CCTST Inference 5

Question 1

A scientist observes that every swan seen over 200 years has been white. Which inference is most logically sound?

Accepted Answer

All swans observed so far in this dataset have been white.

Answer

Inductive generalizations from observation are limited to the evidence gathered; they do not guarantee universal truth.

Question 2

An insurance company charges higher premiums to drivers under 25. This practice is most likely based on what kind of inference?

Accepted Answer

Statistical data show higher accident rates for drivers under 25.

Answer

Actuarial pricing relies on statistical group patterns rather than assumptions about any individual driver's character.

Question 3

A doctor says, 'The X-ray suggests a fracture.' The word 'suggests' indicates:

Accepted Answer

The evidence points toward a fracture but is not conclusive.

Answer

Hedging language like 'suggests' signals a probabilistic inference that the evidence supports but does not prove.

Question 4

If the premises 'All fish have gills' and 'Sharks are fish' are both true, the conclusion 'Sharks have gills' is:

Accepted Answer

A valid deductive inference that must be true if premises are true.

Answer

This is a valid syllogism: the conclusion follows necessarily from the two true universal premises.

Question 5

A wine expert tastes a wine and infers it is from a specific region based on its flavor profile. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Inference to the best explanation based on sensory evidence.

Answer

The expert draws the most plausible conclusion that explains the observed evidence, a form of abductive reasoning.

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test