

    What are Techniques of Persuasion?

    • A contestable claim, quality evidence, reasonable assumptions, and a sound causal argument.
    • Anticipate and counter potential objections.
    • Use appropriate rhetoric.
    • Know your audience.

    How to Anticipate and Counter Objections

    • Destructive testing of ideas (deconstruct your ideas).
    • Discuss and rebut objections.
    • Clearly explain negative/contrary evidence and show why it's misleading.
    • Identify and explain potential rival causal explanations.
    • Outline and justify your assumptions, providing explicit data.

    Sample Argument: Free University Tuition in Canada

    • Example argument for this topic includes assumptions and values related to access, greater economic growth through educated workforce, and reduced debt load for students.
    • There are counter-arguments to be considered as well.

    How to Limit Your Claim if No Rebuttal

    • Acknowledge limitations;
    • Limit your claims through qualifications such as "often", "mostly", or "probably".
    • Acknowledge that the level of justification isn't 100%.
    • Refine or redefine terms/definitions to be clearer.
    • Show your reader you understand the issue.

    What is Rhetoric and How to Use It Effectively

    • Rhetoric is persuasive, not empty.
    • The persuasiveness comes from complete and clear detail, accurate tone, and vivid/concrete language instead of vague/cliché language.
    • Logos uses logic and evidence.
    • Ethos uses credibility, authority.
    • Pathos uses emotion.

    Techniques of Persuasion Example (BBC Article)

    • A causal claim example from a published BBC article illustrates how coffee drinking habits relate to decreased heart disease risk and cancer rates.

    More Practice

    • Includes practice example related to an opinion piece by Scott Stinson for the current events.

    Additional practice Exercises

    • Exercises are listed from the textbook, to further your study of the concepts within those particular chapters. These exercises can be found in the textbook itself.

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    Related Documents

    4A and 4B Assumptions, Causal Claims, and Persuasion - Winter 2025

    Description

    This quiz explores the concepts of value assumptions, causal claims, and underlying assumptions in arguments. It addresses the challenges of accepting causal claims and how to evaluate the accuracy of various assumptions. Test your understanding of these critical thinking principles and their implications in argument evaluation.

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