Interpretation Flashcards
7 cards from real Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Interpretation flashcards as text
A study found that employees who participate in workplace wellness programs take 30% fewer sick days than those who do not. Which interpretation is most warranted by this data?
Answer: There is an association between wellness program participation and reduced sick days.
The data shows a correlation between participation and fewer sick days, but does not establish direct causation.
A city reports that neighborhoods with more parks have lower rates of childhood obesity. What can reasonably be interpreted from this finding?
Answer: Access to parks is associated with lower childhood obesity in this data.
The data supports an association between park access and obesity rates, not a guaranteed causal outcome.
Passage: 'Of the 200 applicants for a manager role, those with graduate degrees were hired at twice the rate of those without.' Which conclusion follows?
Answer: Having a graduate degree doubled an applicant's likelihood of being hired in this sample.
The data only describes hire rates within this sample and does not justify broader claims about competence or discrimination.
A restaurant's average review score rose from 3.2 to 4.1 stars after it changed its head chef. What is the most cautious and valid interpretation?
Answer: The review score increased following the chef change.
The only fact confirmed is the timing of the score increase relative to the chef change; other factors may also explain it.
Data shows that people who sleep fewer than 6 hours per night score lower on memory tests. Which interpretation goes beyond the evidence?
Answer: Sleeping less than 6 hours causes permanent memory damage.
'Permanent memory damage' is a far stronger claim than the data about test scores supports.
A poll found 68% of surveyed voters support stricter environmental regulations. What is a justified interpretation?
Answer: The majority of voters surveyed expressed support for stricter environmental regulations.
The finding applies only to those surveyed; generalizing to all citizens or predicting legislative outcomes goes beyond the data.
A school district found that students who ate breakfast before school scored an average of 8 points higher on standardized tests. Which of the following is the best interpretation?
Answer: Students who ate breakfast in this district scored higher on average.
The finding describes an average score difference within this district's data and should not be overgeneralized.