Flaw in the Reasoning Questions

Because Flaw in the Reasoning are so similar to Method of Reasoning questions, the
introduction to this chapter will be relatively brief.
Flaw in the Reasoning questions are exactly the same as Method of Reasoning
questions with the important exception that the question stem indicates that the
reasoning in the stimulus is flawed. Because the question stem reveals that a
flaw is present, you need not make a determination of the validity of the
stimulus; the question stem makes the determination for you. This information
provides you with a tremendous advantage because you can identify the error of
reasoning in the stimulus before proceeding to the answer choices. And, if you
did not realize there was an error of reasoning in the stimulus, the question stem
gives you the opportunity to re-evaluate the argument and find the error of
reasoning.
When indicating that a flaw is present in the argument, the test makers will use
phrases such as “the reasoning is flawed” and “the argument is vulnerable,” or
synonymous phrases. Here are several example question stems:
“Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the
argument’s reasoning?”
“The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the
ground that the argument”
“The reasoning above is flawed because it fails to recognize that”
“A questionable aspect of the reasoning above is that it”
“The reasoning in the argument is fallacious because the argument”
To identify the right answer choice, carefully consider the reasoning used in the
stimulus. The correct answer will identify the error in the author’s reasoning and
then describe that error in general terms. Beware of answers that describe a
portion of the stimulus but fail to identify the error in the reasoning.