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 study reports: 'Participants who slept 8 hours performed 20% better on memory tasks than those who slept 5 hours.' A journalist concludes: 'Eight hours of sleep is the key to a good memory.' The journalist's conclusion is:
Answer: An inference that overgeneralizes from one study's specific finding.
The study shows an association in one experiment; calling sleep 'the key' overstates what a single controlled result proves.
Which scenario best demonstrates a FACT being misrepresented as an inference?
Answer: Saying 'It probably rained 2 inches' when weather records confirm exactly 2 inches fell.
Adding 'probably' to a confirmed, verifiable measurement incorrectly treats a fact as uncertain inference.
A politician states: 'Crime rose 12% in our city last year.' An opponent argues: 'Citizens feel unsafe.' Which pair of labels is correct?
Answer: The first is a fact (if verified); the second is an inference about subjective experience.
Reported crime rates are verifiable figures; feelings of safety are inferred from those rates, not directly measured by them.
In critical thinking, 'insufficient evidence' to evaluate an inference means:
Answer: The available facts neither confirm nor deny the inference.
Insufficient evidence means the presented facts are neutral regarding the inference — it can be neither accepted nor rejected.
A supervisor observes: 'Employee turnover increased from 10% to 18% this year.' She then tells HR: 'Staff morale must be very low.' Her conclusion is:
Answer: An inference because turnover can result from factors unrelated to morale.
Higher turnover is consistent with low morale but could also reflect competitive job markets, salary issues, or restructuring.
A news story says: 'The referendum passed with 61% of the vote.' A commentator adds: 'The people have clearly rejected the old policy.' The commentator's addition is:
Answer: An inference that interprets the vote's meaning beyond the reported figure.
The vote percentage is factual; what voters intended by their vote involves interpretation that goes beyond the bare number.
When applying Watson-Glaser thinking, which practice best helps distinguish facts from inferences?
Answer: Ask whether the statement was directly observed/verified or whether it requires interpretation.
The reliable test is whether a statement reports direct evidence or whether it requires interpretation, prediction, or extrapolation.