Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Interpreting Evidence and Data Questions and Answers

Question 1

Statement: A retail company's customer service department reported that complaints about shipping delays increased by 50% in the last quarter compared to the previous quarter.
During this same period, the company switched to a new, lower-cost logistics partner.
Inference: The new logistics partner is the cause of the increased shipping delays.

Inference: The new logistics partner is the cause of the increased shipping delays.

Accepted Answer

The inference is probably true.

Answer

The inference is probably false.

Answer

The inference is definitely true.

Answer

There is insufficient data to make a determination.

Question 2

Statement: A survey conducted in a specific city found that 85% of residents who own a dog report feeling 'happy' on a daily basis, compared to only 60% of residents who do not own a pet. The survey was professionally conducted with a representative sample and a low margin of error.

Inference: Owning a dog makes people in this city happier.

Accepted Answer

There is insufficient data to determine if the inference is true.

Answer

The inference is definitely true.

Answer

The inference is probably true.

Answer

The inference is probably false.

Question 3

Statement: In a controlled study, 100 tomato plants were divided into two groups. Group A was grown with a new liquid fertilizer, while Group B was grown with only water. All other conditions (sunlight, soil, temperature) were identical. After 12 weeks, the average plant in Group A was 30% taller and produced 40% more fruit than the average plant in Group B.

Inference: The new liquid fertilizer is effective at improving tomato plant growth and yield under the tested conditions.

Accepted Answer

The inference is probably true.

Answer

The inference is definitely true.

Answer

There is insufficient data to make a determination.

Answer

The inference is definitely false.

Question 4

Statement: Three months ago, a technology company mandated that all employees must return to the office five days a week, ending its popular remote work policy. In the following quarter, the company's rate of voluntary employee resignations increased by 40%, and its internal employee satisfaction score dropped by 25 points.

Inference: The mandatory return-to-office policy is unpopular with the company's employees.

Accepted Answer

The inference is probably true.

Answer

The inference is definitely false.

Answer

There is insufficient data to make a determination.

Answer

The inference is probably false.

Question 5

Statement: A city ordinance states, 'No vehicle exceeding 3 tons in weight may use the old suspension bridge.' A standard passenger minivan, which weighs 2.5 tons, crossed the bridge yesterday.

Inference: The minivan's crossing of the bridge was a violation of the ordinance.

Accepted Answer

The inference is definitely false.

Answer

The inference is probably true.

Answer

There is insufficient data to make a determination.

Answer

The inference is probably false.

Question 6

Statement: A market research report shows that in the last year, sales of traditional print books increased by 5%, while sales of e-books decreased by 3%. The report surveyed over 5,000 consumers across various demographics.

Inference: Consumers are losing interest in reading on digital devices.

Accepted Answer

There is insufficient data to make a determination.

Answer

The inference is definitely true.

Answer

The inference is probably true.

Answer

The inference is definitely false.