Which fallacy assumes that because something is popular, it is therefore good, correct, or desirable?

Which fallacy assumes that because something is popular, it is therefore good, correct, or desirable?

• A. Ad hominem
• B. Bandwagon
• C. Slippery slope
• D. Red herring

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is recognizing when popularity is mistaken for merit. The bandwagon fallacy happens when someone argues that something must be good, correct, or desirable simply because many people believe or do it. The appeal here comes from social proof—people tend to go along with what others are doing—but that doesn’t provide real evidence about the thing’s value or truth. So it’s not about whether people are attacking a person, predicting a worst‑case sequence, or diverting to a different topic; it’s about assuming quality from popularity. Ad hominem shifts focus to attacking a person instead of the argument; slippery slope argues a small step will lead to extreme outcomes; red herring introduces a distraction. None of those rely on the notion that popularity determines merit.

The idea being tested is recognizing when popularity is mistaken for merit. The bandwagon fallacy happens when someone argues that something must be good, correct, or desirable simply because many people believe or do it. The appeal here comes from social proof—people tend to go along with what others are doing—but that doesn’t provide real evidence about the thing’s value or truth. So it’s not about whether people are attacking a person, predicting a worst‑case sequence, or diverting to a different topic; it’s about assuming quality from popularity.

Ad hominem shifts focus to attacking a person instead of the argument; slippery slope argues a small step will lead to extreme outcomes; red herring introduces a distraction. None of those rely on the notion that popularity determines merit.