Gre by ArgoPrep: : gre prep 2018 + 14 Days Online Comprehensive Prep Included + Videos + Practice Tests \

57

---

ARGOPREP.COM/GRE
Faulty Analogies 
Reasoning by analogy functions by comparing two similar things. The faulty analogy flaw occurs when the author assumes
that because similar things or people are alike in some way, they then share the same characteristics or outcomes in
every instance. Here is an example of a faulty analogy flaw: 
Ted and Jim excel at both football and basketball. Since Ted is also a track star, it is likely
that Jim also excels at track. 
Here, similarities between Ted and Jim are the basis for the erroneous inference that they share additional traits. 
Biased Sample 
A biased sample occurs whenever an inadequate sample is used to justify the conclusion drawn. Here is an example:
I have worked with 3 people from New York City and found them to be obnoxious, pushy,
and rude. It is obvious that people from New York City have a bad attitude. 
The data set for the inference in this argument—experiences with 3 people—
is insufficient to support the conclusion. 
Source Argument 
The source argument flaw, also known as an ad hominem flaw, occurs when an argument is rejected because of irrelevant
characteristics of the person presenting the argument. These types of flaws are common and are usually easy to spot. 
Here is an example: 
Governor Bates’ new DUI law should be repealed since he was himself recently caught
driving under the influence. 
While Governor Bates being caught driving under the influence is certainly not a good thing for a number of reasons,
in this case the argument provides no reasoning relevant to the suggested repeal of the law. The author only offers an
assessment of Governor Bates, the person responsible for the law. 
Appeal to Authority 
Another type of fallacious reasoning is appeal to authority. Sometimes an author will cite the opinion of an expert or
other authority on an issue as the only means of support. Some appeals to authority are logical, like citing the research

---

of the foremost expert in Dissociative Identity Disorder to support an argument about the most effective psychological
interventions for the disorder. A
fallacious
appeal to authority either appeals to an irrelevant authority or improperly
assumes that citing the position of the authority figure is the only justification needed. Here is an example:
Leonardo DiCaprio spoke about climate change in his Oscar speech. This should put to rest
the ill-
informed arguments of those who contend that global warming does not exist.