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The Dean claimed that, as a result of continued cutbacks in the budget for pure science research, fewer students are choosing a career in physics, and therefore the number of postgraduate students studying physics is likely to decline.
Which of the following, if true, casts most doubt on the Dean's conclusion?
  • a)
    The number of students majoring in physics at the undergraduate level has been increasing steadily over the years, a trend that is expected to continue.
  • b)
    The number of students studying chemistry declined even before cutbacks in research funding were noted.
  • c)
    Most postgraduate students of physics move to careers in computer science and engineering.
  • d)
    The Dean's own university has recently increased the number of staff members teaching physics.
  • e)
    The budget cutbacks are less severe for the pure sciences than for applied sciences.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The Dean claimed that, as a result of continued cutbacks in the budget...
The Dean concludes that the number of postgraduates studying physics is likely to decline. To weaken that conclusion we need to show that there need not be a decline. The best answer is C because it shows that physics students mainly choose careers in applied areas rather than a career in pure science, and it is the pure science that is affected by the cuts. The number of undergraduate students is really irrelevant unless we know something about the percentage that continue in the same field (eliminate A). What is happening in Chemistry is not clearly linked to Physics (eliminate B). Even if staff members increase we cannot be sure that postgraduate students will increase as the staff might be teaching undergraduates or the move might be to improve the staff/student ratio (eliminate D).
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The Dean claimed that, as a result of continued cutbacks in the budget...
Understanding the Dean's Conclusion
The Dean posits that budget cuts in pure science research lead to fewer students pursuing physics, resulting in a decline in postgraduate enrollment. This conclusion hinges on the assumption that a decrease in interest at the undergraduate level translates directly to fewer students continuing their studies in physics.
Why Option C Casts Doubt
Option C states that most postgraduate physics students transition into careers in computer science and engineering. This information is crucial as it highlights an alternative pathway for physics graduates, suggesting that:
- Career Transition: Even if fewer students choose to pursue further studies in physics, it does not necessarily mean they abandon the field altogether. Instead, they may find lucrative opportunities in related areas like computer science and engineering.
- Demand for Physics Skills: The skills acquired in physics are highly transferable and sought after in many industries. This implies that a decline in pure physics postgraduate students could be offset by a strong demand for physics-trained graduates in other sectors.
Implications of Option C
The point raised by Option C challenges the Dean's assertion by indicating that:
- Alternative Career Paths: Students might still be interested in physics but prefer to apply their knowledge in fields with better job prospects.
- Enrollment Statistics: The conclusion drawn about declining postgraduate enrollments may not reflect the overall interest or capability of physics graduates.
In summary, Option C effectively undermines the Dean's conclusion by presenting a realistic perspective on career trajectories for physics graduates, suggesting that the future of physics education may be more promising than implied.
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The Dean claimed that, as a result of continued cutbacks in the budget for pure science research, fewer students are choosing a career in physics, and therefore the number of postgraduate students studying physics is likely to decline.Which of the following, if true, casts most doubt on the Deans conclusion?a)The number of students majoring in physics at the undergraduate level has been increasing steadily over the years, a trend that is expected to continue.b)The number of students studying chemistry declined even before cutbacks in research funding were noted.c)Most postgraduate students of physics move to careers in computer science and engineering.d)The Deans own university has recently increased the number of staff members teaching physics.e)The budget cutbacks are less severe for the pure sciences than for applied sciences.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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The Dean claimed that, as a result of continued cutbacks in the budget for pure science research, fewer students are choosing a career in physics, and therefore the number of postgraduate students studying physics is likely to decline.Which of the following, if true, casts most doubt on the Deans conclusion?a)The number of students majoring in physics at the undergraduate level has been increasing steadily over the years, a trend that is expected to continue.b)The number of students studying chemistry declined even before cutbacks in research funding were noted.c)Most postgraduate students of physics move to careers in computer science and engineering.d)The Deans own university has recently increased the number of staff members teaching physics.e)The budget cutbacks are less severe for the pure sciences than for applied sciences.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about The Dean claimed that, as a result of continued cutbacks in the budget for pure science research, fewer students are choosing a career in physics, and therefore the number of postgraduate students studying physics is likely to decline.Which of the following, if true, casts most doubt on the Deans conclusion?a)The number of students majoring in physics at the undergraduate level has been increasing steadily over the years, a trend that is expected to continue.b)The number of students studying chemistry declined even before cutbacks in research funding were noted.c)Most postgraduate students of physics move to careers in computer science and engineering.d)The Deans own university has recently increased the number of staff members teaching physics.e)The budget cutbacks are less severe for the pure sciences than for applied sciences.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Dean claimed that, as a result of continued cutbacks in the budget for pure science research, fewer students are choosing a career in physics, and therefore the number of postgraduate students studying physics is likely to decline.Which of the following, if true, casts most doubt on the Deans conclusion?a)The number of students majoring in physics at the undergraduate level has been increasing steadily over the years, a trend that is expected to continue.b)The number of students studying chemistry declined even before cutbacks in research funding were noted.c)Most postgraduate students of physics move to careers in computer science and engineering.d)The Deans own university has recently increased the number of staff members teaching physics.e)The budget cutbacks are less severe for the pure sciences than for applied sciences.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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