Identify the logical flaw in this argument: "Every successful entrepreneur dropped out of college; so dropping out of college leads to success."
Difficulty: Hard
About this MCQ
Hard GMAT item. Correct choice: A. It confuses correlation with causation.
- A. It confuses correlation with causation ✓
- B. It uses circular reasoning
Why not B: “It uses circular reasoning” is not It confuses correlation with causation.
- C. It relies on an appeal to authority
Why not C: “It relies on an appeal to authority” is not It confuses correlation with causation.
- D. It contains a false dichotomy
Why not D: “It contains a false dichotomy” is not It confuses correlation with causation.
Correct answer
A. It confuses correlation with causation
Explanation
It confuses correlation with causation (option A) is the accepted answer to “Identify the logical flaw in this argument: "Every successful entrepreneur dropped out of college; so dropping out of college leads to success."”. Option B (It uses circular reasoning) is a different value from It confuses correlation with causation. Option C (It relies on an appeal to authority) is a different value from It confuses correlation with causation. Option D (It contains a false dichotomy) is a different value from It confuses correlation with causation. Keep It confuses correlation with causation as the GMAT fact for this stem.
Source: Original practice question; MCQsHub
Tags: American Exams, Verbal, GMAT, Critical Reasoning
Submitted by: MCQsHub Editorial
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