Last year Tomas and his friend Jamie were both too short to ride the rollercoaster. Jamie went to the park this year and was tall enough to ride. Because Tomas is taller than Jamie, he thinks that he will be able to ride the rollercoaster as well. Tomas is using the ____ to answer his question.
A) method of empiricism
B) rational method
C) method of authority
D) scientific method

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tomas is using a form of logical reasoning to assume that if Jamie, who was previously too short, is now tall enough to ride the rollercoaster, then he, who is taller than Jamie, should also be tall enough to ride. This is an example of the rational method. The other options, such as the method of empiricism (based on observation and experience) or the scientific method (testing hypotheses through experimentation), do not apply in this situation. The method of authority, which relies on the authority of others to make decisions, is also not applicable here.

Last Year Tomas and His Friend Jamie Were Both Too