Identifying Assumptions in UCAT Questions

This lesson teaches you the negation test — the single most powerful technique for identifying assumptions in UCAT Decision Making questions. Mastering this test gives you a reliable, systematic method that works on every assumption question, even under time pressure.

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The Negation Test

The negation test is based on a simple principle: if an assumption is true, then negating it should weaken or destroy the argument.

How It Works

1. Take the proposed assumption and negate it (flip it to its opposite).
2. Re-read the argument with the negated statement in mind.
3. If the argument breaks down (the conclusion no longer follows), the original statement IS an assumption.
4. If the argument still holds (the conclusion is unaffected), the original statement is NOT an assumption.

Worked Example

Argument: "The hospital should introduce a new appointment booking system. Patient surveys show that 60% of patients are dissatisfied with the current system."

Proposed assumption: Patient dissatisfaction with the booking system can be resolved by changing the system.

Apply the negation test:

Negate it: "Patient dissatisfaction with the booking system CANNOT be resolved by changing the system."