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

When costs rise faster than revenue, profit margins shrink even though total revenue grew.

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

The study shows a correlation between breakfast and test scores, but correlation alone does not establish causation.

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

A measurable shift in behavior demonstrates that transit investment can affect commuting patterns even where driving dominates.

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

The 15-percentage-point difference over placebo suggests the drug has a genuine therapeutic effect beyond placebo response.

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

The additional hours worked could account for some or all of the increased task output, so productivity per hour may not differ.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

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