MCAT Test Physical Science Testing Tips - Argument Evaluation Questions

The physical sciences section of the MCAT test consists of four primary types of questions, which includes comprehension questions related to informational passages, comprehension questions related to research passages, problem-solving questions, and argument evaluation questions. The argument evaluation questions in this section of the MCAT test are specifically designed to determine whether or not an individual is capable of identifying an argument as valid or invalid by applying his or her knowledge of basic scientific concepts related to chemistry and physics. It may sometimes be difficult to determine whether a particular argument is valid or invalid, but there are certain techniques that may make it easier for the individual to analyze a particular argument. First, it is extremely important to try to avoid any assumptions unless you can base your assumptions on a specific scientific concept or fact as these assumptions will often make the argument appear to be more valid than it actually is. This is because a well-written argument, even if the argument is based on faulty assumptions, may sound valid if you assume the information provided by the argument is correct. As a result, you should try to base your evaluation of the argument on the scientific concepts related to the argument.

Secondly, read each argument carefully before answering each question and make sure that you understand exactly what the argument is stating. The exam's designers have deliberately written most of the argument evaluation questions on the exam so that they indicate an assumption that sounds correct, but cannot actually be proven. It is also important to realize that a single word in an argument can drastically alter the meaning of the argument so an argument that appears to be valid may actually be invalid because of the way the argument is phrased. Finally, it is usually easier to try to prove that an argument is invalid than to try to prove that it is valid. In other words, try breaking the argument down piece by piece and analyze each section of the argument in order to try to find a flaw in the argument. If you find a faulty assumption or a piece of the argument that is based on something that cannot be proven, then the entire argument should be considered invalid.

Topics Covered
Informational and Research Passages
Problem Solving Questions