Logical Reasoning

PT110 · S3 · Q2 To acquire a better understanding

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To acquire a better understanding of the structure and development of the human personality, some psychologists study the personalities of animals.

The Practice

Some psychologists study the personalities of animals in order to acquire a better understanding of the structure and development of the human personality.

Evaluate / Goal

Given that psychologists are trying to acquire a better understanding of the structure and development of human personality,

Why is it that they're studying the personalities of animals?

Presumably there are some transferrable takeaways; I guess the underpinnings of personality are somewhat common to animals and humans?

2.

Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the practice mentioned above EXCEPT:

  1. The actions of humans and

    Explains

    Since actions are motivated by similar instincts (whether human or animal), there is some transferability. And since these are easier to discern in animals, it makes sense to use animals as research subjects.

    3% picked this

  2. The law forbids certain experiments

    Explains

    This gives a reason why they would work with animals, rather than humans --- they're not allowed to work on humans.

    3% picked this

  3. It is generally less expensive

    Explains

    This gives a reason why they would work with animals, rather than humans --- experiments on animals are cheaper.

    3% picked this

  4. Correct

    Proper understanding of human personality

    Why this is right

    This reverses the relationship given in the prompt. In the prompt, we were studying the personalities of animals in order to better understand human personalities. This is saying that studying the personality of humans provides a way to better understand the personality of animals. Is it common sense to say "if studying X helps you to understand Y, then studying Y will help you to understand X?" Not really. Studying math will help you to understand quantum physics, but studying quantum physics will not help you understand math. Studying the music of the Beatles will help you understand the music of Nirvana, but studying Nirvana won't help you understand the Beatles. Note that on EXCEPT questions, the correct answer (the one that is actually not helpful) often finds a way to parrot some of the keywords in the prompt so that it seems relevant or useful.

    Skill tested: Paradox · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    89% picked this

  5. Field observations of the behavior

    Explains

    This gives a connection between studying animals and attaining a better understanding of humans. First, come the observations of animals, then come the insightful hypotheses about human personality.

    2% picked this

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