Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences 4

Question 1

A newspaper reports: 'Unemployment in the region is at 6.2%.' A commentator states: 'The regional economy is struggling.' The commentator's statement is:

Accepted Answer

An inference because 6.2% unemployment does not by itself define 'struggling.'

Answer

Whether 6.2% constitutes 'struggling' depends on context and interpretation beyond the raw statistic.

Question 2

Which of the following most clearly illustrates the difference between a fact and an inference?

Accepted Answer

Facts describe what was observed; inferences describe what it means or implies.

Answer

The core distinction is that facts report observations while inferences interpret or extend beyond those observations.

Question 3

Passage: 'The defendant was seen leaving the building at 10:15 p.m.' A juror concludes, 'The defendant committed the crime.' This conclusion is:

Accepted Answer

An inference because presence at a location does not prove commission of a crime.

Answer

Being seen leaving a building establishes location, not guilt; the juror's conclusion requires additional evidence.

Question 4

A student scores 92 on a math test. Her teacher says, 'She is a gifted mathematician.' The teacher's statement is:

Accepted Answer

An inference because one test score does not fully define mathematical giftedness.

Answer

A single test score supports an inference about ability but does not conclusively establish giftedness.

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE about facts in critical thinking?

Accepted Answer

Facts can be verified through direct observation or reliable evidence.

Answer

The defining feature of a fact is that it can be verified through observation or credible evidence, regardless of source.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences 4