Exam 4: Inductive Arguments

For the following statements and arguments, choose which one of the following statements best describe the evidence: -"We have interviewed thousands of customers this year and found that the vast majority who talked to us are very pleased with our service; few customers feel the need to switch to one of the 'maverick' phone companies. We're glad to reach out and touch so many!" (ad for local telephone company) Conclusion: Few customers feel the need to switch to one of the 'maverick' phone companies.

Are answers to surveys generally regarded as reliable? Why or why not?

For the following statements and arguments, choose which one of the following statements best describe the evidence: -Questionnaires were given to the entire student body of a California community college; each registered student completed a questionnaire. Data was collected showing that 90% of this college's students feel that tuition is unfair to them. Clearly, most community college students in California feel that tuition is not legitimate-the state legislature should take note. (from a report in a college magazine) Conclusion: Most community college students in California feel that tuition is not legitimate. (Students may also add the phrase "the state legislature should take note.")

Give an example of how you have used inductive research when making a personal (consumer, voting) decision. Identify the inductive research and your decision.

Define the following terms relating to technical causation: -Multiple causes

What is the difference between a fact and a statistical generalization?

Matching -Something that causes or creates an effect.

Statistical evidence refers to data collected through a few examples.

Define target population, using an example.

Which is not a question to ask about a sample to determine whether it is reliable?

For the following statements and arguments, choose which one of the following statements best describe the evidence: -A random study of 2 million incarcerated criminals reveals that 80% of them had been abused as children. It appears that child abuse produces criminals. Conclusion: Child abuse produces criminals.

For the following statements and arguments, choose which one of the following statements best describe the evidence: -My cousins both got sick after vacationing in Brewerstown; the water was not safe to drink, so I'm only going to drink sodas when I go. (spoken by a close friend of yours) Conclusion: The water was not safe to drink, so I'm only going to drink sodas when I go. (You may also give credit for the statement "I'm only going to drink sodas when I go.")

A research organization may be biased if they have a vested interest in the outcome of a study.

For the following statements and arguments, choose which one of the following statements best describe the evidence: -More and more men are using Suaveshave-shouldn't you? (commercial) Conclusion: Shouldn't you? (The implied conclusion is "You should also use Suaveshave.")

Define characteristic of interest, using an example.

Matching -When the group studied reflects the group about which a researcher wants to generalize.

How is a sample classified as biased? Why is a biased sample not useful as evidence to support a conclusion?

Matching -When every member of a chosen population has an equal chance of being chosen as part of the sample.

Define the following terms relating to technical causation: -remote cause

What is the main difference between a fact and a statistical generalization?