Recognizing Unstated Assumptions 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 Recognizing Unstated Assumptions flashcards as text
Statement: 'We should hire Maria for the marketing role because she has a business degree.' Proposed assumption: 'A business degree qualifies someone for a marketing role.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
The argument only works if a business degree is considered sufficient qualification for marketing, which is assumed but never stated.
Statement: 'Take Route 9 to avoid traffic — it's always faster in the morning.' Proposed assumption: 'The person being addressed wants to save travel time.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Advising someone to take a faster route only makes sense if you assume they want to minimize travel time.
Statement: 'Since our competitor lowered prices, we must lower ours too.' Proposed assumption: 'Customers choose products primarily based on price.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
The urgency to match competitor prices is only justified if customers are assumed to make decisions based on price.
Statement: 'Dr. Patel recommends this supplement, so it must be effective.' Proposed assumption: 'Doctors never endorse ineffective products.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
The conclusion that the supplement is effective relies on assuming that a doctor's endorsement guarantees efficacy.
Statement: 'The new policy reduced absenteeism by 10%, so it is working.' Proposed assumption: 'Reducing absenteeism is a goal of the policy.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Calling the policy successful because absenteeism dropped requires assuming that lowering absenteeism was the intended outcome.
Statement: 'You should call ahead before visiting, since offices often close early on Fridays.' Proposed assumption: 'The person plans to visit the office in person.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Advising someone to call ahead only has relevance if it is assumed they intend to make a physical visit.
Statement: 'Because James has never been late, he is the most reliable employee.' Proposed assumption: 'Punctuality is the primary indicator of reliability.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Equating never being late with being most reliable assumes punctuality is the key measure of an employee's dependability.