Statements, Assumptions & Conclusions | Aptitude Test Preparation Guide
Statements, Assumptions & Conclusions | Aptitude Test Preparation Guide
In aptitude tests, you’ll often encounter questions based on statements, assumptions, and conclusions. These questions assess your ability to evaluate logical relationships and draw inferences based on the given information. This guide will help you understand these concepts and provide strategies to tackle related questions effectively.
What Are Statements?
A statement is a declaration of facts, opinions, or observations. In logical reasoning, statements provide the foundation for conclusions or assumptions.
Understanding Conclusions
Conclusions are logical outcomes or deductions made based on a given statement. They provide a final judgment or decision drawn from the information presented in the statement.
Key Difference Between Conclusions and Assumptions:
- Conclusions precede the information.
- Assumptions follow the information.
In an aptitude test, conclusions are drawn directly from the content of a statement, while assumptions may not be explicitly stated and must be inferred.
Example:
Statement: “All students who study hard get good grades.”
Conclusion: “Students who study hard will likely get good grades.”
What Are Assumptions?
An assumption is something taken for granted or presumed without being stated directly in the statement. Assumptions are the underlying beliefs or ideas that support a statement.
How to Identify Assumptions:
To test whether an assumption is implied in a statement, try negating the assumption. If negating it weakens the argument of the statement, it is likely an implicit assumption.
Example:
Statement: “Since it is raining, the match will be postponed.”
Assumption: “Rain causes matches to be postponed.”
If you negate this assumption and say, “Rain does not cause matches to be postponed,” the statement weakens, proving that the assumption is implicit.
Statements and Courses of Action
In certain situations, a course of action can be formulated to improve or resolve an issue. The course of action is a proposed solution or plan that follows the statement, aiming to address the problem.
Deciding on a Course of Action:
A key skill in management and decision-making is the ability to devise a course of action in response to a problem. Aptitude tests often present situations where you must decide on the most appropriate course of action to improve or resolve the situation.
Example:
Statement: “The company’s profits have been declining for the last two quarters.”
Possible Courses of Action:
- Option 1: Increase marketing efforts to boost sales.
- Option 2: Conduct a market analysis to understand the decline.
Choosing the best course of action involves identifying the most effective way to address the problem.
Key Strategies for Solving Statements, Assumptions, and Conclusion Questions
- Analyze the Statement Thoroughly: Understand what information is being provided before considering conclusions or assumptions.
- Test Assumptions: Negate each assumption to check if it weakens or strengthens the statement.
- Draw Logical Conclusions: Ensure that conclusions are directly supported by the facts in the statement.
- Choose the Best Course of Action: Evaluate the situation and identify the most effective solution or improvement.
Conclusion
Mastering questions on statements, assumptions, and conclusions is essential for aptitude test preparation. By understanding these concepts and following structured strategies, you can improve your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. These skills will not only help you in exams but are also valuable in real-life decision-making scenarios.