Ten milligrams of substance X was fed to ten mice. All of them died within two minutes. One could conclude that this amount of substance is fatal to the average mouse. Which of the following statements regarding the above argument are true?

1.It commits the fallacy of hasty generalisation

2.It commits the fallacy of irrelevant conclusion

3.It is a strong inductive argument

4.It is a weak deductive argument

A1 only

B2 & 3 only

C2 & 4 only

D3 only ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) 3 only

Explanation

The reasoning is best described as a strong inductive argument, so only Statement 3 holds.

It moves from an observed sample of ten mice to a general claim about the average mouse.

That move from particular cases to a broader generalisation is inductive, not deductive.

All ten dying quickly gives solid support, making the induction strong rather than hasty.

The conclusion is probable given the evidence, which is the mark of a strong induction.

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