Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Analyzing Conclusions 4

Question 1

Passage: People who read for pleasure regularly score higher on empathy tests than those who do not. Conclusion: Reading for pleasure improves empathy. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Probably true

Answer

A consistent association between reading and higher empathy scores is suggestive of a causal link, making the conclusion probable.

Question 2

Passage: The company launched a new ad campaign in March. Sales increased in April. Conclusion: The ad campaign caused the increase in sales. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient data

Answer

Post hoc timing does not establish cause; many factors could explain an April sales rise without the passage ruling them out.

Question 3

Passage: Students who use tutoring services achieve higher GPAs. Students who achieve higher GPAs are more likely to graduate on time. Conclusion: Students who use tutoring services are more likely to graduate on time. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Probably true

Answer

The two premises form a plausible chain — tutoring leads to higher GPA, which leads to timelier graduation — making the conclusion probable.

Question 4

Passage: All mammals breathe air. Dolphins breathe air. Conclusion: Dolphins are mammals. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient data

Answer

Breathing air is a necessary condition for mammals but may also apply to non-mammals; the argument commits the fallacy of affirming the consequent.

Question 5

Passage: In a survey, 78% of customers said they would recommend the restaurant to a friend. Conclusion: Most customers are satisfied with the restaurant. What is the status of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Probably true

Answer

Willingness to recommend is a strong proxy for satisfaction, and 78% is well above majority, making the conclusion probable.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Analyzing Conclusions 4