Logical reasoning PrepTest 150 · Section 2 · Question 17

Incorrect. While there is an error related to the reporting of cold symptoms, and thus the difference between a subjective and objective view, this answer choice misses the mark in highlighting that error as it's present in the argument. This answer would be correct in an argument that used a poll of what people believe to draw a conclusion about what is true.

Incorrect. While this answer might be tempting because the argument is medical in nature and it's relying on the reporting of people who aren't presumably all doctors, the area that their opinion is presented is in how they feel. People are in a better position to judge that than anyone else.

Incorrect. The conclusion is a generalization based on a study. This answer choice describes a flaw where a generalization is used as a premise to draw a conclusion about one specific instance.

Incorrect. There's no sufficient/necessary language in this stimulus, so this answer choice is wrong.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
Study: People who take cold medication report more severe symptoms than those who didn't take cold medication. Therefore, cold medication makes colds worse.

Answer Anticipation:
First, the argument mentions a study. When a study is done, it's important to analyze if the sample is representative. Here, the sample was self-selecting, in that the people weren't randomly assigned to receive cold medication or not. It's possible that those who took the cold medication are naturally more susceptible to taking medicine, or to feeling worse during a cold.

Second, the study relied on self-reporting. It's possible that people's subjective assessments of the severity of their colds was off. Maybe those who took the cold medication didn't feel worse, but reported that they felt worse.

Third, the conclusion is causal, but the premises are correlative. That's a correlation vs. causation flaw, and all the relevant answers (alternative cause, reversed causality, coincidence) are potentially correct.

Answer Explanation:
This answer choice highlights the correlation/causation flaw. While the advocate believes cold medication causes a cold to have worse symptoms, it's possible having worse symptoms leads to someone taking cold medication.

Key Takeaway:
In an Errors in Reasoning question—especially one later in the section—don't stop analyzing the logic when you spot one flaw. There will often be multiple, and it won't be clear which will lead to the correct answer until you read through them.