Test: Similar Reasoning - GMAT MCQ

According to the economists’ argument, “the economic benefits achieved by voting are so negligible that the cost is never worth it.” If the economic benefit is never worth the cost, there must be some other reason people vote. Choice E states this.
The proportion of voters is not mentioned, so choice A is out of scope. Choice B may seem tempting, since this might lessen transportations costs, but it is not a necessary inference. Choice C is contradicted by the passage and choice and D is not necessarily true based on the information in the passage.

The given text presents a flawed reasoning by the inspector. Let's analyze the options and find the one that exhibits a similar flaw in its reasoning:

(A) The campers at Big Lake Camp, all of whom became ill this afternoon, have eaten food only from the camp cafeteria. Therefore, the cause of the illness must not have been something they ate.

• This option presents a similar flaw to the inspector's reasoning. The reasoning assumes that since the campers only ate food from the camp cafeteria, the cause of their illness must not be related to something they ate. However, this reasoning overlooks the possibility that the food from the camp cafeteria might be the source of their illness. Just like the inspector's reasoning, it jumps to a conclusion without considering alternative explanations.

(B) The second prototype did not perform as well in inclement weather as did the first prototype. Hence, the production of the second prototype might have deviated from the design followed for the first.

• This option does not exhibit a similar flaw to the inspector's reasoning. It suggests that the performance difference between the two prototypes could be attributed to a deviation in production. This reasoning considers a plausible explanation for the difference and does not jump to a hasty conclusion.

(C) Each of the swimmers at this meet more often loses than wins. Therefore, it is unlikely that any of them will win.

• This option does not exhibit a similar flaw to the inspector's reasoning. While it makes a prediction based on past performance, it does not ignore other factors that could contribute to a different outcome. It is a reasonable inference rather than a flawed reasoning.

(D) All of Marjorie’s cavities are on the left side of her mouth. Hence, she must chew more on the left side than on the right.

• This option does not exhibit a similar flaw to the inspector's reasoning. It draws a conclusion based on a specific observation and does not exclude other potential factors that could contribute to the cavities being on the left side.

(E) All of these tomato plants are twice as big as they were last year. So if we grow peas, they will probably be twice as big as last year’s peas.

This option does not exhibit a similar flaw to the inspector's reasoning. It presents a reasonable inference based on a comparison of the growth of tomato plants and peas, without disregarding other factors that could influence the growth.

Therefore, the option that exhibits a flaw in its reasoning most similar to that in the inspector's reasoning is (A) The campers at Big Lake Camp, all of whom became ill this afternoon, have eaten food only from the camp cafeteria. Therefore, the cause of the illness must not have been something they ate.

The given text presents a conditional statement: "If the dog is a collie, it will shed its downy undercoat only in the spring." It then provides evidence that the dog shed in the spring, leading to the conclusion that it must be a collie.

To find a selection that demonstrates the same reasoning, we need to look for an argument that presents a conditional statement, provides evidence supporting one part of the condition, and draws a conclusion based on that evidence.

Let's analyze each option:

(A) In the winter time in the mountains, it frequently snows. Three inches of snow fell last night, so it must be winter.

• This option presents a conditional statement: "In the winter time in the mountains, it frequently snows." It then provides evidence that three inches of snow fell last night, leading to the conclusion that it must be winter. This matches the same reasoning pattern as the given text.

(B) When the wind sweeps down from the mountains, a cold front will follow right behind. Right now the winds are gusting up to 40 mph, so a cold front must be on its way.

• This option presents a causal relationship: "When the wind sweeps down from the mountains, a cold front will follow right behind." It then provides evidence that the winds are gusting up to 40 mph, leading to the conclusion that a cold front must be on its way. While it involves a cause-and-effect relationship, it doesn't match the same reasoning pattern as the given text.

(C) The crystal paperweights in Sharon’s paperweight collection are always dusted very carefully. The red paperweight is not handled carefully when dusted, so it must not be a crystal paperweight.

