Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences Questions and Answers Flashcards
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A weather report states: 'Yesterday's high temperature was 92°F, and three heat-related hospitalizations were reported.' Which statement is a fact rather than an inference?
Answer: Three heat-related hospitalizations were reported yesterday.
The number of reported hospitalizations is a verifiable, documented fact, while the other options involve causation or prediction beyond what was stated.
A manager reports: 'Our team submitted the project on Tuesday, and the client responded within two hours.' Which is an inference drawn from these facts?
Answer: The client was eagerly awaiting the project's delivery.
Concluding the client was 'eagerly awaiting' delivery goes beyond the stated facts by attributing an emotional state not mentioned.
A news article states: 'The city council voted 7-2 to approve the new budget, which includes a 5% increase in education spending.' What is an inference?
Answer: Council members who voted yes prioritize education over other services.
Inferring that 'yes' voters prioritize education over other services assumes motivation not supported by the vote outcome alone.
A study reports: 'Students who ate breakfast scored an average of 12 points higher on a standardized test than those who skipped breakfast.' Which statement is a fact?
Answer: Breakfast-eating students scored an average of 12 points higher.
The 12-point score difference is directly reported by the study and is verifiable, while the other statements involve causation or policy conclusions.
An employee review states: 'Sarah has missed four deadlines this quarter and has been late to work three times.' Which is an inference?
Answer: Sarah is not committed to her job.
Concluding Sarah lacks job commitment infers motivation from behavior; the actual facts only describe specific incidents without explaining why.
A police report reads: 'The suspect was found two blocks from the scene with $800 cash and no receipt.' Which statement is an inference?
Answer: The suspect stole the money from the nearby store.
Concluding the suspect stole the money is an inference; the facts only describe location and possession, not the source of the cash.
A restaurant review states: 'The service took 45 minutes and the food was cold when it arrived.' Which is a fact?
Answer: The service took 45 minutes.
The 45-minute service time is a directly observable and verifiable fact stated in the review.