Skeptical Reading & Logical Writing

Skeptical Reading & Logical Writing

1. Making Arguments

   • Deductive Argument
     • Premise 1 (P1): include an absolute term (rule)
       • eg. all, every, always
     • Premise 2 (P2): apply the rule to specific case
     • Conclusion 1 (C1): make a stand
     • common mistakes
       • Stating a theory makes a certain claim
       • untrue premise
       • overstating phenomenon
   • Argument by Analogy
     • What is true for one thing, is also true for another similar thing
   • Inductive Arguments
     • Form a general rule from observing cases
     • Build at least one premise using relative terms
       • eg. some, most, usually
     • Form a conclusion
       • Accurately state what happened in the sample of cases
       • Sample accurately reflects LARGER group
     • Questions to ask in order to prevent inaccurate Inductive Conclusions
       • Are the individual scores accurate/unbiased?
       • Is the sample of observations representative & unbiased?
       • Is the conclusion drawn from sample accurate & unbiased?
       • Are there any better explanations to replace author's explanations for the evidence?

2. Unfair arguments

   • Ad Hominem Arguments
     • to disbelieve a position because the person advocating the position has a poor reputation
   • Ignoring Contradicting Evidence
     • favor one position
   • Straw Man Arguments
     • providing a weak opposing position then proceed to attack it

3. Errors in reasoning from evidence

   • Inferring causation from correlation
   • Not questioning the generalizations
   • Misinterpreting significant results
   • Not questioning construct validity
   • Misinterpreting null results