Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Analyzing Conclusions Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A company's quarterly report shows that revenue increased by 15% while operating costs increased by 25%. Which conclusion is most warranted?

Accepted Answer

The company's profit margin likely decreased despite higher revenue

Answer

The company is becoming more profitable overall

Answer

The company should immediately reduce its workforce

Answer

The company will go bankrupt within the next year

Question 2

A study found that students who eat breakfast score an average of 12% higher on standardized tests than those who skip breakfast. What conclusion can be drawn?

Accepted Answer

There is a positive association between eating breakfast and higher test scores

Answer

Eating breakfast causes higher test scores

Answer

Skipping breakfast causes brain damage

Answer

Schools should provide mandatory breakfast programs

Question 3

In a city where 80% of commuters drive alone to work, a new bus rapid transit line reduced solo driving by 5% in its first year. Which conclusion follows most logically?

Accepted Answer

Public transit can influence commuting behavior even in car-dependent cities

Answer

The transit line was a complete failure since most people still drive

Answer

The city should abandon all future transit projects

Answer

Within ten years, nobody in the city will drive to work

Question 4

A pharmaceutical company reports that Drug X reduced symptoms in 60% of patients during clinical trials, compared to 45% for the placebo group. What is the strongest conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Drug X showed a statistically meaningful improvement over placebo in symptom reduction

Answer

Drug X is a miracle cure that works for everyone

Answer

The placebo effect does not exist

Answer

All patients should immediately switch to Drug X

Question 5

A manager notices that the team members who work remotely complete 20% more tasks per week than those in the office, but remote workers log 10 more hours weekly. Which conclusion is best supported?

Accepted Answer

The higher task completion by remote workers may be partly explained by longer working hours

Answer

Remote work makes employees more productive per hour worked

Answer

Remote workers are more dedicated employees than office workers

Answer

Office environments are toxic and should be eliminated

Question 6

A survey reveals that 70% of respondents in a wealthy suburb support increasing the minimum wage, while only 40% of respondents in a lower-income neighborhood support it. Which conclusion is most justified?

Accepted Answer

Support for minimum wage increases can vary by socioeconomic context of the community

Answer

Wealthy people are more generous than lower-income people

Answer

Lower-income people do not understand economics

Answer

The survey must have been conducted incorrectly