Cambridge International A Level · Thinking Skills (9694)
2 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Assess credibility of evidence.
A pharmaceutical company releases a study claiming that its new headache medication is 95% effective. The study was entirely funded and conducted by the company's internal research department.
Which factor primarily weakens the credibility of this evidence?
A survey aimed to determine public support for a late-night noise ordinance in a residential area. Researchers conducted the survey exclusively by visiting houses on Saturday mornings between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Which characteristic of the sample selection is most likely to affect the representativeness of the findings?
A politician, who holds significant shares in a renewable energy company, provides evidence supporting mandatory solar panel installation on all new homes. Why should a critical thinker question the reliability of this source's evidence?
Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.
A public health study shows a strong correlation between high consumption of sugary drinks and increased rates of Type 2 diabetes. Suggest a plausible alternative explanation for this correlation beyond direct causation.
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A research survey regarding employee satisfaction was distributed only via the company-wide email list, and only 10% of employees responded. Assess the primary issue regarding the representativeness of this sample.
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A recent study claiming that the consumption of red meat significantly reduces the risk of heart disease was published in a medical journal. The lead researcher, Dr. Evelyn Vance, is known for her prior controversial studies that often challenge conventional nutritional science. Furthermore, the study was financially sponsored by the Global Beef Producers Association.
Evaluate the credibility of the evidence presented in this study by addressing the following factors:
a) Assess the impact of the lead researcher's reputation on the credibility of the study.
b) Assess the impact of the study's vested interest (financial sponsorship) on the credibility of the findings.
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A survey was conducted by 'City Fitness Magazine' to determine the average weekly exercise duration of the city's population. The magazine distributed questionnaires only to subscribers who visited the magazine's dedicated website forum, which focuses on advanced training techniques.
The results showed that the average subscriber exercised 8.5 hours per week, and the magazine published a headline: "City Residents Exercise 8.5 Hours Weekly!". This data was presented in a bar chart where the y-axis started at 7.0 hours, making the difference between 8.0 hours and 9.0 hours look visually massive compared to if the axis started at zero.
a) Assess the representativeness of the sample compared to the claim made about 'City Residents'.
b) Evaluate how the presentation of data (the bar chart y-axis starting at 7.0 hours) might mislead the reader.
Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.
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