PrepTest 145

Incorrect. The argument claims it's the sample that's biased, not the surveyor. This answer also completely ignores the analogy.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Methods of Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
Radio station claim Ð The new format is popular with listeners
Proof Ð 75% of those who call in say they prefer it
Rebuttal Ð An analogy to voters
Conclusion Ð The radio station's premise doesn't prove their conclusion

Answer Anticipation:
This is a Methods of Reasoning question, so there's no need to understand or analyze the specifics of the logic! Especially when an argument shows a common method of arguing.

Here, as we noted, the argument relies on an analogy to a situation with a politician/voters. While we may have to distinguish between multiple answers that say something about using an analogy, let's cross that bridge when we come to it and head straight into the answers looking for any that bring up this common method of reasoning.

Answer Explanation:
The argument refers to an instance that is clearly flawed—interviewing just a candidate's supporters to see if she's popular—in order to undermine the analogous inference drawn from the radio station's situation. This answer brings up an analogy and describes how it functions in this argument, so it's correct.

Key Takeaway:
Using an analogy is one of the most common methods of reasoning in this question type. When an argument uses one, quickly move to the answers that bring it up. With any luck, there will be only one!

Incorrect. The conclusion of the argument is that the radio station's argument is inconclusive—it never brings up a more reasonable conclusion, or any other potential conclusion, drawn from their evidence.

Incorrect. Leaving aside if this counts as a counterexample, the argument concludes that the opposing point's argument is inconclusive, not that it's false.

Incorrect. First, there's no indication that the radio station's position is contradictory—in fact, their evidence does align with their conclusion. Second, the author's conclusion is that the radio station's argument is inconclusive, which isn't exactly the same as unreasonable.