Definition: Inference — Psychometric Glossary
An inference is the process of drawing a conclusion from given information. A key skill evaluated in the psychometric test.
- Definition and types of inferences
- Difference between deductive and inductive inference
- Inference exercises for the psychometric test
- Strategies for drawing valid conclusions
What is an inference?
An inference is a reasoning process that consists of drawing a conclusion from a set of premises or given information. It is the fundamental mechanism of logical thinking.
There are two main types of inferences: deductive inference (the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises) and inductive inference (the conclusion is probable but not certain). The psychometric test primarily evaluates deductive inference.
Inference in the psychometric test
Inference questions present you with a text or a set of propositions and ask you to determine what can be logically deduced from them.
The main difficulty is distinguishing what is logically deduced from what is simply plausible or probable. Only conclusions that necessarily follow from the given information are valid inferences.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between inference and deduction?
Deduction is a type of inference. All deductions are inferences, but not all inferences are deductions. Inference also includes inductive and abductive reasoning.
How to avoid inference errors?
Stay strictly within the framework of the given information. Do not make assumptions based on your personal knowledge. If the conclusion is not necessarily true based on the premises, it is not a valid inference.
Are inferences tested in multiple sections?
Yes, inferential reasoning appears in the logic/deduction section, but also in reading comprehension where you must deduce implicit information from a passage.
Ready to get started?
Practice for free and prepare your psychometric test with Hiku.