Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A company report states that employee turnover increased by 15% last quarter.
A manager concludes that employees are unhappy with their compensation.
Which of the following best describes the manager's conclusion?

Accepted Answer

It is an inference that goes beyond the data presented

Answer

It is a fact supported by the report

Answer

It is a fact because turnover always relates to compensation

Answer

It is neither a fact nor an inference

Question 2

During a city council meeting, a council member presents census data showing that the population grew by 8% over five years. Another member states that this growth will strain the current water supply infrastructure. The second member's statement is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

An inference drawn from the population data

Answer

A verifiable fact based on census data

Answer

A direct restatement of the census findings

Answer

An opinion with no factual basis

Question 3

A newspaper reports: 'The unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in March, the lowest in two decades.' A reader says, 'The economy must be in excellent shape.' Which statement is true about distinguishing facts from inferences here?

Accepted Answer

The report is a fact; the reader's statement is an inference

Answer

Both the report and the reader's statement are facts

Answer

Both statements are inferences

Answer

The report is an inference; the reader's statement is a fact

Question 4

A study finds that students who eat breakfast score 10% higher on standardized tests than those who skip it. A school principal announces that skipping breakfast causes lower test performance. The principal's announcement is:

Accepted Answer

An inference that assumes causation from correlation

Answer

A fact directly supported by the study

Answer

A logical restatement of the study's findings

Answer

A verified conclusion requiring no further evidence

Question 5

An environmental report states that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reached 420 parts per million in 2024. A commentator writes that humanity has failed to address climate change. The commentator's claim is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An inference that interprets the CO2 data in a broader context

Answer

A factual observation identical to the report

Answer

A scientific fact established by the measurement

Answer

A baseless opinion unrelated to the data

Question 6

A hospital's quarterly data shows that patient wait times averaged 45 minutes, up from 30 minutes the previous quarter. A board member states the hospital needs to hire more emergency room physicians. Which best applies?

Accepted Answer

The board member made an inference about the cause and solution for increased wait times

Answer

The board member stated a fact proven by the wait time data

Answer

The wait time data is an inference and the board member stated a fact

Answer

Both statements are unverifiable opinions