Evaluate the Following Argument in Accordance with the Criteria Discussed

question 149

Essay

Evaluate the following argument in accordance with the criteria discussed in the text.
Paul Tullius kept records for over a year about his cholesterol levels and his intake of fats and carbohydrates. He found that his cholesterol levels seemed to be influenced very little by the amount of fat he ate, but varied directly with his consumption of carbohydrates. The more of the latter he ate, the higher his cholesterol went. Conversely, when he cut back on the carbs, his cholesterol level dropped back below his usual numbers. He concluded that it was carbs that caused his cholesterol levels to be so high for several years. [This is a fictitious experiment.]

---

Definitions:

Pluralistic Ignorance

A psychological phenomenon in which individuals mistakenly believe that their own attitudes and beliefs are different from those of the majority, often leading to conformity.

Social Psychologists

Experts who study how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.

Better-informed Opinion

An opinion based on comprehensive, accurate information and understanding.

Inconsistency

The state of being irregular or not remaining the same over time.