🧠 GRE Exam Prep

An argument states: 'Our city implemented a new recycling program, and six months later, crime rates significantly dropped. Clearly, the recycling program caused the reduction in crime.' This argument most clearly exhibits which logical flaw?

A Ad hominem (attacking the person, not the argument).
B Circular reasoning (premise assumes the conclusion).
C False dilemma (presenting only two options when more exist).
D Correlation mistaken for causation (assuming cause-and-effect from mere co-occurrence).

✓ Correct Answer: Option D

This argument incorrectly infers a causal relationship between two events (recycling program and crime reduction) simply because they occurred in sequence, without providing evidence for a direct link.

💡 Why is D) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "An argument states: 'Our city implemented a new recycling program, and six months later, crime rates significantly dropped. Clearly, the recycling program caused the reduction in crime.' This argument most clearly exhibits which logical flaw?" is Option D: Correlation mistaken for causation (assuming cause-and-effect from mere co-occurrence)..

The other options — A) Ad hominem (attacking the person, not the argument)., B) Circular reasoning (premise assumes the conclusion)., C) False dilemma (presenting only two options when more exist). — are incorrect for this GRE Exam Prep question. As explained above: This argument incorrectly infers a causal relationship between two events (recycling program and crime reduction) simply because they occurred in sequence, without providing evidence for a direct lin…

📚 About This GRE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level GRE Exam Prep question from the Analytical Writing topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free GRE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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