• This option presents an observation about how crystal paperweights are treated and provides evidence that the red paperweight is not handled carefully. It then concludes that the red paperweight must not be a crystal paperweight. This reasoning pattern differs from the given text, as it's focused on an observation and doesn't involve a conditional statement.

(D) One more hard frost would kill the tomato plants. But a week later, the tomato plants were still alive. Therefore, a hard frost must not have occurred within the last week.

• This option presents a conditional statement: "One more hard frost would kill the tomato plants." It then provides evidence that the tomato plants were still alive a week later, leading to the conclusion that a hard frost must not have occurred within the last week. This matches the same reasoning pattern as the given text.

(E) One must be very coordinated like Franklin to be a good drummer. However, Franklin’s inability to read music will prevent him from being a good drummer.

• This option presents a conditional statement: "One must be very coordinated like Franklin to be a good drummer." It then provides evidence that Franklin's inability to read music, leading to the conclusion that he will not be a good drummer. Although it involves a conditional statement, the evidence doesn't support one part of the condition but rather opposes the conclusion. Therefore, it doesn't match the same reasoning pattern as the given text.

Based on the analysis, option (A) is the correct choice. It presents a conditional statement, provides evidence supporting one part of the condition, and draws a conclusion based on that evidence, just like the given text.

Let's go through each option and analyze whether it fits the description of a "nemesis" based on the provided definition:

(A) A character who is punished by the god for a harmful act that was committed unintentionally:

• This option aligns with the idea of retribution for an act, but it does not necessarily involve hubris or haughty transgression of cultural norms. It does not explicitly mention prideful or haughty behavior, so it may not fully capture the essence of a nemesis.

(B) A powerful warrior who is sent to avenge the murder of the King's nephew:

• While this option involves a character seeking retribution, it does not mention hubris or haughty transgression of cultural norms. Therefore, it may not be the best example of a nemesis.

(C) The blinding of a King whose unhappiness throughout his life was the result of a symbolic blindness:

• This option seems to suggest that the King's blindness is a metaphorical representation of his unhappiness and suffering. While it does not explicitly mention retribution or punishment, it hints at the consequences that befall the King due to his actions. However, the connection to hubris or haughty transgression of cultural norms is not clearly stated.

(D) The fated fall from power of a brutal tyrant who linked himself to a god:

• This option mentions a brutal tyrant who associates himself with a god. It implies a connection to hubris and haughty behavior, as the tyrant seeks power beyond his rightful place and links himself to a higher entity. The description of a "fated fall" suggests a form of retribution for his actions. This option aligns well with the definition of a nemesis.

(E) A parent who punishes her child for getting in trouble at school:

• While this option involves punishment for a child's actions, it does not capture the notion of retribution or consequences for hubris or haughty transgression of cultural norms. It seems to describe a more typical disciplinary situation rather than a nemesis scenario.

Based on the provided information and the definition of a nemesis, option (D) - "The fated fall from power of a brutal tyrant who linked himself to a god" - appears to be the best example of a nemesis. It encompasses the elements of hubris, haughty transgression of cultural norms, and retribution.

It presents a flawed argument and asks you to identify the reasoning error. Let's analyze each answer choice to understand why the correct answer is (C).

(A) The reasoning error in this answer choice is that it assumes a correlation between having a large vocabulary and reaching the top in the business world without providing any evidence or logical connection between the two. The fact that top executives generally have larger vocabularies does not justify Sheldon's belief.

(B) This answer choice presents a case where new evidence supports Emily's long-held belief about the health hazards of apples. However, the flawed reasoning lies in assuming that one specific incident from her childhood is enough to justify her general belief about all apples being unhealthy.

(C) This answer choice matches the flawed reasoning in the original argument. It explains that Joan's belief about cats not being good pets is completely understandable based on her childhood experiences of being severely punished when playing with her father's Siamese cat. However, the flawed reasoning lies in assuming that these early experiences fully justify her present belief that all cats are not good pets.

(D) This answer choice presents a case where studies show a correlation between irritability in well-behaved children and symptoms of viral infections the next day. However, the reasoning error here is assuming that misbehavior must always be paid for, based solely on this correlation, without considering other possible causes of misbehavior.

