HPAT-Ireland flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Contrapositive

The logically equivalent form of 'If P then Q', namely 'If not Q then not P'. Unlike the converse, it preserves truth value in every case.

Converse error

Assuming 'If P then Q' implies 'If Q then P'. This inference is invalid; the original conditional says nothing about what follows from Q.

Unless translation

'P unless Q' means 'If not Q, then P'. Equivalently, it means 'If not P, then Q'. Treat 'unless' as introducing the necessary condition.

Only if

'P only if Q' means P implies Q, so Q is necessary for P. It does not mean Q implies P; that would be the converse.

Negating universal statement

The negation of 'All A are B' is 'Some A are not B', not 'No A are B'. Only one counterexample is needed to falsify a universal claim.

Some statements

'Some A are B' asserts at least one A is B. It does not imply 'Some A are not B', and it does imply at least one A exists.

Work-rate formula

For tasks done together, 1/T = 1/a + 1/b, where a and b are individual times and T is the combined time. Solve for T by taking the reciprocal.

Data sufficiency test

A statement is sufficient only if it yields exactly one determinate answer. If two different values satisfy it, the statement is insufficient.

Linear arrangement count

The number of distinct orderings of n distinct items is n factorial. If some items are identical, divide by the factorial of each repeated group.

Empathy versus sympathy

Empathy names and validates the other person's feeling; sympathy expresses your own reaction to their situation. Empathic responses are usually preferred in care scenarios.

Active listening behaviours

Reflecting back content, asking open questions, summarizing, and tolerating silence. Interrupting or giving premature advice signals weaker interpersonal skill.

Assertive request structure

State the observation, the impact, then the request: 'When X happens, I feel Y; could we Z?' This differs from aggression, which attacks the person.

Informed consent elements

Consent requires capacity, adequate information, and voluntariness. A patient lacking capacity is supported through best-interests decision-making, not assumed agreement.

Confidentiality minimum

Disclose only the minimum information necessary, and only to those who need to know for care. Broad or casual disclosure is a common distractor error.

Constructive conflict response

Acknowledges both parties' perspectives and proposes a concrete next step. Options that assign blame or ignore one side are typical distractors.

Stated feeling versus need

The literal words may express anger while the underlying need is reassurance or information. Correct answers address the implied need, not just the surface emotion.

Cultural communication check

Power and cultural differences shape meaning. Checking understanding and adapting language is preferred over assuming shared interpretation of terms.

Rotation versus reflection

Rotation preserves orientation and shape; reflection reverses chirality. A figure that cannot be rotated into the target must be a mirror image.

Counting independent features

Track sides, enclosed regions, intersections, symmetry lines, and fill separately. Each may follow its own rule within the same sequence.

Simplest rule first

Test +1 step, alternation, and doubling before complex rules. Sequences usually follow the simplest consistent pattern across all given figures.

Matrix row then column

Check the rule across rows first, then columns, then both. The missing cell must usually satisfy a row rule and a column rule at once.

Fill as separate dimension

Shading, hatching, and fill often change independently of outline shape. Treat fill as its own rotating or alternating sequence.

Odd-one-out strategy

Identify the property shared by all but one figure: symmetry, number of regions, curves versus straight lines, or open versus closed outlines.

Fold-and-punch unfolding

Unfold in reverse order, mirroring each hole across every fold line. Hole count doubles per unfold unless holes overlap or fall on a fold.

Position versus shape rule

A dot may move one vertex clockwise per step while the outer shape gains a side every two steps. Separate position rules from shape rules.

Subject-verb agreement

The verb agrees with the head noun, not the nearest noun. 'The list of items is long' is correct; 'are long' is wrong.

Dangling modifier

An introductory phrase must describe the subject of the main clause. 'Walking home, I saw the sign' is correct; 'Walking home, the sign was seen' is not.

Comma splice

Two independent clauses joined by a comma alone. Use a semicolon, a period, or a coordinating conjunction to correct it.

Fewer versus less

'Fewer' counts discrete items; 'less' counts mass nouns. Likewise 'number' pairs with count nouns and 'amount' with mass nouns.

Parallel structure

Items in a list or comparison must share grammatical form: 'reading, writing, and running', not 'reading, writing, and to run'.

Unambiguous pronoun reference

A pronoun such as 'it' or 'they' should point to a single clear antecedent. Ambiguous reference forces the reader to guess the intended noun.