Distinguishing Facts from Inferences Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 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.
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Which of the following is a FACT rather than an inference? Statement context: A company's annual report shows revenue of $4.2 million and a net loss of $800,000 for the fiscal year.
Answer: The company had a net loss of $800,000 for the fiscal year.
The net loss figure is directly reported in the annual report — it is an observable, verifiable datum, not a conclusion drawn from reasoning.
A news article reports: 'Unemployment in the region fell from 8.3% to 6.1% over 12 months.' Which statement is an inference rather than a fact?
Answer: The government's economic policies caused unemployment to fall.
Attributing the unemployment fall to government policies is a causal conclusion not contained in the reported data — it requires additional assumptions about causation.
Statement: 'The suspect's fingerprints were found at the crime scene, and he was seen in the vicinity at the time of the crime.' Which is a FACT?
Answer: The suspect's fingerprints were found at the scene.
The presence of fingerprints at the scene is the only statement directly supported by the given information — it does not require any inferential step.
A weather report states: 'Temperatures dropped 15°C over six hours, and snowfall began at 11 PM.' Which of the following is an inference?
Answer: A cold front moved through the area causing the temperature drop and snow.
Attributing the drop and snow to a 'cold front' is a meteorological causal explanation that goes beyond what the weather report stated — it is an inference.
A school announces: 'Student A scored 95/100 on the mathematics exam; Student B scored 62/100.' Which is an inference?
Answer: Student A understands mathematics better than Student B.
Concluding that Student A 'understands mathematics better' goes beyond test scores — test performance can reflect preparation, anxiety, or luck rather than fundamental understanding.
Report: 'The bridge was built in 1962 and has not undergone major structural repairs since 1988.' Which is a FACT?
Answer: The bridge has not had major structural repairs since 1988.
The repair history is directly stated in the report — it is verifiable information that does not require additional reasoning to establish.