Method of Reasoning - Logical Reasoning

What is the correct description of a premise in Method of Reasoning?

A claim offered as support for the conclusion. Evidence or reasons given to support the conclusion.
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "offers an explanation"?

It proposes a cause or account for the stated facts. Provides causal reasoning for observed phenomena.
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "concedes a point"?

It grants a claim (often an objection) before continuing. Acknowledges opposing view to strengthen credibility.
Identify the method: The author treats a necessary condition as if it were sufficient.

Conditional confusion: necessary mistaken for sufficient. Assumes meeting a requirement guarantees the outcome.
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "responds to an objection"?

It addresses and attempts to weaken a counterargument. Directly engages with opposing arguments.
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "uses evidence that is itself in need of support"?

It relies on an unsupported premise (a questionable assumption). Points out circular or weak foundation.
Identify the method: "A and B are similar in key ways; so what is true of A is true of B."

Reasoning by analogy. Infers properties based on similarity.
Identify the method: "This A was B, that A was B; therefore, all A are B."

Generalizes from examples (inductive generalization). Moves from specific instances to universal claim.
Identify the method: The author misrepresents an opponent's view to make it easier to refute.

Straw man. Distorts the opposing position to defeat it more easily.
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "appeals to authority"?

It supports a claim by citing an expert or institution. Uses credibility rather than direct evidence.
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "supports a generalization by providing examples"?

It uses instances to justify a broader claim. Classic inductive reasoning from specific to general.
What method is described by using elimination of alternatives to support one remaining option?

Process of elimination (exhaustive or partially exhaustive). Ruling out other options to support the remaining one.
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "uses an analogy"?

It argues from similarity between two cases. Compares similar situations to draw conclusions.
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "rules out an alternative explanation"?

It eliminates competing causes or accounts. Strengthens by showing other causes don't apply.
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "draws a conclusion from evidence"?

It infers a claim (conclusion) from given premises. Standard deductive reasoning from evidence.
Identify the method: "If $P$ then $Q$ . Not $Q$ . Therefore, not $P$ ."

Modus tollens (valid conditional reasoning). Valid form: denying consequent denies antecedent.
Identify the method: The author offers evidence and then draws a general rule.

Generalization from specific instances (inductive generalization). Moving from specific examples to a broader principle.
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "reasons from a general principle to a specific case"?

It applies a rule to reach a particular conclusion (deduction). Classic deductive reasoning pattern.
Identify the method: The author rejects a view by showing it leads to an absurd result.

Reductio ad absurdum (rejecting by deriving an unacceptable outcome). Disproving by showing it implies something clearly false.
Identify the method: The author attacks the arguer's character instead of the claim.

Ad hominem attack. Targets the person making the argument, not the argument itself.
Identify the method: The author applies a general rule to reach a specific result.

Deduction: applying a general principle to a particular case. Using a broad rule to determine a specific outcome.
What is the correct description of a conclusion in Method of Reasoning?

The claim the author is trying to establish. The main point the argument aims to prove.
What method is described by treating correlation as sufficient to establish causation?

Inferring causation from correlation. Assumes that things occurring together have a causal link.
Identify the method: The author explains a phenomenon by proposing its most likely cause.

Inference to the best explanation (causal hypothesis). Selecting the most plausible cause among alternatives.
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "takes for granted" a claim?

It assumes a claim without support (an unstated assumption). Identifies hidden premises the argument relies on.
Identify the method: "The data fit hypothesis $H$ ; therefore, $H$ is true."

Affirming the consequent (a flawed conditional inference). Fallacy: evidence supports but doesn't prove hypothesis.
What should you identify first to answer a Method of Reasoning question efficiently?

The conclusion and the premises. These form the argument's structure to analyze.
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "reasons from specific cases to a general conclusion"?

It generalizes from observations (induction). Classic inductive reasoning pattern.
What method is described by appealing to what most people believe as support for a claim?

Appeal to popularity (ad populum). Uses widespread belief as evidence for truth.
What method is described by shifting a key term's meaning between premises and conclusion?

Equivocation (ambiguity exploited as support). Uses a word's multiple meanings to create false support.
Identify the method: The author claims that because $A$ happened before $B$ , $A$ caused $B$ .

Post hoc reasoning (temporal sequence as proof of causation). Assumes earlier events cause later ones just by sequence.
Identify the method: "All A are B. This is A. Therefore, this is B."

Applies a general rule to a case (deductive reasoning). Classic syllogism structure.
What method is described by concluding a policy is good because it has good intentions?

Appeal to intentions (intentions substituted for results). Judges effectiveness by goals rather than actual outcomes.
Identify the method: The author supports a claim by citing a qualified specialist's testimony.

Appeal to authority (relevant expert support). Uses expert opinion as evidence when expertise is relevant.
What method is described by arguing that two things are alike in one respect, so they are alike in another?

Reasoning by analogy. Assumes similar things in one way are similar in others.
What is the primary task in a Method of Reasoning question?

Identify the argumentative role played by the cited statement(s). Focus on how statements function in the argument structure.
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "draws a distinction"?

It differentiates two categories or cases to support the point. Clarifies by showing how things differ.
Identify the method: The author concludes something is true because it has not been proven false.

Appeal to ignorance. Uses lack of disproof as evidence for truth.

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