Question

VII. Testing Hypotheses. For the following passages, indicate whether the evidence mentioned is falsifying evidence for the hypothesis or confirming evidence for the hypothesis. (2 points each) 1. Hypothesis: A duck stole my wallet. Evidence: I find my wallet in the seat of my locked car. 2. Hypothesis: A duck stole my wallet. Evidence: I find my wallet by the fountain where ducks gather, with indentions shaped like the bill of a duck. 3. Hypothesis: My friend Paul studied for the exam last weekend. Evidence: Sarah, the librarian, says she saw Paul enter the library at noon on Saturday, and not leave until 3. 4. Hypothesis: My friend studied for the exam last weekend. Evidence: Jessica says she saw Paul at a Party Saturday night, and recall that he did not go home until late Sunday afternoon, after the library had closed.

Answer 1

VII:

1.

Evidence is falsifying the hypotheses.

Because evidence does not support the hypotheses as it suggests ducks had nothing to do with wallet.

2.

Evidence is confirming the hypotheses.

Because evidence supports the hypotheses there are signs of ducks stealing the wallet.

3.

Evidence is confirming the hypotheses.

Because evidence supports the hypotheses as Paul could be studying in the library.

4.

Evidence is falsifying the hypotheses.

Because evidence does not support the hypotheses as Paul didn’t have time to study.

VI:

1.

Explanation 1

because it is more plausible as Extraterrestrial involvement is too far-fetched.

2.

Explanation 1

because it is more plausible as secret government experiments on frogs doesn’t really have a strong case.

3.

Explanation 2

because it is more plausible as hale cannot melt computer.

4.

Explanation 1

because it is more plausible as it’s true.

Bonus:

1.

No the argument is not valid because first and second statement contradicts each other

2.

No the argument is not sound because for an argument to be sound, it must be valid which we have already proved that it isn’t.