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 advertise on social media because that is where young consumers spend most of their time.' Proposed assumption: 'Young consumers are the target audience for this product.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Choosing social media because young people use it only makes strategic sense if young consumers are the intended audience.
Statement: 'This restaurant has a long wait list, so the food must be excellent.' Proposed assumption: 'People wait only for restaurants with excellent food.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
The argument assumes that popularity (wait list) directly reflects food quality rather than factors like location, price, or novelty.
Statement: 'Switching to LED lighting will save the company money.' Proposed assumption: 'The company currently uses a less energy-efficient lighting system.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Savings from switching to LEDs presupposes the company is currently using a more costly alternative.
Statement: 'If you want to succeed in business, you must learn to network.' Proposed assumption: 'Networking is a learnable skill.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Advising someone to 'learn to network' presupposes that networking is a skill that can be acquired, not an innate talent.
Statement: 'Our survey shows 80% satisfaction, so customers are happy with our service.' Proposed assumption: 'The survey sample accurately represents all customers.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Generalizing from survey results to all customers requires assuming the sample is representative of the full customer base.
Statement: 'Do not run the dishwasher during peak hours to keep your electricity bill low.' Proposed assumption: 'Electricity costs more during peak hours.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
The advice to avoid peak hours to lower costs only makes sense if electricity rates are higher during those periods.
Statement: 'More students pass the exam when a tutor is provided, proving tutoring is the cause.' Proposed assumption: 'No other factors differ between tutored and non-tutored students.' Is this assumption made?
Answer: Assumption made
Attributing higher pass rates solely to tutoring assumes that tutored students are otherwise identical to non-tutored students.