AP Seminar P.R.O.V.E.N/P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E & Logical Fallacies

AP Seminar Proven/Plausible Source Credibility Factors, Logical Fallacies

P.R.O.V.E.N (P)

Multiple researchers have looked over the topic to ensure it lacks bias or cherry-picked data.

Strong Evidence. Peer - Reviewed

P.R.O.V.E.N (R)

Uploaded and documented within the past 10 years, preferably the past 5.

Strong Evidence. Recent

P.R.O.V.E.N (O)

Something based on verifiable facts and evidence that is independent of personal bias

Strong Evidence. Objective

P.R.O.V.E.N (V)

Topic is proven and cannot be argued. (i.e. fish inhale oxygen from water through their gills.)

Strong Evidence. Verified

P.R.O.V.E.N (E)

An individual who is well-versed on the topic of discussion

Strong Evidence. Expert

P.R.O.V.E.N (N)

Qualitative metrics

Strong Evidence. Numerical Data

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (P)

Concerning one's private life, relationships, and emotions rather than matters connected with one's public or professional career.

Weak Evidence. Personal

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (L)

Individuals discussing topic are unexperienced regarding the matter.

Weak Evidence. Lack of (Expertise)

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (A)

Not necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.

Weak Evidence. Anecdotal

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (U)

Not backed by data.

Weak Evidence. Unverified

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (S)

Sensationalism

Weak Evidence. Appealing to emotion.

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (I)

Lacking continuity

Weak Evidence. Inconsistent

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (B)

Opinionated

Weak Evidence. Bias

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (L)

Focused view lacking the full picture

Weak Evidence. Limited

P.L.A.U.S.I.B.L.E (E)

Hyperbole

Weak Evidence. Exaggerated

Attacking a person instead of their argument.

Ad Hominem

Taking someone’s argument and changing it so they’re defending something they didn’t originally propose or support.

Straw Man

Convincing someone they’re crazy or wrong as if their point doesn’t exist/never happened.

Gaslighting

Presenting a dilemma when other options exist in an argument.

False Dilemma

Unrealistic chain of events stemming from something likely minor.

Slippery Slope

“It is what it is.” The answer is the premise, lacking supportive evidence and simply repeating your statement.

Circular Reasoning

Broad sweeping claims with no evidence backing them up.

Hasty Generalization

A distraction that’s irrelevant to the argument.

Red Herring

Using titles or names to justify their reasoning in an argument.

Appeal to Authority

Claiming something is true because many people believe it. 

Bandwagon Fallacy

Assuming one event caused another because it came first.

“The rooster crowed when the sun came up, so the sun must’ve come up BECAUSE the rooster had crowed!”

Post Hoc

Using feelings to justify an argument.

Appeal to Emotion

Utilizing hypocrisy against your opponent’s argument when being attacked.

Specialized form of Ad Hominem.

Tu Quoque

Treating two unequal things as if they’re the same.

False Equivalent

Shifting the need to validate something onto an opponent by telling them to show how your argument is invalid or false.

Burden of Proof