FREE NYC Civil Service Deductive and Inductive Reasoning Questions and Answers

Question 1

A NYC Department of Buildings regulation states: 'All new construction projects require a preliminary plan review before a permit can be issued.' A contractor submits an application for a permit for a new building but does not include a preliminary plan.
Based on this regulation, which of the following conclusions is most logical?

Accepted Answer

The contractor's permit application will not be issued until a preliminary plan is reviewed.

Answer

The contractor is exempt from the regulation.

Answer

The regulation only applies to large-scale projects.

Answer

The contractor must pay a fine before the permit is issued.

Question 2

An analyst for the Department of Transportation notices that on the last ten holidays, traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge increased by an average of 30%. The analyst predicts that traffic on the bridge will increase by approximately 30% on the upcoming Labor Day holiday. What type of reasoning is the analyst using?

Accepted Answer

Inductive Reasoning

Answer

Deductive Reasoning

Answer

Absolute Reasoning

Answer

Flawed Reasoning

Question 3

Which of the following statements provides the most accurate definition of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

It is a logical process that starts from a general, accepted premise and applies it to a specific case to reach a certain conclusion.

Answer

It is a method of forecasting future events based on analyzing past data and trends.

Answer

It is the process of forming a broad generalization based on a limited number of specific observations.

Answer

It is a style of argument that relies on emotional appeal rather than on facts.

Question 4

A parks department employee observes that in a specific park, the grass in sections A, B, and C is yellowing. The employee also notes that the sprinkler heads in these three sections appear to be clogged. The sprinkler heads in the rest of the park, where the grass is green, are clear. Which of the following is the most reasonable *inductive* conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The yellowing grass is likely being caused by a lack of water due to clogged sprinklers.

Answer

The entire park will have yellowing grass within a week.

Answer

The grass is yellowing because of a lack of sunlight.

Answer

All sprinklers in city parks are prone to clogging.

Question 5

Consider this argument: 'The employee handbook states that all staff must receive supervisor approval for overtime. Joan is a staff member who worked overtime. Therefore, Joan must have received supervisor approval.' This argument is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A deductive conclusion

Answer

An inductive inference

Answer

A statistical analysis

Answer

A probable assumption

Question 6

Review the following premises: 1. To be promoted to Sergeant, a police officer must pass the Sergeant's exam. 2. Officer Chen has not passed the Sergeant's exam. What is the only valid deductive conclusion that can be drawn?

Accepted Answer

Officer Chen cannot be promoted to Sergeant.

Answer

Officer Chen is not a good police officer.

Answer

The Sergeant's exam is very difficult.

Answer

Officer Chen will study harder for the next exam.