Logical Reasoning

PT133 · S2 · Q9 Letter to the editor: I have

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Letter to the editor: I have never seen such flawed reasoning and distorted evidence as that which you tried to pass off as a balanced study in the article "Speed Limits, Fatalities, and Public Policy."

Evidence

Vehicle-related fatality rates are rising in the areas with lower speed limits.

Conclusion

Areas with lower speed limits will not have lower vehicle-related fatality rates than other areas.

Evaluate

An increasing fatality rate in one area does not prove a relative comparison about fatality rates with other areas, unless we know whether the fatality rates in those other areas are changing. The argument fails to consider that vehicle-related fatality rates could be rising in other areas as well.

9.

The reasoning in the letter writer's argument is flawed because the argument

  1. bases its conclusion on findings

    Not a Flaw

    One can criticize an article and still concede the accuracy of findings within that article.

    7% picked this

  2. fails to consider the possibility

    Contradiction

    The argument concedes that automobile accidents that occur at high speeds often result in fatalities.

    20% picked this

  3. fails to consider the possibility

    Out of Scope

    How fast people want to drive is not relevant to the argument.

    0% picked this

  4. Correct

    fails to consider the possibility

    Why this is right

    This answer correctly points out a possibility that would call the author's conclusion into question.

    Skill tested: Flaw · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    62% picked this

  5. does not present any claims

    Contradiction

    The author presents evidence against the opposing viewpoint.

    10% picked this

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