Exam 1: Basic Concepts

There are numerous ways to study nonhuman animals. One method is to observe a group and describe (either by taking notes or speaking into a tape recorder) as completely as possible everything that occurs. Another technique is to "follow" one "focal" animal, describing everything it does. Still another frequently used method involves making observations of a focal animal at precise intervals. Robert Jurmain, et al., Essentials of Physical Anthropology, 5^th edition

Which of the following are all arguments?

The earth is of interest to astronomy for many reasons. Nearly all observations must be made through the atmosphere, and the phenomena of the upper atmosphere and the magnetosphere reflect the state of interplanetary space. The earth is also the most important object of comparison for planetologists. Hannu Karttunen, et al., Fundamental Astronomy

The finger prints on the gun match those of the defendant. Therefore, the defendant must have handled the gun.

There are three familiar states of matter: solid, liquid and gas. Solid objects ordinarily maintain their shape and volume regardless of their location. A liquid occupies a definite volume, but assumes the shape of the occupied portion of its container. A gas maintains neither shape nor volume. It expands to fill completely whatever container it is in. John W. Hill and Dorris K Kolb, Chemistry for Changing Times

Native peoples, completely dependent on Mother Earth for everything in their lives, worshipped the Earth as a nurturing goddess that provided for all their needs. From the soil came plants and growing things that provided clothing and food. From the rivers and seas came fish and shellfish for food, trade articles, and tools. From the air came rain, snow, and wind to grow crops and alter the seasons. The Earth was never stagnant or dull, but always provided for those in her care. Linda Williams, Earth Science Demystified

More than 99% of all airplane flights land safely. Therefore, probably the next flight to depart from JFK International Airport will land safely.

Cancer is a disease that has afflicted humans for thousands of years. Therefore, many of the ancient Romans must have died of cancer.

If a deductive argument has false premises and a false conclusion, then we know:

After buying a pair of Blue Atlas jeans, Carter was disappointed to find that they fell apart after only one month. The same thing happened to Jeff, Mario, and Ralph. Apparently, Blue Atlas jeans don't hold up very well.

The engraved plate beneath this painting in the art museum says "Monet." Therefore, the painting must be the work of Monet.

If an inductive argument has true premises and a probably false conclusion, then we know the argument is:

Some preachers are evangelists, so some preachers are TV personalities, since some evangelists are TV personalities.

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid. It possesses a definite chemical structure, which gives it a unique set of physical properties. When the term mineral is used by geologists, only those substances that fulfill these precise conditions are considered minerals. Consequently, synthetic diamonds, although chemically the same as natural diamonds, are not considered minerals. Frederick K. Lutgens, et al., Foundations of Earth Science, 6^th ed.

If malaria becomes drug resistant, then countless victims will perish. If malaria becomes drug resistant, then a major health crisis will erupt. Therefore, if a major health crisis erupts, then countless victims will perish.

Microbiologists work in a variety of settings. Some work in universities where they are likely to teach, do research, and train students to do research. Others work in industrial laboratories to develop or manufacture antibiotics, vaccines, or similar biological products. Even some law firms are hiring microbiologists to help with the complexities of patenting new genetically engineered organisms. Jacquelyn C. Black, Microbiology: Principles and Explorations

Which of the following is a necessary condition for cooking an egg?

Figure A is a right triangle, and two of its sides have a length of 1 foot. Therefore, its area is ¹/₂ square foot.

There are two types of pension plan. In a defined contribution plan, a company contributes a specific amount of money, often based on profits, to a fund owned by its employees. In a defined benefit plan, the company promises to make specific lifetime payments to its employees when they retire. The payments depend on each employee's pay at retirement, years of service, and expected lifespan. Eugene F. Brigham, Financial Management: Theory and Practice

Which of the following is not an inductive argument?