Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Interpreting Evidence and Data Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

A researcher finds that countries with higher chocolate consumption win more Nobel Prizes per capita. What is the correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

This is likely a spurious correlation driven by overall national wealth

Answer

Wealthier nations tend to both consume more chocolate and invest more in education and research, making national wealth the underlying confounder.

Question 2

A survey of 500 hospital patients finds that 70% report poor sleep. A headline reads: 'Majority of Americans Sleep Poorly.' What is the critical flaw?

Accepted Answer

The sample is not representative — hospital patients differ significantly from the general population

Answer

Sampling bias occurs when the sample group differs systematically from the population being described, invalidating generalization.

Question 3

Data shows that students who own more books score higher on reading tests. What additional evidence would best establish a causal link?

Accepted Answer

A controlled experiment where books are randomly assigned to students and reading scores are tracked

Answer

Randomized controlled experiments are the gold standard for establishing causation because they control for confounding variables.

Question 4

A bar chart compares company revenue from 2019 to 2023. The y-axis starts at $950,000 rather than zero. What effect does this have on the data's interpretation?

Accepted Answer

It visually exaggerates differences, making small changes appear dramatic

Answer

A truncated y-axis amplifies visual differences, potentially misleading viewers about the actual magnitude of change.

Question 5

A study tracks 1,000 people over 10 years and finds that daily coffee drinkers live longer on average. What conclusion is most defensible?

Accepted Answer

Daily coffee drinking is associated with longer life, but lifestyle confounders must be considered

Answer

Observational longitudinal data can show association, but dietary and lifestyle habits are heavily confounded with each other.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Interpreting Evidence and Data Questions and Answers 4