Question

II. For each of the following unsupported claims, indicate whether or not it would be reasonable to accept the claim. Also state the criteria you use in reaching your decision.

1. Tigers live in Africa.

2. There are wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

3. Black cats bring bad luck.

4. Ninety-eight percent of statistics are just made up.

5. Dunleavy Ford: Nobody sells for less. (heard on the radio)

6. The closest star to the earth, other than the sun, is Proxima Centauri. (said by your astronomy instructor)

7. I fought in World War II. (said by a man who appears to be about forty-five years old)\

8. There is no hard scientific evidence that smoking is addictive. (said by a tobacco company executive)

9. Parts of Alaska are farther west than Hawaii. (overheard on the bus)

10. Parts of Alaska are farther west than Hawaii. (said by your geography instructor)

11. Analgex brand aspirin: Nothing works stronger or faster on your tough headaches. (said by a paid sports celebrity)

12. I read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica last summer. (said by a stranger at a party)

13. Most hate crimes in this country are not committed against African Americans or Jews. They are committed against evangelical Christians. (said by the late TV evangelist Jerry Falwell)

14. Did you know that gun control laws actually increase the violent crime rate? (statement on anti–gun control Web page)

15. A Space Alien Tried to Mate with My Harley!

Answer 1

1. Accept the claim since Africa is full of wild animals and it is reasonable to assume that tigers also live in Africa

2. Accept the claim since the Park is so huge that it is possible that wolves live there

3. Don't accept the claim as there is no logical reason to believe that cats bring bad luck

4. Don't accept the claim as it would require a full study (statistical study) to make a claim like this

5. Don't accept the claim as it is a catchy marketing line. A buyer would need to check at least 2-3 dealerships to find the lowest price

6. Accept the claim as the Astronomy instructor won't be telling lies

7. Reject the claim as the WW-II ended more than 75 years ago and someone would need to be 95+ years old to have fought in it

8. Reject the claim as there is a conflict of interest here

9. Don't accept the claim without checking the map yourself

10. Accept the claim as the Geography instructor won't be telling lies

11. Don't accept the claim without trying 2-3 different brands of pain-killer medicine as this statement is just a marketing tool

12. Reject the claim as it is physically impossible to read the full encyclopaedia in such a short time

13. Reject the claim as there is a conflict of interest here

14. Reject the claim as there is a conflict of interest here

15. Reject the claim as it seems to be made by a publicity seeking individual