2. Check for bias.

3. Recognize propaganda techniques.

• The Bandwagon Appeal: "Everyone's doing it."
• The Testimonial: "Somebody really important is doing it."
• Association: "Do it and you get this, as well."
• Plain-Folks Appeal: "Real people do it, and we're real people."
• Glittering Generalities: "It's GREAT and WONDERFUL to do it."

• Is the author qualified in the area in which he or she has written, either through training or first-hand experience?
• Is the information based on expert sources or special interest sources?

Valid argument: The conclusion is supported by the reason.
Invalid argument: The conclusion is not supported by the reason.

• He was decapitated.
• He was dead.

VALID: If he was decapitated, then he was dead.
INVALID: If he was dead, then he was decapitated.

Reasoning Fallacies:

• Personal Attack: ignores the issue and concentrates on opponent
Senator Sneaky is the type of man who can't think when a woman is nearby. His opinions on harassment are worthless.
• Circular Reasoning: reason and conclusion are the same
Dr. S is a wonderful teacher because she teaches wonderfully.
• Hasty Generalization: conclusion drawn from inadequate evidence
Pamela Lee Anderson has gained weight. She is crocheting booties.
Therefore, she's pregnant.
• Careless Comparison: things compared are not similar
I didn't need a computer when I was in school 20 years ago, so neither does my child need one.
• Questionable Cause and Effect: correlation given as causation
I know it will rain today because I washed my car.
• Doubtful Authority: experts cited are not experts
Mr. Spock warns against potty-training too early.
• Emotional Appeal: logic ignored in favor of feelings
Senator Cozy is an able leader; he loves his family.
• Either/Or Fallacy: an issue has only two sides
People opposed to free speech are really in favor of censorship.