Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Assessing Probability of Inferences Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A company's sales increased 15% in Q1 but fell 8% in Q2. Inference: The company's annual sales will be lower than last year.
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data (Correct answer)
- Probably False
Correct answer: Insufficient Data
Without Q3 and Q4 data, we cannot determine whether full-year sales will end up higher or lower than last year.
Question 2: All employees at Firm X received a performance bonus last December. Marcus works at Firm X. Inference: Marcus received a performance bonus last December.
- True (Correct answer)
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data
- Probably False
Correct answer: True
Since every employee received the bonus and Marcus is an employee of Firm X, this inference follows with certainty.
Question 3: A survey showed 70% of customers who used Product X were satisfied. Inference: Most customers who purchase Product X will be satisfied.
- True
- Probably True (Correct answer)
- Insufficient Data
- Probably False
Correct answer: Probably True
Seventy percent constitutes a majority, and survey data is a reasonable predictor, making this inference probably but not certainly true.
Question 4: Unemployment in City Y dropped from 9% to 5% over three years. Inference: The mayor implemented effective economic policies.
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data (Correct answer)
- Probably False
Correct answer: Insufficient Data
The drop could stem from national trends, new industry arrivals, or other factors unrelated to the mayor's specific policies.
Question 5: A restaurant received three consecutive one-star reviews this week. Inference: The restaurant's food quality has declined.
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data (Correct answer)
- Probably False
Correct answer: Insufficient Data
The reviews may reflect service, pricing, or atmosphere issues, and we have no direct evidence about food quality specifically.
Question 6: Every student who scored above 90% on the midterm had studied at least 10 hours. Sarah studied 12 hours. Inference: Sarah scored above 90% on the midterm.
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data (Correct answer)
- Probably False
Correct answer: Insufficient Data
The statement describes what high scorers did, not that everyone who studies 10+ hours will score above 90%.
Question 7: No parking violations were recorded in District Z last month. Inference: Residents of District Z always follow parking rules.
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data (Correct answer)
- Probably False
Correct answer: Insufficient Data
One month without recorded violations could reflect better enforcement or lower traffic volume, not a permanent behavioral pattern.
Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Assessing Probability of Inferences Questions and Answers 3
A company's sales increased 15% in Q1 but fell 8% in Q2.
Inference: The company's annual sales will be lower than last year.