OACP Deductive and Inductive Reasoning 4

Question 1

A patrol officer thinks: 'Every car theft in this precinct has involved a broken window. This car was stolen. Therefore it probably had a broken window.' This is:

Accepted Answer

Strong inductive reasoning

Answer

Using a consistent observed pattern to predict characteristics of a new case is inductive reasoning.

Question 2

In an OACP logic problem: 'No civilians may enter the command post. Sara is a civilian.' What follows necessarily?

Accepted Answer

Sara may not enter the command post

Answer

The universal negative ('no civilians') applied to a specific civilian produces a certain deductive conclusion.

Question 3

An investigator argues: 'Witnesses in high-stress situations often misremember details. This robbery was high-stress. Therefore the witnesses may have misremembered details.' This reasoning is:

Accepted Answer

Sound inductive reasoning applied deductively

Answer

Using an empirically established generalization as a major premise and applying it deductively is a common mixed form of reasoning.

Question 4

Which question tests DEDUCTIVE reasoning most directly?

Accepted Answer

Given these two rules and this fact, what must be true?

Answer

Deductive questions present rules and a fact, then ask what conclusion is certain — not probable.

Question 5

An officer concludes: 'Gang activity always increases when school is out. School is out. Therefore gang activity will increase.' If the premises are true, this conclusion is:

Accepted Answer

Certain and necessarily true

Answer

A valid deductive argument with true premises guarantees a true conclusion.

OACP - Ontario Association of Chief of Police Practice Test

OACP - Ontario Association of Chief of Police Practice Test

OACP Deductive and Inductive Reasoning 4