Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Interpreting Evidence and Data Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A study reports: 'Students who slept 8+ hours scored 15% higher on tests than those who slept fewer than 6 hours.' A teacher concludes: 'Students in my class who sleep more will score higher on my next test.' What is the best interpretation of this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The study suggests a correlation between sleep and performance; the teacher's conclusion is plausible but requires caution about individual variation and confounders.

Answer

Research establishes a likely pattern, but applying population-level findings to a specific class requires recognizing individual variation, the study's conditions, and potential confounders.

Question 2

A bar chart shows that city A has the highest number of reported thefts among five cities. Which interpretation is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

City A has the highest theft reporting rate, which may reflect high crime, high reporting behavior, or both.

Answer

Reported theft numbers reflect both actual crime and reporting rates — high reports could indicate more crime, better policing that encourages reporting, or higher civic engagement in reporting.

Question 3

Data shows that country X has an average life expectancy of 82 years, while country Y has 69 years. Which conclusion is best supported by this data alone?

Accepted Answer

People in country X live longer on average than those in country Y.

Answer

Life expectancy data directly supports the statement about relative average lifespans — the other conclusions require additional data points beyond life expectancy alone.

Question 4

A company's employee satisfaction survey shows that 73% of respondents rate their job satisfaction as 'high' or 'very high.' HR concludes that the company has a strong workplace culture. What caveat is most important?

Accepted Answer

Survey response rates and self-selection bias may mean the 73% overstates actual satisfaction.

Answer

If dissatisfied employees were less likely to complete the survey, the 73% figure may reflect the responses of more satisfied employees, overestimating the overall satisfaction level.

Question 5

A health report states that a country's obesity rate increased from 18% to 24% over a decade. Which interpretation is best supported?

Accepted Answer

More people are obese now than a decade ago, representing a 6-percentage-point increase.

Answer

The data directly shows a 6-percentage-point increase in obesity prevalence — the other options introduce causes, policy judgments, or mathematical errors not supported by the data.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Interpreting Evidence and Data Questions and Answers 2