Interactive Test

Question 1: Inference

An inference is a conclusion that a person draws from observed or supposed facts. For example, if lights are on in a house and music can be heard coming from it, a person might infer that someone is at home. This inference may or may not be correct. It is possible that the people of the house did not turn the lights and the radio off when they left it.

Each exercise begins with a statement of fact that you are to regard as true. After each statement of facts you will find several possible inferences i.e., conclusions that some persons might draw from the stated facts. Examine each inference separately, and make a decision as to its degree of truth or falsity.

Statement:

Studies have shown that there is relatively much more heart disease among people living in the north of England than people living in the south of England. There is little if any difference, however, in rate of heart disease between northerners and southerners who have the same level of income. The average income of southerners in England is considerably higher than the average income of northerners.

Proposed Inference 1:

The easiest way to eliminate heart disease in England would be to raise the general standard of living.

True
Probably True
Inadequate Data
Probably False
False

Proposed Inference 2:

People in high income brackets are in a better position to avoid developing heart disease than people in low income brackets.

True
Probably True
Inadequate Data
Probably False
False

Proposed Inference 3:

There is a lower rate of heart disease among northerners with relatively high incomes than among northerners with much lower incomes.

True
Probably True
Inadequate Data
Probably False
False

Proposed Inference 4:

Whether northerners have high incomes or low incomes makes no difference to the likelihood of their developing heart disease.

True
Probably True
Inadequate Data
Probably False
False

Help:

T if you think the inference is definitely TRUE; that it properly follows beyond a reasonable doubt from the statement of facts given.

PT if, in the light of the facts given, you think the inference is PROBABLY TRUE; that it is more likely to be true than false.

ID if you decide that there is INSUFFICIENT DATA; that you cannot tell from the facts given whether the inference is likely to be true or false; if the facts provide no basis for judging one way or the other.

PF if, in the light of the facts given, you think the inference is PROBABLY FALSE; that it is more likely to be false than true.

F if you believe the inference is definitely FALSE; that it is wrong, either because it misinterprets the facts given, or because it contradicts the facts or necessary inferences from those facts.