The word Inference is used in two different senses, which are often co

All correct in 7 mins, including 4 mins to read
Para 1- 2 different senses in which 'inference' is used
Para 2- Logic and Psychology - how they work

1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?
(A) To explain the different connotations of inference - incorrect, the word 'connotation'(hidden meaning) makes it incorrect
(B) To discuss how inference lays the foundation for Logic to work on - Correct
(C) To critique the commonly held belief that Logic works on Psychology alone - incorrect
(D) To establish a relationship between Logic and Psychology - incorrect, the relationship is not the primary purpose as it is too narrow in scope
(E) To point out the role of Psychology in the art of inference- incorrect

AjiteshArun , GMATNinja , MagooshExpert , GMATGuruNY , VeritasPrepBrian ,MartyTargetTestPrep , DmitryFarber , VeritasKarishma , generis , jennpt , VeritasPrepErika , other experts - can option A be a valid contender if we change 'connotations' to 'meanings'? (I understand that para 2 does talk mostly about logic and how it works.)


2. Which of the following best describes the relationship between Psychology and Logic?
(D) Psychology helps explain the thought process in arriving at a conclusion whereas Logic helps validate whether this thought process is correct.
Whilst Psychology explains how the mind goes forward from data to conclusions, Logic takes a conclusion and goes back to the data, inquiring whether those data, together with any other evidence (facts or principles) that can be collected, are of a nature to warrant the conclusion.

3. As described in the passage, each of the following could be an example of Inference in terms of its first connotation, EXCEPT:
In the first sense, it means a process of thought or reasoning by which the mind passes from facts or statements presented, to some opinion or expectation. The data may be very vague and slight, prompting no more than a guess or surmise; as from the trick of a man’s face entertain some prejudice as to his character.

(A) A man taking shelter under a tree upon noticing dark clouds in the sky - incorrect, here we can see that man upon noticing dark clouds expects thunderstorm/rain to follow and thus takes shelter
(B) A child dropping a glass jar that shatters into pieces - Correct
(C) A child smiling when he sees his mother come towards him with a box of chocolates - incorrect, here the child expects that the box of chocolate is for him/her
(D) A driver bracing himself against the seat on noticing that the car’s brakes have failed - incorrect, here the driver expects a crash to occur
(E) A dog wagging its tail at the smell of food - incorrect, the dog excepts that it might be provided with food
Answer B

4. The passage states which of the following about Logic?
(D) Logic can help evaluate the veracity of a conclusion. - Correct

Logic takes a conclusion and goes back to the data, inquiring whether those data, together with any other evidence (facts or principles) that can be collected, are of a nature to warrant the conclusion.