On Critically Evaluating Inductive Arguments

question 81

Short Answer

On critically evaluating inductive arguments. Read the following arguments and carry out the instructions below.
-One hundred college students from four colleges were surveyed, and 60% said they liked classical music. We conclude that approximately 60% of all college students like classical music. Does each of the following alterations strengthen or weaken the original argument? Does each leave the argument's strength unaffected?
a. The colleges were all Catholic colleges.
b. Actually, only ten students were surveyed.
c. Actually, one thousand students were surveyed.
d. All surveyed were Capricorns.
e. All surveyed had grades of 3.8 or above.
f. Ninety percent of those surveyed said they regularly read novels.
g. Those surveyed were freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
h. Those surveyed were seniors only.
i. Those surveyed were from large cities only.
j. Those surveyed were from the South only.
k. Those surveyed were from all regions of the country.
l. All those surveyed said that they like Mars bars.
m. We change the conclusion to: Exactly 60% like classical music.
n. We change the conclusion to: At least 60% like classical music.
o. We change the conclusion to: The majority like classical music.
p. Students were surveyed at three state universities, three private liberal arts colleges, three Ivy League colleges, and three religious colleges.
q. The students were actually drawn from three music conservatories: the Ace school of music, the Ajax conservatory of piano, and the Smith school of music.

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Definitions:

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