• Self-Assessment Tests on the SCARS Institute ScamPsychology.org

Welcome to the SCARS INSTITUTE Journal of Scam Psychology

A Journal of Applied Scam, Fraud, and Cybercrime Psychology – and Allied Sciences

A dedicated site for psychology, victimology, criminology, applied sociology and anthropology, and allied sciences, published by the SCARS INSTITUTE™ – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Decision-Making Test For Scam Victims

Please Note:

This self-assessment test was developed by the scientists and psychologists at the SCARS Institute based on our experience interacting with very large numbers of scam victims. This is not a diagnosis of a mental condition. It is simply to give you an awareness of the subject. We recommend that you contact a mental healthcare professional, such as a counselor or therapist to explore this further. Take a copy of your results with you for your session to show your therapist as well.

Logical Fallacies Self-Assessment Test For Scam Victims

Logical Fallacies Self-Assessment Test

A self-assessment test designed for scam victims to help determine if they may be engaging in logical fallacies in their thinking.:

Instructions:

Read each statement and select the response that best reflects or that you agree with your feelings or behaviors. Be honest with yourself for the most accurate assessment.

Scale:

  • 1 – Strongly Disagree / Never
  • 2 – Disagree / Rarely
  • 3 – Neutral / Sometimes
  • 4 – Agree / Often
  • 5 – Strongly Agree / Always

Logical Fallacies Self-Assessment Test For Scam Victims

Flashback Indicators:

Recognizing Logical Fallacies in Your Decision Making

1: When I strongly believe in something, I tend to dismiss any evidence that contradicts my belief.(Required)
2: I find myself agreeing with arguments that rely heavily on emotional appeal, even if the logic behind them is unclear.(Required)
3: I often assume that if something happens after an event, the event must have caused it.(Required)
4: I believe that because something has always been done a certain way, it is the best way to do it.(Required)
5: When making a decision, I tend to think in black-and-white terms, ignoring potential middle grounds.(Required)
6: I often defend my position by pointing out flaws in the person presenting the opposing argument rather than addressing the argument itself.(Required)
7: I am likely to accept something as true because a large number of people believe it.(Required)
8: When I don't understand something, I assume it must be false or impossible.(Required)
9: I sometimes use personal attacks to discredit someone's argument instead of focusing on the actual topic.(Required)
10: I tend to make broad generalizations based on a few examples.(Required)
11: I believe that if something hasn't been proven false, it must be true.(Required)
12: I use the "either/or" approach when presenting choices, ignoring the possibility of other options.(Required)
13: I tend to follow what an authority figure says, even if the reasoning behind their statements isn't clear.(Required)
14: When something goes wrong, I often blame the nearest, most convenient cause without considering other factors.(Required)
15: I believe that just because two events happen together, one must have caused the other.(Required)
16: I often rely on anecdotes or personal experiences as definitive proof in arguments.(Required)
17: I dismiss arguments that contradict my beliefs, regardless of the evidence provided.(Required)
18: When trying to win an argument, I tend to simplify complex issues to make my point stronger.(Required)
19: I tend to accept the validity of an argument simply because it comes from someone I respect.(Required)
20: I sometimes ignore alternative explanations if they don't support my initial conclusion.(Required)

Finish

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Scoring Your Self-Assessment:

Total Score: Add up your scores from all the questions.

Interpretation:

      • 20-40: You likely avoid many logical fallacies in your thinking, but there’s always room for improvement. Continue to practice critical thinking and self-awareness.
      • 41-60: You may occasionally engage in some logical fallacies. Becoming more aware of these tendencies can help you make more reasoned decisions.
      • 61-80: You frequently encounter logical fallacies in your thinking. It’s important to work on identifying and correcting these to improve your decision-making and argumentation skills.
      • 81-100: Logical fallacies significantly impact your thinking. Consider studying common fallacies and cognitive biases to develop more robust reasoning and communication strategies.

Next Steps:

If you scored in the higher ranges, it might be beneficial to learn more about logical fallacies and cognitive biases. Improving critical thinking skills, seeking feedback, and practicing clear reasoning can help you reduce the influence of fallacies in your decision-making and discussions.

Reflection:

Regardless of your score, remember that experiencing trauma after being scammed is common. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and seek support. Consulting with a mental health professional can help you process your experiences and develop coping strategies.

Find a counselor or therapist here: counseling.AgainstScams.org

Logical Fallacies Self-Assessment Test Copyright © 2024 SCARS
Published On: September 7th, 2024Last Updated: September 7th, 2024Categories: • ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT PSYCHOLOGY, • RESEARCH STUDY, ♦ SELF-TESTS, 20240 CommentsTags: , , , , , 293 words1.5 min readTotal Views: 677Daily Views: 1

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A Question of Trust

At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.

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On Other Articles

A Note About Labeling!

We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!

Statement About Victim Blaming

Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.

These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

Also, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.

SCARS Institute Resources: