Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Analyzing Conclusions 3

Question 1

Passage: Library visitors dropped 30% after a new fee was introduced. Conclusion: The fee caused the drop in visitors. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Probably true

Answer

The close temporal link between the fee and the drop makes a causal relationship probable, though other explanations are possible.

Question 2

Passage: All board members voted in favor of the merger. Conclusion: The merger will be successful. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient data

Answer

Board approval is one step in a merger but says nothing about its eventual success, which depends on many unmentioned factors.

Question 3

Passage: In regions where recycling programs were introduced, landfill waste decreased significantly. Conclusion: Recycling programs are the only effective way to reduce landfill waste. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Probably false

Answer

Showing one method works does not establish that no other method is effective — the 'only' claim is unsupported.

Question 4

Passage: No reptile is warm-blooded. Snakes are reptiles. Conclusion: Snakes are not warm-blooded. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

True beyond reasonable doubt

Answer

This valid syllogism: if no reptile is warm-blooded and snakes are reptiles, snakes cannot be warm-blooded.

Question 5

Passage: Unemployment fell from 9% to 6% during the governor's term. Conclusion: The governor's policies are responsible for reducing unemployment. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient data

Answer

The passage gives outcome data during a term but does not identify which policies were enacted or rule out national economic trends.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Analyzing Conclusions 3