(E) This answer choice presents an opinion based on personal experiences. While Sumayia may have insight into what it takes to be a successful pianist based on her family's background, the flawed reasoning here is assuming that her opinion about her friend Anthony's lack of drive is undoubtedly justified solely based on her own experiences and the experiences of others.

In summary, the flawed reasoning in the biographer's argument is most similar to answer choice (C). It assumes that early experiences justify a present belief without considering other factors or possibilities.

Let's break down the question and examine each answer choice:

(A) The discovery of the vaccine for smallpox resulted from observing the effect of the cowpox virus on the hands of dairy workers.

• This statement supports the argument's main point by providing an example of a major social advance (the discovery of the smallpox vaccine) that resulted from studying the effects of a particular virus on humans.

(B) The major source of our pharmaceutical supplies is plants, some of them commonly thought of as weeds.

• This statement supports the argument's main point by highlighting the importance of plants in providing pharmaceutical supplies, demonstrating that their worth may not be initially perceived.

(C) Certain antibiotics were originally derived from mold growing on cantaloupes.

• This statement supports the argument's main point by showing that valuable medical advancements, such as certain antibiotics, can be derived from unexpected sources like mold on cantaloupes.

(D) Plastic is a unique product derived from petroleum and petroleum by-products.

• This statement does not support the argument's main point about the importance of preserving endangered species and the potential benefits they may provide. It discusses the uniqueness of plastic derived from petroleum, which is unrelated to the value of endangered species.

(E) Hamsters and other rodents have played an important role in laboratory tests of medicine for use on humans.

• This statement supports the argument's main point by providing another example of the important role animals, specifically rodents, have played in advancing medicine for humans.

Based on the explanations above, we can see that answer choice (D) does not support the argument's main point and is the correct answer. It discusses plastic derived from petroleum, which is unrelated to the argument's focus on the value and potential benefits of endangered species.

The psychologist supports this claim by referencing a recent study where an eleven-year-old boy played a violent video game and then committed a similar violent crime. The weakness in the psychologist's argument is asked to be identified by comparing it to one of the provided examples of reasoning.

Let's examine each option and find the one that is most similar to the psychologist's argument:

(A) This example states that a homeschooled student won the national spelling bee, implying that homeschooling is a valid form of education. The weakness in this reasoning is that it generalizes the success of one homeschooled student to all homeschooled students. Just because one student excels in a competition does not mean that all homeschooled students will have the same outcome.

(B) This example suggests that a home decorating program offers excellent do-it-yourself tips, implying that all homeowners planning to redecorate can utilize the program's resources. The weakness in this reasoning is that it assumes that all homeowners have the same level of skill and interest in do-it-yourself projects. It overlooks individual differences and preferences.

(C) This example argues that a university known for training elementary school teachers has over 200 graduates ready to enter the school system, implying that all of these graduates will make excellent teachers. The weakness in this reasoning is that it assumes that the value of the university's program guarantees the excellence of all graduates. It overlooks the fact that individual abilities and dedication can vary among graduates.

(D) This example suggests that a nutritional supplement company should stock a product because a well-known celebrity experienced positive results from taking it. The weakness in this reasoning is that it relies solely on the celebrity's experience without considering other factors such as scientific evidence or regulatory approvals.

(E) This example argues that schools should add music classes to the curriculum because studies show that music classes broaden students' minds and increase awareness for other subjects. The weakness in this reasoning is that it assumes that all students will benefit equally from music classes without considering individual preferences, talents, or learning styles.

Among the options, option (A) is most similar to the psychologist's argument. Both arguments make a generalization based on a single instance without considering individual differences or other potential factors. The psychologist's argument assumes that the violent video game directly caused the child to commit a violent act, while option (A) assumes that one homeschooled student's success represents all homeschooled students' abilities.

