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

The manager's conclusion is an inference because the report only states turnover increased, not the reason behind it.

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

The statement about water supply strain is an inference because it draws a conclusion about future impact that is not contained in the census data itself.

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

The unemployment figure is a verifiable fact, while claiming the economy is in excellent shape is an inference that extends beyond the single data point.

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

The study shows a correlation between breakfast and scores, but the principal infers causation, which the data does not directly establish.

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

While the CO2 measurement is a fact, the claim about humanity failing to address climate change is an inference that interprets the data within a larger narrative.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

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