Which of the following points out an error in Ron’s reasoning? A) He

QUESTION

Which of the following points out an error in Ron’s reasoning?

A) He does not demonstrate that the factual claims he makes are more believable than the ones that Kelly makes.
B) He restates his argument in ways that are logically equivalent.
C) He assumes that an increase in salary will result in an increase in the employees’ well-being.
D) He fails to specify the number of people who work in the different departments in the organization.
E) He uses numbers to justify a position on an ethical issue.

ANSWER

Answer: D
Explanation: D) Choice D points out a problem with Ron’s claim that the number of departments with an average salary of over $40,000 is greater than the number of departments with an average salary under $40,000. This is an empty statistic as we don’t know the number of people in each department. If the small departments have high salaries and the large departments have low salaries, then Ron’s statistic could be true even if compensation overall is very low. Choice A is accurate in that Ron doesn’t do that, but he doesn’t need to as there’s no conflict between his factual claims and Kelly’s. Choice B claims that Ron repeats himself. He doesn’t do that. All of his arguments are faulty, but they are all different. Choice C: Ron’s argument doesn’t mention well-being. Choice E is an accurate description but is not a flaw.