Detecting Denial Techniques: Quiz 4

 

The following are techniques used to deny science. Some techniques are sub-classes of others (e.g., ad hominem is a logical fallacy, false choice is an oversimplification).

  

  • Fake Experts: Presenting an unqualified person or institution as a source of credible information.
  • Logical Fallacies: Arguments where the conclusion doesn’t logically follow from the premises. Also known as a non sequitur.
    • Ad Hominem: Attacking the person/group instead of addressing their argument.
    • Ambiguity: Using ambiguous language in order to lead to a misleading conclusion.
    • Misrepresentation:  Misrepresenting a situation or an opponent's position in such a way as to distort understanding.
      • Straw Man: Misrepresenting or exaggerating an opponent’s position to make it easier to attack.
    • Oversimplification: Simplifying a situation in such a way as to distort understanding, leading to erroneous conclusions.
      • False Choice: Presenting two options as the only possibilities, when other possibilities exist.
      • Single Cause: Assuming a single cause or reason when there might be multiple causes or reasons.
    • Red Herring: Diverting attention to an irrelevant point to distract from the original argument.
  • Impossible Expectations: Demanding unrealistic standards of certainty before acting on the science.
  • Cherry Picking: Carefully selecting data that appear to confirm one position while ignoring other data that contradicts that position.
    • Slothful Induction: Ignoring relevant evidence when coming to a conclusion. Similar to cherry picking but with an emphasis on neglecting inconvenient information rather than highlighting convenient information.
  • Conspiracy Theory: Proposing a secret plan to implement a nefarious scheme such as hiding a truth or perpetuating misinformation.
  • None of the Above: Statement is logically valid and doesn't contain any of the denial techniques listed above.

Identify the denial technique that best matches the arguments below (note that some arguments may not contain a denial technique). You will receive your score after you complete the quiz.

The only reason people don't like coffee is because it makes their breath stink.
There is no evidence that plain packaging will reduce smoking rates.
The only people who believe in a strong military are rednecks with low I.Q.
A group of international elites known as the Illuminati caused most of the major wars of the last two centuries.
Either you support having prayer in public schools or you’re an atheist.
The sign said 'Fine for Feeding the Birds' so I thought it was fine to feed them.
Just because I’ve had 12 car accidents in the past six months doesn’t mean I’m a bad driver.
If you believe in God, you must also believe in fairies and unicorns.
No dogs are cats and all beagles are dogs. That means no beagles are cats.
He’s rich so he knows how to run the country.
You shouldn’t arrest me for drink driving—I work a full time job to support my family and pay my taxes.
Since the new president took office, the economy has been going well. Obviously he is doing a good job.
A Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry claimed high doses of vitamin C can cure cancer.
To oppose strict gun control is to want to put guns in the hands of every citizen.