Q.7 A poll of students appearing for masters in engineering indicated that 60 % of the students believed
that mechanical engineering is a profession unsuitable for women. A research study on women with
masters or higher degrees in mechanical engineering found that 99 % of such women were
successful in their professions.
Which of the following can be logically inferred from the above paragraph?
(A) Many students have misconceptions regarding various engineering disciplines.
(B) Men with advanced degrees in mechanical engineering believe women are well suited to be
mechanical engineers.
(C) Mechanical engineering is a profession well suited for women with masters or higher degrees
in mechanical engineering.
(D) The number of women pursuing higher degrees in mechanical engineering is small.
Mechanical engineering has long been viewed as a male-dominated field, but data from polls and studies challenges these stereotypes. A key question from competitive exams tests logical inference skills using real-world stats: A poll shows 60% of master’s engineering students believe mechanical engineering is unsuitable for women, yet a study reveals 99% of women with master’s or higher in the field are successful professionally.
This paradox highlights biases in perceptions versus reality. Below, we break down the question, identify the correct answer (D), and explain why other options fail logically. Perfect for GATE, CAT, or logical reasoning prep focusing on the key phrase logical inference mechanical engineering women poll.
The Question and Passage
Passage: “A poll of students appearing for masters in engineering indicated that 60% of the students believed that mechanical engineering is a profession unsuitable for women. A research study on women with masters or higher degrees in mechanical engineering found that 99% of such women were successful in their professions.”
Options:
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(A) Many students have misconceptions regarding various engineering disciplines.
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(B) Men with advanced degrees in mechanical engineering believe women are well suited to be mechanical engineers.
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(C) Mechanical engineering is a profession well suited for women with masters or higher degrees in mechanical engineering.
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(D) The number of women pursuing higher degrees in mechanical engineering is small.
Correct Answer: (D) The Number of Women Pursuing Higher Degrees in Mechanical Engineering is Small
Why (D) is logically inferred:
The passage creates a stark contrast: 60% of students (a large group) hold a negative view, implying mechanical engineering is “unsuitable” for women. Yet, among women who actually pursue and complete master’s or higher degrees in the field, 99% succeed professionally.
This high success rate (99%) doesn’t directly address suitability—success proves capability after entry, not that the field attracts many women. Logically, if many women pursued these degrees, you’d expect some public awareness or data challenging the 60% misconception. The poll’s prevalence suggests the opposite: few women enter, making them a rare success story unnoticed by most students.
Key logical inference: The existence of a study on these women implies some exist, but the poll’s dominance points to their small numbers. No other quantity (e.g., total women engineers) is mentioned, making small numbers the only direct, non-speculative inference. This avoids assumptions about causation or generalization.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Let’s evaluate each logically, using structured reasoning to spot flaws common in logical inference mechanical engineering women poll questions.
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(A) Many students have misconceptions regarding various engineering disciplines.
Flawed: The poll shows 60% view mechanical engineering as unsuitable for women, contradicted by the 99% success. This infers a misconception about mechanical engineering for women, not “various engineering disciplines.” “Various” broadens it unsupported by the passage—classic overgeneralization error. -
B) Men with advanced degrees in mechanical engineering believe women are well suited to be mechanical engineers.
Flawed: The poll surveys “students appearing for masters,” not advanced-degree holders (who could be men or women). No gender breakdown or opinions from professionals are given. This assumes unstated details, violating inference rules. -
(C) Mechanical engineering is a profession well suited for women with masters or higher degrees in mechanical engineering.
Flawed: 99% success shows these women thrive post-degree, but “well suited” implies inherent fit (e.g., easier for women). Correlation ≠ causation—the field might suit anyone qualified. The poll suggests perceived barriers to entry, not suitability for graduates. Too strong a claim.
Key Takeaways for Exam Prep
| Aspect | Inference Strength | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Poll Data (60%) | Strong bias indicator | Highlights perception gap |
| Study Data (99%) | Proves success post-entry | But doesn’t quantify entrants |
| Best Inference | Small numbers (D) | Direct from contrast, no extras |
| Common Traps | Overgeneralization (A, C) | Adds unstated info |
This question tests inference vs. assumption: Stick to what’s given. For more on logical inference mechanical engineering women poll-style problems, practice distinguishing facts from implications.
