Logical Reasoning

PT134 · S1 · Q11 In considering the fact

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In considering the fact that many people believe that promotions are often given to undeserving employees because the employees successfully flatter their supervisors, a psychologist argued that although many people who flatter their supervisors are subsequently promoted, flattery generally is not the reason for their success, because almost all flattery is so blatant that it is obvious even to those toward whom it is directed.

Evidence

Almost all flattery is so blatant F → O that it is obvious even to those toward whom it is directed.

Conclusion

Flattery is not the reason why F → ~RP people are promoted.

Evaluate

The argument assumes that O → ~RP those who are aware they are being flattered would not let it influence their decision whom to promote.

11.

Which one of the following, if assumed, enables the psychologist's conclusion to be properly drawn?

  1. People in positions of responsibility

    Too Weak

    This might mean that supervisors are on guard for flattery, but this does not ensure that supervisors would not let it influence them.

    4% picked this

  2. Official guidelines for granting promotion

    Too Weak

    Having good guidelines is a far cry from knowing that those guidelines are being effectively implemented.

    5% picked this

  3. Flattery that is not noticed

    Negation

    This negates the ~O ? RP argument’s assumption.

    6% picked this

  4. Many people interpret insincere flattery

    Weaken

    This weakens the argument by making it more likely that flattery would be effective at influencing supervisors on decisions about who gets a promotion.

    1% picked this

  5. Correct

    Supervisors are almost never influenced

    Why this is right

    This bridges the gap O ? ~RP between being obvious to those who are being flattered and not influencing their decisions on whom to promote.

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

    84% picked this

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