Three statements are given, followed by two conclusions numbered (I) and (II). Assuming the statements to be true, even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.

Statements:

All windows are doors.
All walls are rooms.
Some walls are doors.

Conclusions:

(I) Some windows are walls.
(II) Some rooms are windows.

1. A

   Neither conclusion (I) nor (II) follows.

2. B

   Only conclusion (I) follows.

3. C

   Only conclusion (II) follows.

4. D

   Both conclusions (I) and (II) follow.

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

• The provided statements do not establish a necessary or definite logical connection between the categories of 'windows' and 'walls'.
• While 'windows' and 'walls' both have a relationship with 'doors', this common link does not force them to overlap with each other.
• Similarly, there is no statement that forces a direct relationship between 'rooms' and 'windows'. The connection is indirect and does not guarantee an overlap.
• In deductive reasoning, a conclusion must be a certainty derived from the premises. Since it's possible for these conclusions to be false while the premises are true, they are considered invalid.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: This is incorrect because Conclusion (I) does not necessarily follow. The overlap between 'walls' and 'doors' might not include any 'windows'.
• Option C: This is incorrect because Conclusion (II) does not necessarily follow. The portion of 'rooms' that are 'doors' (via the 'walls') might not include any 'windows'.
• Option D: This is incorrect because neither Conclusion (I) nor Conclusion (II) is a logical certainty based on the given statements.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Syllogisms and Deductive Reasoning as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• While not a clinical question, this type of logical reasoning is a foundational skill for nurses.
• Nurses use deductive reasoning to interpret patient data. For example: 'All patients with condition X show symptom Y. This patient has condition X. Therefore, I must monitor for symptom Y.'.
• It helps in avoiding logical fallacies when assessing patient situations, ensuring that clinical decisions are based on sound evidence and not just possibilities or assumptions.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the categories in the statements: Windows, Doors, Walls, Rooms.
• Translate each statement into a relationship. 'All A are B' means A is a subset of B. 'Some A are B' means there is an overlap between A and B.
• Visualize these relationships, perhaps by sketching a quick Venn diagram. Place 'Windows' inside 'Doors'. Place 'Walls' inside 'Rooms'. Make 'Walls' and 'Doors' overlap.
• Now, examine each conclusion against your diagram. Ask: 'Does this conclusion HAVE to be true based on my drawing?'
• For Conclusion (I), check if the 'Windows' and 'Walls' circles must overlap. You'll see they don't have to.
• For Conclusion (II), check if the 'Rooms' and 'Windows' circles must overlap. Again, they don't have to. If a conclusion is not a certainty, it does not logically follow.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Syllogisms and Deductive Reasoning
• Stem keywords: All windows are doors, All walls are rooms, Some walls are doors, Statements, Conclusions
• Lead-in keywords: logically follow(s)

Question ID

Q6Gi5CelErE_uEf_WCN4nN

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 2 p. 67-69