If Broca's area is destroyed, then speech production will be disturbed. A speech pathologist observed that Jessica's speech was severely disturbed and she was not responding to treatment. The speech pathologist concluded that Jessica probably has brain damage in Broca's area. This conclusion is NOT sound because:
A) the argument involves asserting the consequent.
B) all of the premises in the argument are true.
C) the argument is both valid and the premises are true.
D) left hemisphere damage leads to language problems.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The argument involves asserting the consequent, which is a logical fallacy. Just because Broca's area is responsible for speech production does not mean that any disturbance in speech production must be due to damage in Broca's area. There could be other factors causing the disturbance, and it is possible for damage in other areas to also affect speech production.

If Broca's Area Is Destroyed, Then Speech Production Will Be