Distinguishing Facts from Inferences 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 Distinguishing Facts from Inferences flashcards as text
A report states: 'The factory released 200 tons of carbon dioxide last year.' Which response best classifies this statement?
Answer: It is a fact because it contains a specific measurable figure.
A specific, measurable claim based on observable data qualifies as a factual statement.
A student says, 'Because it rained every day this week, it will probably rain tomorrow.' This statement is best described as:
Answer: An inference drawn from a pattern of observations.
Drawing a conclusion about the future based on past observations is an inference, not an established fact.
Which of the following is a statement of FACT rather than inference?
Answer: The survey collected responses from 1,400 participants.
The number of survey respondents is a directly verifiable, observable datum.
A manager concludes: 'Sales dropped 15% last quarter, so our marketing strategy must be failing.' The phrase 'must be failing' represents:
Answer: An inference because other causes could explain the drop.
Attributing the drop specifically to marketing failure goes beyond what the sales data alone establishes.
Passage: 'The bridge was built in 1952 and has never been closed for repairs.' A reader concludes, 'The bridge is structurally sound.' This conclusion is:
Answer: An inference that may or may not be true.
The absence of repairs does not confirm structural soundness; the conclusion goes beyond what the passage states.
Which feature most reliably identifies a statement as an INFERENCE rather than a fact?
Answer: It predicts, interprets, or explains beyond observed data.
Inferences extend beyond the observed evidence to predict, interpret, or explain, making them unverifiable through direct observation alone.
A headline reads: 'City council voted 7-2 to approve the new zoning law.' A reader concludes, 'The majority of residents support the zoning change.' This conclusion is:
Answer: An inference because a council vote does not represent all residents.
Council votes reflect elected representatives' decisions, not necessarily the views of the broader resident population.