Which of the Following Best Illustrates the Fallacy of Composition

question 22

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best illustrates the fallacy of composition?

• A)​If I have more money, I will be better off; therefore if we all had more money, we all would be better off.
• B)​If I buy more gas each week, my gas consumption increases; therefore, if all gas consumers buy more gas each week, total gas consumption will increase.
• C)​If I spend more time studying, I will learn more; therefore, if all students spend more time studying, they will learn more.
• D)​If women's hemlines are higher this year, the Dow Jones Industrials average will fall.

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Definitions:

Electric Shocks

A method often used in psychology experiments to deliver a mild to severe stimulus to participants, sometimes to study pain response or learning.

Social Comparisons

The act of evaluating one's own abilities, achievements, and conditions by contrasting them with those of others.

Experimental Situation

A controlled environment or setup created to investigate the effects of variables on subjects in a scientific study.

Frame of Reference

A set of criteria or stated values in relation to which measurements or judgments can be made.