Read the following report:

Often, when we listen or speak, we don't distinguish between statements of fact and those of inference. Yet, there are great differences between the two. We create barriers to clear thinking when we treat inferences (guesses, opinions) as if they are facts. You may wish at this point to test your ability to distinguish facts from inferences by taking the accompanying fact-inference test based on those by Haney (1973).

Carefully read the following report and the observations based on it. Indicate whether you think the observations are True, False, or Doubtful on the basis of the information presented in the report. Select True if the observation is definitely True, False if the observation is definitely False, and Either True or False if the observation may be either True or False. Judge each observation in order. Do not reread the observations after you have indicated your judgment, and do not change any of your answers.

A well-liked college instructor had just completed making up the final examinations and had turned off the lights in the office. Just then a tall, broad figure with dark glasses appeared and demanded the examination. The professor opened the drawer. Eveything in the drawer was picked up and the individual ran down the corridor. The president was notified immediately.

Select your most appropriate answer for the following observations:

1. The thief was tall, broad, and wore dark glasses. T

2. The professor turned off the lights. T

3. A tall figure demanded the examination. T

4. The examination was picked up by someone. T

5. The examination was picked up by the professor. F

6. A tall, broad figure appeared after the professor turned off the lights in the office. T

7. The man who opened the drawer was the professor. T

8. The professor ran down the corridor. T or F

9. The drawer was never actually opened. F

10. Three persons are referred to in this report. T

SCORE: 5 out of 10

CORRECT ANSWERS
1.Either True or False
2.True
3.True
4.Either True or False
5.Either True or False
6.True
7.Either True or False
8.Either True or False
9.False
10.Either True or False

INTERPRETATION

1. We are not sure that the "tall, dark and broad figure" is a thief; it could be a secretary demanding the exam to make copies, or a student who is taking the test early. For that matter, we don't even know for sure that the figure is a person. Could it be the professor's shadow, and he or she is only jokingly demanding the exam? The text does not provide enough information for us to know who or what the figure is with certainty.

2. The text specifically says the professor turned off the lights.

3. The text specifically says that a tall figure demanded the exam.

4. The text never says that the exam was picked up -- only that everything in the drawer was picked up. The exam may not have been in the drawer.

5. Again, the text never says the exam was picked up, let alone by the professor.

6. The text clearly says that just after the professor turned of the lights in the office, a tall, dark and broad figure appeared.

7. The text does not say that the professor is a man!

8. We do not know who ran down the hall, only that it was an individual.

9. The text specifically says that the drawer was opened by the professor.

10. We don't know how many people are referred to, for a number of reasons. First, as indicated we don't know for sure that the "figure" is a person. Second, a "professor," "figure," "individual," and "dean" are mentioned. However, we don't know if the professor and individual are the same or different persons. Third and similarly, we don't know if the "figure" or individual are the same or different persons. Fourth, it is possible that the dean is either the individual or the "figure."

Good planning depends on good decision making by the people doing the planning. Being able to distinguish "facts" and understand one's "inferences" are important steps toward improving the planning process. Involving others to help do the same can frequently assist in this process.

Questions or comments? Send me an e-mail: msm4711@yahoo.com