To deduce or imply a conclusion based on evidence is known as what?

The term that describes the act of deducing or implying a conclusion based on evidence is "infer." This cognitive process involves taking the available information or data and drawing a logical conclusion from it. When you infer, you're not just repeating what's stated explicitly but are instead reaching a deeper understanding or insight that goes beyond the surface information provided. This skill is crucial in various contexts, such as reading comprehension, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking, as it allows individuals to make connections and understand underlying meanings rather than merely identifying facts or presenting justifications for them.

The other terms, while related to analytical thinking, do not capture the essence of drawing a conclusion from evidence in the same way that "infer" does. "Justify" relates to providing reasoning or evidence to support a claim. "Identify" focuses on recognizing and naming something without necessarily analyzing it deeply. "Hypothesize" involves proposing a potential explanation that can be tested, which is different from the process of simply drawing conclusions based on existing evidence.