Inferences – Logical Reasoning – MBA CUET PG – Notes & Practice Questions

What is Inference?

An inference in critical reasoning is a logical deduction that can be made from the given information in a statement or argument. It is an assumption that is made based on the evidence that is provided. In order to make an inference, you must be able to understand the given information and see the relationships between the different parts.

Type of Inferences

Direct inferences: A direct inference is one that can be drawn logically from the information that is given. For example, if I say “Ram is taller than Harsh,” you can infer that Harsh is shorter than Ram.

Indirect inferences: An indirect inference is one that cannot be drawn logically from the information given. It is an assumption that is made based on other information. For example, if I say “Ram is taller than Harsh” and then I ask you to guess Ram’s height, your inference would be indirect.

Difference between Inference and Conclusion

Conclusion is something you decide after thinking about all the information you have whereas inference is something that you think is true, based on information that you have.

Solved Examples

1. If a constitutional amendment passes with overwhelming support in both houses of the legislature and gains approval from a majority of state governments, what inference might be made about the amendment process?

(a) The amendment process is difficult to navigate

(b) State governments have no role in amending the constitution

(c) Amendments require widespread support and approval

(d) Legislatures have absolute power in amending the constitution

Sol.

(c); Amendments require widespread support and approval

2. If a historical analysis reveals a pattern of increased trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road during periods of political stability, what inference might be made about the connection between trade and stability?

(a) Political instability promotes trade and cultural exchange

(b) Trade routes influence political stability

(c) Political stability fosters trade and cultural interaction

(d) Cultural exchange has no impact on political stability

Sol. (c); Political stability fosters trade and cultural interaction

3. Statement:

Learning to code improves problem-solving skills.

Inference:

1: Non-coders have poor problem-solving skills.

2: Coding challenges the brain to think in new ways.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Sol. (b); Inference 2 is a logical extension of learning code, whereas Inference 1 is an overgeneralization.

4. Statement:

Good posture prevents back pain. Inference

1: All back pain is caused by poor posture.

2: Maintaining good posture can reduce strain on the back.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Sol. (b); Sol. Inference 2 is a logical consequence, while Inference 1 is too absolute.

Practice Questions

1. In a study on memory, participants who received adequate sleep before a memory test performed better than those who were sleep-deprived. What can be inferred from this study?

(a) Lack of sleep enhances memory

(b) Adequate sleep may positively impact memory

(c) Memory is unaffected by sleep

(d) The study is inconclusive

2. A decrease in the interest rate led to increased borrowing by businesses. What inference can be made from this scenario?

(a) Lower interest rates reduce borrowing

(b) Higher interest rates encourage borrowing

(c) Interest rates have no effect on borrowing

(d) There is an inverse relationship between interest rates and borrowing

3. The protagonist’s reluctance to leave his hometown despite promising opportunities elsewhere hints at:

(a) The protagonist’s fear of new experiences

(b) A lack of ambition in the protagonist

(c) The emotional attachment to the hometown

(d) The protagonist’s inability to adapt

4. A plant species only grows in acidic soil. In an experiment, this plant was unable to grow in neutral or alkaline soil. What inference can be made?

(a) The plant prefers alkaline soil

(b) The plant requires acidic conditions for growth

(c) The plant can adapt to any soil type

(d) Soil acidity does not affect plant growth

5. What is the likely outcome of increasing interest rates in an economy with high inflation?

(a) Reduced borrowing and increased savings

(b) Increased borrowing and decreased savings

(c) Unchanged borrowing and savings

(d)Increased consumption investment and reduced