Guide to The Watson Glaser Inference Section [2024]
The first part of the Watson Glaser test is called the Inference section. It includes five questions, each with five possible answers to choose from.
In our brief guide, we'll delve into the structure of this section, walk through an example question with its solution, and share some useful strategies for excelling in this part of the test.
Let's get started!
Inference Section Description
In the Inference section, you will encounter five questions. Each question will include a passage that should be considered factual. Following the passage, there will be a proposed conclusion derived from the passage.
Your objective is to assess the accuracy of this conclusion in relation to the text. The evaluation scale for the inference includes:
- True
- Probably True
- Insufficient Data
- Probably False
- False
We will soon provide an explanation of these categories. But before that, let's go through a sample question to illustrate.
Watson Glaser Inference Sample Question
The trend of virtual employment, where employees work remotely through computers, is on the rise. In the UK, there has been a 39% increase in virtual employees over the past two years and a 74% increase in the last five years. This mode of employment lowers costs and enables the hiring of skilled workers from anywhere in the world. However, managing a virtual workforce can lead to challenges such as miscommunication and a decrease in team camaraderie. Additionally, it may require more time compared to in-person interactions.The increase in the number of virtual employees was greater last year than it was 4 years ago.
The text does not provide clear evidence to either support or contradict this conclusion. Typically, in most critical thinking assessments, the lack of sufficient data would lead to the conclusion of "Insufficient Data."
However, in the Inference section of the Watson Glaser test, it is acceptable and recommended to apply common knowledge.
Given that over half of the growth in the number of virtual employees in the past five years occurred in the last two years (representing 39% out of 74%), it is a reasonable assumption that the increase in the last year surpassed that of four years prior.
It's important to note that this conclusion is not directly stated in the text, yet it is more likely than not, thus categorizing it as "Probably True."
Want more questions? Try a free Watson Glaser sample test.
Tips for the Watson Glaser Inference Section
Tip #1 – Understand the Answer Options Perfectly
Grasping the essence of the answer choices, particularly "Probably True" and "Probably False," poses the main difficulty in this part of the Watson Glaser test.
Let's briefly outline them below.
Yet, remember that the best method to fully comprehend these somewhat abstract concepts is through practicing actual questions.
- True – the conclusion is directly stated in the text.
- Probably True – considering the text and general knowledge, the conclusion is likely more true than false.
- Insufficient Data – there isn't enough information in the text to determine the conclusion's accuracy.
- Probably False - given the text and general knowledge, the conclusion is likely more false than true.
- False – the conclusion is directly contradicted in the text.
But how do we define common knowledge? This leads us to our next piece of advice.
Tip #2 – Use ONLY Common Knowledge
Grasping the distinction between general knowledge, which is permissible in the Inference section, and specialized knowledge, which is not, is key to accurately answering questions.
Preparing for the Watson Glaser Test
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