1.
A study found that students who eat breakfast perform better on standardized tests than those who don't. Therefore, schools should provide free breakfast to all students to improve test scores. Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?
Many students who don't eat breakfast come from low-income families that may face other educational challenges
The study was conducted on a small sample of elementary school students
Eating breakfast has been shown to improve overall health and well-being
Some students perform better on tests when they're slightly hungry
2.
A study found that people who meditate regularly have lower stress levels than those who don't. Therefore, meditation causes a reduction in stress. Which of the following best describes the flaw in this reasoning?
It assumes correlation implies causation
It relies on a small sample size
It ignores potential long-term effects
It fails to consider alternative stress-reduction methods
3.
In a city, 60% of residents own cars, 40% use public transportation, and 20% use both. What percentage of residents neither own cars nor use public transportation?
0%
10%
20%
30%
4.
A government official argues that increasing the number of police officers on the streets will reduce crime rates. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?
Crime rates have decreased in areas with community outreach programs
Increasing the number of police officers is costly for the city budget
Cities with the highest number of police officers per capita still have high crime rates
Some types of crimes are not deterred by visible police presence
5.
A company claims that its new energy-efficient light bulbs last 50% longer than standard bulbs. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this claim?
The energy-efficient bulbs use 75% less electricity than standard bulbs
A long-term study shows that the average lifespan of the new bulbs is 48% longer than standard bulbs
The new bulbs are more expensive than standard bulbs
Customers report high satisfaction with the brightness of the new bulbs
6.
A company claims that its new weight loss supplement leads to an average weight loss of 10 pounds in one month without changes in diet or exercise. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this claim?
The supplement has not been approved by regulatory authorities
Participants in the study were also given a low-calorie meal plan
The supplement causes mild side effects in some users
The company's previous weight loss products have been ineffective
7.
A study found that people who eat breakfast regularly tend to have lower rates of obesity. The researchers concluded that eating breakfast helps prevent weight gain. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this conclusion?
People who skip breakfast often overeat later in the day
The study did not control for other lifestyle factors like exercise habits
Breakfast eaters tend to have more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day
Many breakfast foods are high in calories and sugar
8.
If a student studies hard, they will pass the exam. John did not pass the exam. Therefore:
John studied hard
John did not study hard
John may or may not have studied hard
John cheated on the exam
9.
A nutritionist argues that consuming a plant-based diet reduces the risk of certain chronic diseases. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen this argument?
People who follow plant-based diets tend to exercise more regularly
Plant-based diets are typically lower in saturated fats and higher in fiber
Many professional athletes have adopted plant-based diets
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular among young people
10.
A recent study found that people who regularly eat spicy foods have a lower risk of heart disease. However, it would be premature to conclude that eating spicy foods prevents heart disease. Which of the following, if true, would best explain why the conclusion might be premature?
The study was conducted over a short period of time
People who eat spicy foods tend to have other healthy lifestyle habits
The study did not account for genetic factors that might influence heart disease risk