STATEMENT AND ASSUMPTION

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STATEMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 
 

In the logical reasoning section dedicated to Statements and Assumptions, a statement refers to information or a fact associated with a general subject. An assumption is considered implicit because it is generally taken for granted or supposed. When analyzing assumptions, it becomes apparent that individuals often leave certain aspects unsaid or unwritten when expressing themselves orally or in writing. This omission occurs because they assume that the unspoken part is understood without explicit mention, and therefore, there seems to be no necessity to articulate it.

Various types of reasoning questions related to Statements and Assumptions are posed in diverse government examinations, rendering it a highly significant section. This article aims to delve into the fundamental concepts of the Statements and Assumptions reasoning segment. It includes solved examples, practice questions, tips, and tricks to provide comprehensive insights. A thorough reading of the article will help in dispelling any uncertainties related to this topic

 

What is Statement and Assumption Reasoning?

 

Statement and Assumption Reasoning is a segment within logical reasoning that involves analyzing and evaluating the relationship between statements and assumptions. In this type of reasoning, you are presented with a statement or a set of statements, and your task is to identify the implicit assumptions underlying those statements. An assumption is something that is taken for granted or considered to be true without explicit confirmation. It is a belief or premise that supports the given statement.

Here's a breakdown of the key components:

  1. Statement: A statement is a declarative sentence that provides information, conveys a fact, or expresses an opinion on a particular subject. In Statement and Assumption Reasoning, the focus is on understanding the information presented in the statement.

  2. Assumption: An assumption is an implicit, unstated belief or premise that supports the statement. It is something the speaker or writer takes for granted and expects the audience to accept without explicit mention. Identifying these assumptions is crucial for understanding the logical structure of the argument or statement.

The purpose of Statement and Assumption Reasoning is to assess the logical coherence and validity of the statements by uncovering the underlying assumptions. This type of reasoning is commonly used in competitive exams, job interviews, and various other assessments to evaluate the analytical and critical thinking skills of individuals.

When practicing Statement and Assumption questions, it's important to:

  • Identify the central statement or statements provided.
  • Recognize any assumptions that are necessary for the statement to be true.
  • Evaluate whether the assumptions are reasonable and logical
 
Types of Statements and Assumptions
 

In Statement and Assumption reasoning, there are different types of assumptions that can be categorized based on their nature and relationship with the given statements. Here are some common types:

  • Implicit Assumptions:

    • These are assumptions that are not explicitly stated in the given statement but are necessary for the statement to be considered true.
  • Unwarranted Assumptions:

    • Assumptions that are not justified or supported by the information provided in the statement fall into this category. They may introduce unwarranted biases or speculative elements.
  • Alternate Assumptions:

    • Sometimes, there can be multiple assumptions that can support a given statement. Identifying alternative assumptions is essential to fully understand the range of possibilities.
  • Hidden Assumptions:

    • These are assumptions that are not immediately apparent and require careful analysis to uncover. They are implicit and may be crucial for the logical coherence of the statement.
  • Fact Assumptions:

    • Assumptions that are based on established facts or widely accepted truths are categorized as fact assumptions. These assumptions are typically considered reasonable and justifiable.
  • Value Assumptions:

    • Assumptions that involve certain values, beliefs, or ethical considerations fall into this category. They often reflect the subjective perspective of the speaker or writer.
  • Cause-and-Effect Assumptions:

    • Assumptions that establish a cause-and-effect relationship between elements in the statement. These assumptions suggest that one event or condition leads to another.
  • Time-Frame Assumptions:

    • Assumptions related to the time frame or period covered by the statement. They may involve assumptions about past, present, or future conditions.
  • Consistency Assumptions:

    • Assumptions that assume consistency or uniformity in the information provided. They imply that the conditions described in the statement remain constant.
  • Context Assumptions:

    • Assumptions related to the context or background information necessary for the statement to make sense. These assumptions provide the setting or conditions in which the statement is valid.
 
Tips and Tricks 
 
Solving Statement and Assumption reasoning questions requires careful analysis of the given statements and identification of implicit assumptions.
 
Here are some tips and tricks to help you approach these questions effectively:
  • Begin by thoroughly understanding the statement or statements provided. Pay attention to the information presented and the context in which it is given.
  • Clearly identify the main statement or proposition. This is the central idea around which the assumptions revolve
  • Implicit assumptions are not explicitly stated but are necessary for the statement to be true. Identify these assumptions by considering what must be true for the given statement to make sense.
  • Explore various perspectives and alternative assumptions that could be associated with the statement. This helps you consider a range of possibilities
  • Assess the logical coherence between the statement and the assumptions. Ensure that the assumptions are reasonable and logical in the given context.
  • Watch out for assumptions that are not justified or supported by the information provided. Avoid introducing unwarranted biases or speculative elements
  • If the question provides multiple options for assumptions, use elimination techniques. Cross out assumptions that are clearly not supported by the statement
  • Pay attention to any time-related elements in the statement. Consider assumptions related to past, present, or future conditions, and ensure they align with the given context
  • Assess whether the assumptions are based on established facts or widely accepted truths. Fact-based assumptions are typically more justifiable
  • Practice is crucial for improving your skills in Statement and Assumption reasoning. Work on a variety of examples to enhance your ability to identify implicit assumptions
  • Time management is essential in competitive exams. Stay calm, read the statements carefully, and focus on identifying the key assumptions efficiently
  • Leverage your general knowledge and awareness to evaluate the realism of assumptions. Sometimes, external knowledge can help you make informed judgments
 

 

Solved Examples of Statements and Assumptions
 
 

Example 1: Statement: "The company will implement a new flexible working hours policy from next month."

Assumptions:

  1. Employees prefer flexible working hours.
  2. The new policy will improve overall productivity.

Solution:

  1. Assumption 1 (Valid): The statement doesn't explicitly mention why the new policy is being implemented, but for it to make sense, one can assume that the company believes employees prefer flexible working hours; otherwise, such a policy change may not be considered.

  2. Assumption 2 (Valid): The statement suggests a positive outcome of implementing the new policy – improved overall productivity. This assumption is necessary for the statement to be true.

 

Example 2: Statement: "All students who scored above 90% in the entrance exam are eligible for the scholarship."

Assumptions:

  1. Scoring above 90% is an outstanding achievement in the entrance exam.
  2. The scholarship is only for students who performed exceptionally well.

Solution:

  1. Assumption 1 (Valid): The statement doesn't define what is considered outstanding, but for the statement to make sense, we assume that scoring above 90% is indeed considered an outstanding achievement.

  2. Assumption 2 (Valid): The statement implies that the scholarship is for exceptional performers, so this assumption is necessary for the statement to be true


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