Logical Fallacies Quiz

During a debate, Rohan criticizes Henry's character instead of addressing Henry's argument. Which logical fallacy is Rohan committing?

• Slippery slope

• Ad Hominem

• Bandwagon

• Strawman

Answer explanation

Rohan is committing the Ad Hominem fallacy by attacking Henry's character instead of engaging with his argument. This fallacy diverts attention from the actual issue being debated.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

Abigail and Arjun notice that whenever they study together, they both score higher on their tests. What is the term for a fallacy that occurs when someone argues that this correlation between studying together and higher scores implies causation?

• Genetic Fallacy

• False Dichotomy

• Correlation and Causation

• Non Sequitur

Answer explanation

The term for the fallacy where a correlation is mistaken for causation is 'Correlation and Causation'. Abigail and Arjun's higher scores when studying together do not necessarily mean that studying together causes the improvement.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

Arjun was discussing a new scientific theory with his friends. He dismissed the theory by saying it was too complex and unbelievable. Which fallacy is Arjun committing?

• Personal Incredulity

• Scare Tactic

• Tokenism

• Begging the Question

Answer explanation

Arjun is committing the Personal Incredulity fallacy by dismissing the scientific theory simply because he finds it too complex and unbelievable, rather than evaluating its merits based on evidence.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

During a debate, David initially agreed that providing evidence from a scientific study would be sufficient to prove a point. However, when Avery presented such evidence, David insisted that multiple studies were needed instead. What is the name of the fallacy David is using?

• Moving the Goalposts

• False Equivalence

• Strawman

• Appeal to Ignorance

Answer explanation

David is using the 'Moving the Goalposts' fallacy by changing the criteria for evidence after Avery met the initial requirement, thus making it harder to prove the point.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

Nora and Arjun are discussing a debate topic. Nora argues that you can either support the new policy or be against progress. What is the term for this fallacy that involves presenting two opposing options as the only possibilities?

• False Dichotomy

• Scapegoating

• Whataboutism

• Non Sequitur

Answer explanation

The term for presenting two opposing options as the only possibilities is 'False Dichotomy'. Nora's argument implies that supporting the policy is the only way to be for progress, ignoring other potential viewpoints.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

During a debate, Aria was asked about her stance on climate change policies. Instead of answering, she started talking about her favorite movies. Which fallacy involves diverting attention from the issue at hand by introducing an irrelevant point?

• Non Sequitur

• Traditional Wisdom

• Burden of Proof

• Tokenism

Answer explanation

The fallacy Aria committed is a Non Sequitur, as she diverted attention from climate change policies to her favorite movies, introducing an irrelevant point instead of addressing the question directly.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

Olivia is considering whether to invest in a new business venture. Her friend warns her that if she doesn't invest, she will end up missing out on a huge opportunity and regret it for the rest of her life. Which fallacy involves exaggerating the consequences of an action to instill fear?

• Scare Tactic

• Bandwagon

• Genetic Fallacy

• Strawman

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Scare Tactic' because it involves exaggerating the potential negative consequences of not investing, aiming to instill fear in Olivia about missing out on an opportunity.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

Charlotte noticed that many of her classmates started wearing a particular brand of shoes. She argued that the shoes must be the best because everyone is wearing them. Which fallacy is Charlotte using?

• Bandwagon

• False Equivalence

• Moving the Goalposts

• Whataboutism

Answer explanation

Charlotte is using the Bandwagon fallacy, which suggests that something is true or the best simply because many people believe or do it. Her argument relies on popularity rather than evidence of quality.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

During a debate, James argued that because two different policies both aim to reduce pollution, they must be equally effective. What is the name of the fallacy that involves using an irrelevant comparison to make an argument?

• False Equivalence

• Genetic Fallacy

• Slippery Slope

• Scapegoating

Answer explanation

James' argument commits the False Equivalence fallacy by assuming that two policies with the same goal (reducing pollution) are equally effective, despite potentially differing methods and outcomes.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

Rohan argues that the school should continue using traditional textbooks because it has always been done that way. Which fallacy is Rohan committing?

• Traditional Wisdom

• Non Sequitur

• Burden of Proof

• Tokenism

Answer explanation

Rohan is committing the Traditional Wisdom fallacy by arguing that the school should continue using traditional textbooks simply because it has always been done that way, without providing valid reasons for its continuation.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3