Logical Reasoning

PT134 · S2 · Q14 For one academic year

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For one academic year all the students at a high school were observed.

Apparent Paradox

The students who spent the most time studying did not earn grades as high as did many students who studied less.

Nonetheless, the researchers concluded that the results of the observation supported the initial hypothesis that studying more increased a student’s chances of earning a higher grade.

Evaluate

While the observation compares students with other students, the hypothesis compares one student’s grades at different amounts of study time.

14.

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain why the researchers drew the conclusion described above?

  1. The students who spent the

    Irrelevant Comparison

    This answer compares some students with other students. This type of comparison cannot support the hypothesis that compares each student to themself.

    15% picked this

  2. The students tended to get

    Too Weak

    Without knowing that students spent less time studying as the year progressed, this cannot support the comparison in the hypothesis.

    2% picked this

  3. Correct

    In each course, the more

    Why this is right

    This supports the researchers’ hypothesis because this shows that for every student additional study improved their grade. It also fits the observation, while pointing to a different comparison.

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

    70% picked this

  4. The students who spent the

    Out of Scope

    Extracurricular activities are not relevant to whether additional study increases a student’s chances of earning a higher grade.

    4% picked this

  5. Students who spent more time

    Irrelevant Comparison

    This answer compares some students with other students. This type of comparison cannot support the hypothesis that compares each student to themself.

    10% picked this

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