Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Practice Test

What is the main decision-making process involved in evaluating the truth of statements?

1. Deduction

2. Induction

3. Assumption

4. Inference

The correct answer is: Deduction

The main decision-making process involved in evaluating the truth of statements is deduction. Deduction is a logical reasoning process where conclusions are drawn from general principles or premises. It involves applying established rules or theories to deduce specific outcomes or truths. For instance, if we have a general statement that all birds have feathers, we can deduce that a sparrow, being a bird, must have feathers. Deductive reasoning is characterized by certainty; if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. In contrast, induction refers to reasoning that involves drawing generalized conclusions from specific observations, which does not guarantee the truth of the conclusion even when the premises are true. Assumption relates to accepting something as true without proof, which does not involve analysis of truth. Inference involves drawing logical conclusions from available information but can be less certain than deduction. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why deduction is the most appropriate answer for truth evaluation in statements.