Drawing Inferences
What is Drawing Inferences?
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning; a logical deduction from given premises.
Key points
- Understand the precise definition and nature of logical inference.
- Differentiate clearly between valid and invalid inferences.
- Identify conclusions that necessarily follow from a given set of premises.
- Avoid common pitfalls such as making external assumptions or using outside knowledge.
Common exam trap
Bringing in external knowledge or personal opinions not provided in the statements.
Definitions
- Term
Inference
- Meaning
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning; a logical deduction from given premises.
- Term
Premise
- Meaning
A statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion; the basis of an argument.
- Term
Conclusion
- Meaning
A judgment or decision reached by reasoning; the final part of an argument that is supposed to follow logically from the premises.
Learning objectives
Understand the precise definition and nature of logical inference.
Differentiate clearly between valid and invalid inferences.
Identify conclusions that necessarily follow from a given set of premises.
Avoid common pitfalls such as making external assumptions or using outside knowledge.
Apply inference-drawing skills effectively to various question types like syllogisms and statement-conclusion.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of fundamental logical reasoning principles.
Good reading comprehension skills to accurately interpret statements.
Ability to analyze information objectively without bias.
Common mistakes
Bringing in external knowledge or personal opinions not provided in the statements.
Making assumptions not explicitly supported by the given information.
Confusing 'possibly true' with 'necessarily true' or 'definitely true'.
Misinterpreting the meaning of quantifiers like 'all', 'some', 'no', 'few'.
Drawing conclusions that are too broad or too narrow compared to the premises.
Failing to identify hidden implications or direct contradictions within the statements.
Keywords
Inference
Deduction
Conclusion
Premise
Logical Reasoning
Syllogism
Statement-Conclusion
Assumption
Implication
Validity
Reasoning
Practice preview
Statement: No honest person ever cheats. Rohit is an honest person. What can be concluded about Rohit?…
easy
Statement: Many students who study diligently score well in exams. Rahul studies diligently. What is the most reasonable inference about Rahul's exam performance?…
medium
Statement: All birds can fly. A sparrow is a bird. What can be inferred about a sparrow?…
easy