Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Analysis, Argument and Critical Thinking Syllabus

Analysis, Argument and Critical Thinking syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Analysis, Argument and Critical Thinking in Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Constructing an Argument

   4 topics

   • Claims, reasons and evidence
     • Building a coherent line of reasoning
     • Supporting assertions with cited evidence
   • Counter-arguments and rebuttals
   • Logical structure and avoiding fallacies
     • Common logical fallacies to avoid
     • Correlation versus causation
   • Reaching a justified, evidence-based conclusion
2. 2

   Analysing and Interpreting Data

   4 topics

   • Qualitative data analysis
     • Thematic and content analysis
     • Coding interview and open-response data
   • Quantitative data analysis
     • Descriptive statistics and averages
     • Identifying trends, patterns and anomalies
   • Presenting data visually
     • Choosing appropriate charts and graphs
     • Tables, infographics and clear labelling
   • Acknowledging limitations of the data
3. 3

   Critical Evaluation

   4 topics

   • Evaluating the strength of evidence
   • Weighing different viewpoints objectively
   • Recognising assumptions and limitations
     • In sources and in one's own reasoning
   • Forming independent, reasoned judgements

Analysis, Argument and Critical Thinking flashcards for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

18 of 50 cards from the Analysis, Argument and Critical Thinking deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In an argument, what is the difference between a claim and a reason?

   A claim is the conclusion or assertion the author wants you to accept as true. A reason is a statement offered to support or justify the claim, explaining why the claim should be believed.

2. What is the role of evidence in supporting a claim?

   Evidence consists of facts, data, examples, statistics, or expert testimony used to back up a reason. It provides the verifiable grounding that makes a reason credible, rather than relying on mere assertion.

3. Distinguish between a premise and a conclusion in a logical argument.

   A premise is a statement assumed or asserted to be true that provides support; the conclusion is the claim that the premises are intended to establish. The conclusion follows from the premises.

4. What is a counter-argument?

   A counter-argument is an objection or opposing point of view that challenges your claim, presenting reasons or evidence that conflict with your position.

5. What is a rebuttal, and how does it differ from a counter-argument?

   A rebuttal is your response to a counter-argument: it answers the objection by showing it is weak, mistaken, or outweighed by your evidence. The counter-argument raises the opposing point; the rebuttal defeats or diminishes it.

6. Why does engaging with counter-arguments strengthen an EPQ argument?

   It demonstrates critical awareness and balance, shows you have considered alternatives objectively, pre-empts the reader's objections, and makes your final conclusion more credible and robust.

7. What is a logical fallacy?

   A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that weakens or invalidates an argument, where the conclusion does not properly follow from the premises even if the argument may seem persuasive.

8. Define the 'ad hominem' fallacy.

   Ad hominem is attacking the person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself, e.g. dismissing a claim because of who said it instead of evaluating its merits.

9. Define the 'straw man' fallacy.

   A straw man fallacy misrepresents or oversimplifies an opponent's position into a weaker version, then refutes that distorted version instead of the actual argument.

10. What is a 'false dichotomy' (false dilemma)?

    A false dichotomy presents only two options as if they are the only possibilities, when in fact other alternatives exist, forcing an either/or choice that is unjustified.

11. Define the 'slippery slope' fallacy.

    A slippery slope claims that one small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences, without providing evidence that the chain reaction will actually occur.

12. What is 'circular reasoning' (begging the question)?

    Circular reasoning occurs when the conclusion is assumed within the premises, so the argument essentially restates its claim as its own support rather than proving it independently.

13. Define the 'appeal to authority' fallacy (argumentum ad verecundiam).

    It is treating a claim as true merely because an authority figure asserts it, especially when the authority is not a genuine expert in the relevant field or experts disagree.

14. What is the 'hasty generalisation' fallacy?

    Drawing a broad conclusion from a sample that is too small or unrepresentative, e.g. generalising about a whole population from a few cases.

15. Define the 'post hoc ergo propter hoc' fallacy.

    Post hoc ('after this, therefore because of this') assumes that because event B followed event A, A must have caused B, confusing correlation or sequence with causation.

16. What is the difference between a deductive and an inductive argument?

    In a deductive argument, if the premises are true the conclusion must be true (it is logically certain). In an inductive argument, the premises make the conclusion probable but not certain, generalising from evidence.

17. What makes a deductive argument 'valid' versus 'sound'?

    An argument is valid if the conclusion follows logically from the premises regardless of their truth. It is sound if it is both valid and all its premises are actually true.

18. What are the key features of a justified, evidence-based conclusion in an EPQ?

    It directly answers the research question, follows logically from the evidence presented, weighs competing viewpoints, acknowledges limitations, and avoids overstating certainty beyond what the evidence supports.

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