National MDCAT Logical Reasoning Flashcards

24 sample cards from the Logical Reasoning deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What is the systematic method for solving blood-relation problems?

   Draw a family-tree diagram using standard symbols (lines for marriage, branches for children, + for male, − for female) and trace each stated relationship step by step.

2. What is 'developing structures from information' (data arrangement) in logical reasoning?

   Organizing given clues into a structured form (table, grid, seating order, or ranking) to deduce positions or attributes that satisfy all conditions.

3. In linear seating arrangement, what does 'A sits immediately to the right of B' mean (when facing you)?

   From the solver's facing perspective conventions vary, but typically it means A is placed directly next to B on B's right-hand side as the row faces a stated direction.

4. In circular arrangement problems, how does facing direction affect left and right?

   If people face the center, their left/right is opposite to the observer's; if they face outward, their left/right matches the observer's view.

5. What is the first step when solving an arrangement (structure-building) puzzle?

   Separate the definite (fixed) clues from the conditional (variable) clues, place the definite information first, then test the conditional clues against it.

6. What is deductive reasoning?

   Reasoning from general premises to a specific, logically certain conclusion; if premises are true and form is valid, the conclusion must be true.

7. In syllogism reasoning, what is the standard form of a categorical syllogism?

   Two premises (major and minor) sharing a middle term, leading to a conclusion that links the major and minor terms. Example: All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore Socrates is mortal.

8. In syllogisms, what is the 'middle term' and why is it important?

   The term that appears in both premises but not in the conclusion; it links the two premises and must be distributed at least once for a valid syllogism.

9. What is the rule for 'No A is B' type syllogism conclusions?

   A universal negative; from two negative premises no valid conclusion can be drawn, and the conclusion (if valid) must also be negative.

10. What does 'Some A are B' imply about the converse 'Some B are A'?

    It is valid: 'Some A are B' converts to 'Some B are A' (particular affirmative conversion is valid).

11. In syllogism, can a definite conclusion be drawn from two particular premises (Some...Some...)?

    No. Two particular premises yield no valid definite conclusion.

12. What is 'inferring results across problems' in reasoning tasks?

    Applying a rule, relationship, or pattern derived from one problem or data set consistently to draw conclusions in related or subsequent problems.

13. What is the difference between an inference and an assumption?

    An inference is a conclusion logically drawn from given information; an assumption is an unstated fact taken for granted to support a conclusion.

14. What is a 'valid inference' in a reading/data reasoning question?

    A conclusion that must be true based strictly on the information provided, without adding outside assumptions.

15. In 'gathering information', what distinguishes relevant from irrelevant data?

    Relevant data directly helps answer the question or support the conclusion; irrelevant data has no bearing on the required deduction and should be filtered out.

16. In data-sufficiency style problems, what does 'the data is sufficient' mean?

    That the given statements provide enough information to answer the question definitively, with a single, unambiguous answer.

17. In decision making, what is a 'course of action'?

    A proposed step, administrative decision, or measure taken to address a given problem or situation.

18. How do you judge whether a 'course of action' follows in reasoning problems?

    A course of action follows only if it logically and practically addresses the problem stated and is feasible; both improvement and prevention-type actions can be valid.

19. What are the key criteria for sound decision making in logical reasoning?

    Identify the problem, evaluate available options against the facts/criteria, consider consequences, and select the option best supported by evidence and feasibility.

20. What is a cause-effect relationship?

    A relationship in which one event (the cause) directly produces or brings about another event (the effect).

21. What is the key fallacy to avoid in cause-effect reasoning ('correlation ≠ causation')?

    Assuming that because two events occur together or in sequence, one caused the other; correlation alone does not establish causation.

22. In cause-and-effect questions, how do you identify the cause versus the effect?

    The cause is the independent event that occurs first and produces change; the effect is the dependent event that results from the cause. The effect cannot precede its cause.

23. What is the 'post hoc' fallacy in reasoning about events?

    Post hoc ergo propter hoc: wrongly concluding that because event B followed event A, A must have caused B.

24. In reasoning about events and accidents, what is the difference between a direct cause and a contributing factor?

    A direct cause is the immediate reason an event/accident occurred; a contributing factor increases the likelihood but is not solely responsible for the outcome.

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