There are several flaws in the recording studio owner's argument. Answer choices A and E match the unproven claim that just because no past electronic Hammond clone has matched the original then no future one can. B matches his claim that because professionals reject the new options then no other market (e.g. amateurs) will emerge. C matches the idea that the old-fashioned experience cannot be replicated by modern technology. D suggests that the use of old techniques will bring about success, something which is actually not supported by the passage. Just because the passage suggests that new technology will fail to reproduce an old sound does not mean that reusing of the old ideas will bring about success. Answer choice D is correct.

The given argument states that at South Gate Mall, mattresses are only sold at Mattress Madness, and every mattress at Mattress Madness is on sale at a 20 percent discount. Therefore, the conclusion drawn is that every mattress for sale at South Gate Mall is on sale at a 20 percent discount.

Now, let's analyze each option:

(A) The argument in option (A) talks about Diane's apartment and her refrigerator. It states that the only food in Diane's apartment is in her refrigerator, and all the food she purchased within the past week is in her refrigerator. The conclusion drawn is that she purchased all the food in her apartment within the past week. This argument is not similar in its reasoning to the given argument about mattresses.

(B) The argument in option (B) also involves Diane's apartment and her refrigerator. It states that Diane's refrigerator and all the food in it are in her apartment, and she purchased all the food in her refrigerator within the past week. The conclusion drawn is that she purchased all the food in her apartment within the past week. This argument is slightly similar to the given argument, as it involves the relationship between the contents of Diane's refrigerator and her apartment, but it is not an exact match.

(C) The argument in option (C) is most similar to the given argument. It states that all the food in Diane's apartment is in her refrigerator, and Diane purchased all the food in her refrigerator within the past week. The conclusion drawn is that she purchased all the food in her apartment within the past week. This argument closely mirrors the structure of the given argument, as it establishes a relationship between the contents of the refrigerator and the entire apartment.

(D) The argument in option (D) involves Diane's apartment and her refrigerator. It states that the only food in Diane's apartment is in her refrigerator, and Diane purchased all the food in her refrigerator within the past week. The conclusion drawn is that all the food she purchased within the past week is in her apartment. This argument is not similar in its reasoning to the given argument about mattresses.

(E) The argument in option (E) discusses the food that Diane has purchased within the past week and its location in her apartment and refrigerator. The conclusion drawn is that all the food in her apartment is in her refrigerator. This argument is not similar in its reasoning to the given argument.

Based on the analysis above, option (C) is the most similar argument in its reasoning to the given argument about mattresses. Therefore, the correct answer is (C).

Let's analyze each answer choice to find the one that exhibits flawed reasoning most similar to the argument:

(A) This answer choice does not exhibit the same flawed reasoning. It presents a logical conclusion based on the premise that the company should replace its computers with more powerful models.

(B) This answer choice exhibits similar flawed reasoning to the argument. It concludes that the use of drugs for the treatment of anxiety should be discontinued based on the premise that some antianxiety drugs have addictive and life-threatening side effects. The flawed reasoning lies in making a broad generalization and recommending complete discontinuation of all drugs for anxiety treatment based on the negative characteristics of some drugs.

(C) This answer choice presents flawed reasoning, but it is not similar to the argument. It concludes that all intoxicated drivers are dangerous based on current highway safety data, and therefore recommends getting intoxicated drivers off the roads. The flawed reasoning here is the assumption that all intoxicated drivers are dangerous, which may not be accurate in every case.

(D) This answer choice does not exhibit the same flawed reasoning. It presents a logical conclusion based on the premise that the longer fruit is kept, the more likely it is to become rotten. The conclusion to throw away the peaches is based on the fact that they have been kept for a rather long time.

(E) This answer choice does not exhibit the same flawed reasoning. It concludes that the budget should be replaced by a more realistic one based on the premise that revenue figures for past years show the assumption of increasing revenue to be untenable. The conclusion is logical and does not suffer from the same flawed reasoning as the argument.

Among the answer choices, (B) is the one that exhibits flawed reasoning most similar to the argument. It draws a broad conclusion about the entire category of drugs for anxiety treatment based on the negative characteristics of some drugs, similar to how the argument draws a broad conclusion about all dichotomous classifications.