Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest evidence against the argument?

Study for the Logical Reasoning STEM Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest evidence against the argument?

The strongest way to weaken an argument is to show that a key premise it relies on is false. When a central premise is false, the logical chain leading to the conclusion collapses, so the conclusion loses support regardless of how convincing the rest of the argument may seem. Demonstrating a false premise directly attacks the foundation on which the argument stands. The other options don’t hit that foundation as directly: reanalyzing with a larger sample size might affect results but doesn't necessarily refute the argument unless the new analysis contradicts a core premise; restating the conclusion more forcefully is persuasive but does not provide new evidence against the argument; citing credible sources tends to strengthen the argument, not weaken it.

The strongest way to weaken an argument is to show that a key premise it relies on is false. When a central premise is false, the logical chain leading to the conclusion collapses, so the conclusion loses support regardless of how convincing the rest of the argument may seem. Demonstrating a false premise directly attacks the foundation on which the argument stands.

The other options don’t hit that foundation as directly: reanalyzing with a larger sample size might affect results but doesn't necessarily refute the argument unless the new analysis contradicts a core premise; restating the conclusion more forcefully is persuasive but does not provide new evidence against the argument; citing credible sources tends to strengthen the argument, not weaken it.

More practice questions