Walter and Lisa are driving their new car from Adelaide to Darwin. Walter insists on doing most of the driving because he claims to be the "much better driver". When they get to their destination, the car dashboard reports that they got 8 kilometres per 100 litres of petrol during the trip. Walter brags that, as the better driver, he knows how to get more out of the same amount of petrol. Lisa smiles and decides not to mention that the new car has a more fuel-efficient engine. Which error is Walter making by taking credit for the higher fuel economy on this trip?
A)He has made a claim that cannot be falsified.
B)He has engaged in too much replication.
C)He has not ruled out rival explanations.
D)He has not remembered the concept of Occam's Razor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Walter has not ruled out the rival explanation that the car's improved fuel economy is due to its more fuel-efficient engine. Therefore, he cannot solely take credit for the higher fuel economy on this trip.

Walter and Lisa Are Driving Their New Car from Adelaide