Questions: Consumer groups called for a ban on BPA, a chemical known to be an endocrine disrupter, suggesting that financial interests from companies that profit from BPA-made products cause them to suppress data and discredit scientists whose studies show BPA to be harmful. Which common logical fallacy is at work here? (A) appeal to authority (B) false dichotomy (C) appeal to ignorance (D) ad hominem attack (E) hasty generalization

The answer is (D) ad hominem attack.

This fallacy occurs when someone argues that a claim is true simply because an authority or expert on the issue says it is true, without presenting substantial evidence. This is not applicable here as the argument is not based on the authority of any individual or group.

A false dichotomy presents only two options or sides when there are actually more. This is not relevant to the argument presented, which focuses on the motivations and actions of companies.

This fallacy occurs when it is argued that a proposition is true because it has not yet been proven false (or vice versa). This is not the case here, as the argument is not based on a lack of evidence.

An ad hominem attack occurs when someone attacks the character or motives of a person or group instead of addressing the argument or evidence they present. In this case, the consumer groups are suggesting that companies are suppressing data and discrediting scientists due to their financial interests, which is an attack on the companies' motives rather than addressing the evidence about BPA itself.

This fallacy occurs when a conclusion is drawn from a sample that is too small or not representative. This is not relevant to the argument presented, which is about the motivations of companies rather than a generalization based on insufficient evidence.