Quiz: How Well-familiar Are You With Various Fallacies?
There are few things to watch out for to detect any fallacy in a statement. They are very common and can be convincing. There are dozen of fallacies in the newspapers, advertisements, and other sources. This short quiz will test your knowledge of what on how you can detect fallacies in arguments.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which type of fallacy makes assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on an inadequate sample?
- A.
Hasty generalization
- B.
Appeal to tradition
- C.
Appeal to ignorance
- D.
False Dilemma
Correct Answer
A. Hasty generalizationExplanation
Hasty generalization is the correct answer because it refers to the fallacy of making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on an inadequate sample. This fallacy occurs when someone jumps to a conclusion or makes a generalization without sufficient evidence or a representative sample. It is a logical error that can lead to false or inaccurate conclusions about a larger population based on limited or biased information.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which type of fallacy do debaters eliminate one of the choices, so it seems that we are left with only one option?
- A.
Hasty generalization
- B.
False dichotomy
- C.
False Dilemma
- D.
Appeal to ignorance
Correct Answer
B. False dichotomyExplanation
Debaters eliminate one of the choices, making it seem like there is only one option left. This is known as a false dichotomy. A false dichotomy occurs when only two options are presented as if they are the only possibilities, when in reality there may be other options or shades of gray. By eliminating one choice, the debater is trying to force the audience to accept the remaining option as the only valid choice, even though there may be other alternatives that haven't been considered.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which kind of fallacy slides between two or more different meanings of a single word or phrase that is important to the argument?
- A.
False dichotomy
- B.
Equivocation
- C.
Hasty generalization
- D.
Appeal to flattery
Correct Answer
B. EquivocationExplanation
Equivocation is a fallacy that occurs when a word or phrase with multiple meanings is used in different senses within an argument. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the argument's logic. By sliding between these different meanings, the arguer may create a false impression or manipulate the audience's understanding of the argument. It is important to recognize and address equivocation in order to have a clear and valid argument.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the meaning Ad Populum?
- A.
People
- B.
Arguments
- C.
To the people
- D.
Believe in the facts
Correct Answer
C. To the peopleExplanation
Ad Populum is a Latin term that translates to "to the people." It refers to a logical fallacy where an argument is based on the belief that something is true or valid simply because a majority of people believe in it. This fallacy disregards the need for evidence, facts, or logical reasoning to support the argument. Instead, it relies on appealing to popular opinion or the emotions of the masses.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which type of fallacy does a debater claim that a sort of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but there’s not enough evidence for that assumption?
- A.
Slippery Slope
- B.
Appeal to ignorance
- C.
False Dilemma
- D.
Begging the question
Correct Answer
A. Slippery SlopeExplanation
A debater who claims that a sort of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but there's not enough evidence for that assumption is committing the fallacy of Slippery Slope. This fallacy occurs when someone argues that a particular event or action will lead to a series of events, often extreme or negative, without sufficient evidence to support this claim. In other words, the debater is making an unfounded assumption about the consequences without providing solid evidence to back it up.Rate this question:
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- 6.
You are either a saint or a sinner. You are not a saint. Therefore, you are a sinner. What type of fallacy is this?
- A.
False Dilemma
- B.
False Dichotomy
- C.
Hasty generalization
- D.
Equivocation
Correct Answer
A. False DilemmaExplanation
This is a false dilemma fallacy because it presents only two options (saint or sinner) and assumes that if one option is false (not a saint), then the other option must be true (a sinner). However, there could be other possibilities or categories that are not considered in this argument.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Eating sushi is okay because we have been eating sushi for thousands of years. What type of fallacy is this?
- A.
Appeal to tradition
- B.
Appeal to ignorance
- C.
False dichotomy
- D.
Begging the question
Correct Answer
A. Appeal to traditionExplanation
This is an example of an appeal to tradition fallacy. The argument assumes that something is acceptable or correct simply because it has been done for a long time. However, the age or tradition of a practice does not necessarily make it valid or beneficial.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Winston Hall is in bad shape. Either we tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk students’ safety. We shouldn’t risk anyone’s safety, so we must tear the building down". which type of fallacy is this?
- A.
Begging the question
- B.
Equivocation
- C.
Appeal to ignorance
- D.
False dichotomy
Correct Answer
D. False dichotomyExplanation
The given argument presents a false dichotomy by suggesting that the only two options are to tear down the building or risk students' safety. This is a fallacy because it oversimplifies the situation and ignores other possible solutions or alternatives that could address the safety concerns without demolishing the building.Rate this question:
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- 9.
David said, “Active euthanasia is morally acceptable. It is a decent, ethical thing to help another human being escape suffering through death”. Which type of fallacy is this?
- A.
Begging the question
- B.
Appeal to tradition
- C.
False dichotomy
- D.
Hasty generalization
Correct Answer
A. Begging the questionExplanation
This statement is an example of begging the question fallacy because it assumes the conclusion it is trying to prove. The argument assumes that active euthanasia is morally acceptable and then uses that assumption to support the claim that it is a decent and ethical thing to help someone escape suffering through death. However, this argument does not provide any evidence or reasoning to support the initial assumption that active euthanasia is morally acceptable.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which type of fallacy takes place when an arguer tries to get people to accept a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone?
- A.
Appeal to tradition
- B.
Appeal to fear
- C.
Appeal to pity
- D.
Equivocation
Correct Answer
C. Appeal to pityExplanation
Appeal to pity is a fallacy that occurs when an arguer attempts to persuade others to accept a conclusion by evoking feelings of sympathy or pity. Instead of providing logical reasoning or evidence, the arguer relies on emotional manipulation to sway the audience's opinion. This fallacy is based on the assumption that pity or sympathy should be sufficient grounds for accepting a conclusion, which is not a valid form of argumentation.Rate this question:
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