Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Assessing Probability of Inferences Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A study found employees who take regular breaks are 25% more productive than those who do not. Inference: Employees who take regular breaks will be more productive.
- True
- Probably True (Correct answer)
- Insufficient Data
- Probably False
Correct answer: Probably True
Research showing a consistent 25% productivity advantage for break-takers makes this inference probably true, though individual variation exists.
Question 2: Average home prices in City W rose 30% over two years. Inference: City W is experiencing rapid population growth.
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data (Correct answer)
- Probably False
Correct answer: Insufficient Data
Home prices can rise due to limited supply, investor speculation, or broader economic factors, none of which require population growth.
Question 3: None of the products tested by Lab Q contained harmful chemicals. Inference: All products made by the companies Lab Q tested are safe.
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data (Correct answer)
- Probably False
Correct answer: Insufficient Data
We do not know whether Lab Q tested every product those companies make or what 'safe' encompasses beyond harmful chemicals.
Question 4: A train departs at 8:00 AM traveling at 60 mph toward a destination 120 miles away. Inference: The train will arrive at 10:00 AM if there are no delays.
- True (Correct answer)
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data
- Probably False
Correct answer: True
At 60 mph, 120 miles takes exactly 2 hours, placing arrival at precisely 10:00 AM.
Question 5: Most successful entrepreneurs have failed at least once before achieving success. Lisa is a successful entrepreneur. Inference: Lisa failed at least once before her success.
- True
- Probably True (Correct answer)
- Insufficient Data
- Probably False
Correct answer: Probably True
Because 'most' but not all successful entrepreneurs have failed, this inference applies to Lisa probably but not with certainty.
Question 6: The cafeteria serves vegetarian meals every Monday and Wednesday. Today is Thursday. Inference: Vegetarian meals are not being served today.
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data (Correct answer)
- Probably False
Correct answer: Insufficient Data
The passage states when vegetarian meals are definitely available but never states they are unavailable on other days.
Question 7: A company's customer satisfaction score fell from 85 to 62 after switching to automated customer service. Inference: Customers prefer human representatives over automated systems.
- True
- Probably True (Correct answer)
- Insufficient Data
- Probably False
Correct answer: Probably True
The sharp satisfaction drop following the switch to automation strongly suggests customers prefer human service, making this inference probably true.
Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Assessing Probability of Inferences Questions and Answers 5
A study found employees who take regular breaks are 25% more productive than those who do not.
Inference: Employees who take regular breaks will be more productive.