Civil Service and Municipal Service Computer Testing flashcards

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

Main idea

The central claim a passage is written to support. It must be broad enough to cover every paragraph and specific enough to exclude unrelated topics.

Inference versus assumption

An inference follows necessarily from stated evidence. An assumption is an unstated premise the argument needs, tested by denying it.

Scope shift

An answer choice that is true but broader, narrower, or about a different group than the passage. It is incorrect despite being factually accurate.

Percentage change formula

Subtract the old value from the new value, divide by the old value, then multiply by 100. Always divide by the original, not the new, value.

Successive percentage changes

Convert each change to a multiplier (plus 20% is 1.20, minus 10% is 0.90) and multiply them. A 20% rise then 10% fall gives 1.08, a net 8% rise.

Compound interest

Interest earned on principal plus accumulated interest: amount equals principal times (1 plus rate) raised to the number of periods, minus the principal.

Combined work rate

If one worker finishes in a days, the daily rate is 1/a. Add the rates of all workers, then take the reciprocal to get the time together.

Contrapositive rule

If P then Q is logically equivalent to if not Q then not P. The converse, if Q then P, is not equivalent and is a common trap.

Necessary versus sufficient condition

A necessary condition must hold for the outcome but does not guarantee it. A sufficient condition guarantees the outcome whenever it holds.

Syllogism with some premises

Two premises containing some never justify an all conclusion. Valid conclusions from some premises must themselves contain some.

Rotation versus reflection

Rotation turns a figure and preserves handedness. Reflection mirrors it and reverses handedness, so a mirrored figure is never a rotation.

Escalation trigger

Refer upward when the matter exceeds your authority, threatens safety, or involves suspected fraud or misconduct. Handle routine errors locally.

Conflict of interest declaration

Disclose in writing any personal, family, or financial interest that could affect an official decision, then withdraw from that decision.

Lowest effective escalation

Resolve an issue at the least senior level that has authority and resources to fix it, staying within policy and recording the action.

Due process elements

Notice of the case, a genuine opportunity to respond, and a decision made by an unbiased decision-maker who gives reasons.

Separation of powers

The legislature makes law, the executive implements it, and the judiciary interprets it and reviews official action for legality.

Rule of law

Officials may act only under legal authority. Discretion must be exercised within statutory limits, in good faith, and for proper purposes.

Merit-based recruitment

Selection and promotion based on published, job-related criteria applied consistently to all applicants, excluding patronage and personal favouritism.

Absolute versus relative reference

In spreadsheets, $A$1 stays fixed when copied, while A1 shifts by the same offset. Use absolute references for fixed rates and constants.

Filter versus sort

Sorting permanently reorders rows. Filtering only hides rows, so totals over filtered data need SUBTOTAL rather than SUM.

Phishing indicators

Mismatched sender domain, urgent pressure, unexpected attachments, and links whose real address differs from the displayed text.

Multi-factor authentication

Login requiring two different factors, such as a password plus a one-time code or hardware key, so a stolen password alone is insufficient.

Percentage points versus percent

A change from 10% to 13% is 3 percentage points, but a 30 percent increase. Mixing the two overstates or understates change.

Pie chart limitation

A pie chart shows the composition of a single total at one point in time. It cannot show trends or compare separate totals.

Weighted average

Multiply each value by its weight, sum the products, and divide by the sum of the weights. Ignoring weights misstates the overall average.

CAGR formula

Compound annual growth rate equals the end value divided by the start value, raised to the power of one over the number of years, minus one.

Truncated axis effect

When a chart's vertical axis does not start at zero, modest differences appear large. Check the baseline before drawing conclusions.

Correlation versus causation

Two variables moving together may share a third cause, or the direction may be reversed. Association alone does not establish cause.

Tone question strategy

Identify adjectives, adverbs, and qualifiers that reveal the author's attitude, then choose the option matching that evidence rather than the topic.

Ratio scaling

To combine ratios, convert them to a common term using the least common multiple, then compare the resulting parts directly.

Number series strategy

Test differences first, then ratios, then alternating sub-series at odd and even positions, then squares, cubes, and primes.

Confidentiality principle

Personal data is shared only with staff who need it to deliver the service. Curiosity, convenience, or seniority alone is not a lawful basis.

Audit and legislative oversight

Audit institutions examine spending against rules and report to the legislature, which holds the executive accountable independently of the spending department.