- In the textbook, it says: “A rival cause is a plausible alternative explanation that can explain why a certain outcome occurred.” this is use when the author has good reason or evidence on a claim. Some questions you can ask is “can I think of any other way to interpret the evidence?, What else might have caused this act of these findings?, If I looked at this event from another point of view, what might I see as important causes?, and If this interpretation is incorrect, what other interpretation might make sense?”
- Causation is based on association or correlation and association/correlation does not prove causation. the difficult one is association/correlation because it doesn’t prove causation in evidence.
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increased amounts of germs and bacteria on college campuses cause higher rates of illness in college students. College students are less likely to sanitize living areas and common areas on campus, which in turn creates excessive germs on surfaces and in the air leading to more sickness in students.
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- Conclusion: Colleges campuses are not clean and can lead to sickness.
- Reason/cause: The increased amounts of germs and bacteria.
- Rival (other possible) causes: Less likely to sanitize living areas and common areas on campus.
- Evaluation (How strong is the original argument? What’s missing?): It’s strong but, they don’t talked about have much they actually sanitize the college campus per day.
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B. Based on your reading of ARQ chapter 10, “Are Any Statistics Deceptive?”, summarize how the following types of statistics can be deceptive. What are some strategies you can use to determine how reliable each type is?
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- Unknowable and biased statistics: This has random data from random people. This is reliable when using for a random sample
- Confusing averages: The numbers can range from more than average to below average. It’s reliable when you are trying to estimated the number closest to average.
- Measurement errors: When they measure different times for the same evidence.
- Concluding one thing, proving another: Comparing what statistics we need to what we have.
- Deceiving by omitting information: The absolute numbers on which this percentage is based.
C. Read the following passage. Identify the conclusion, and reasons, and evaluate the evidence (in this case the statistics) used to support the writer’s argument.
The home is becoming a more dangerous place to spend time. The number of home-related injuries is on the rise. In 2005, approximately 2300 children aged 14 and under died from accidents in the home. Also, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. To make matters worse, even television, a relatively safe household appliance, is becoming dangerous. In fact, 42,000 people are injured by televisions and television stands each year. With so many accidents in the home, perhaps people need to start spending more time outdoors.
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- Conclusion: People are getting hurt at home and they should go outside more.
- Reasons/causes: Dogs that bite, safe household appliances, and accidents like electric.
- Evaluate the evidence (the statistics): 2300 children age of 14 and under dies from accidents, 4.7 million people bitten by dogs, 42,000 people gets injured by T.V’s and T.V stands.
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