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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A hospital report states: 'Average patient waiting time in the emergency department increased from 45 minutes to 90 minutes following staff reductions.' Which is an INFERENCE?
Answer: Staff reductions caused the increase in waiting times.
While the statement lists staff reductions and waiting time increases together, it does not explicitly establish causation — the causal link is an inference.
An environmental study reports: 'Particulate matter levels in the city exceed WHO guidelines by 300% on average.' Which is a FACT?
Answer: Particulate matter levels exceed WHO guidelines by 300%.
The 300% exceedance figure is directly reported in the study — it is a measurable, verifiable data point.
A financial news headline reads: 'Tech giant reports 40% year-on-year profit increase.' Which of the following is an inference?
Answer: The tech giant's business performance improved significantly over the past year.
Saying performance 'improved significantly' adds an interpretive judgment — 'significantly' is a qualitative assessment not contained in the bare 40% figure.
A sociological study states: 'Survey respondents in the lowest income quartile reported the highest levels of financial stress.' Which is a FACT?
Answer: Survey respondents in the lowest income quartile reported the highest financial stress levels.
The survey finding is directly reported — it describes what respondents said, which is verifiable from the study data without causal interpretation.
A logistics report states: 'The company shipped 12,000 units in Q3, up from 9,000 in Q2.' Which statement is an INFERENCE?
Answer: The company's operational capacity improved between Q2 and Q3.
'Operational capacity improved' is an inference — increased shipment volume could reflect higher demand rather than improved capacity, which is an unobserved internal variable.
A political poll reports: '62% of surveyed voters said they would vote for Candidate A in the next election.' Which is an INFERENCE?
Answer: Candidate A will win the next election.
Poll results measure stated voting intention, not actual election outcomes — many factors (turnout, undecideds shifting, events between polling and election day) can change results.