Explanation: Statement- Courses of Action | Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI) - CAT PDF Download

What is Statement- Courses of Action?

• A course of action is a step taken to counter a given situation, problem or circumstance, so that either it may completely solve the problem or it may reduce the complexity of the problem and improve the situation. The types of questions that are being asked from this section can be based on two courses of action or three courses of action.
• In daily life, a person faces problems with his work, travel, administration, society, friends, family, and so on. These problems need to be solved and the way of acting or dealing to solve these problems or situations is known as the correct course of action. 
• A course of action is considered appropriate or acceptable only when it completely or partially solves the problem, otherwise not. The problem or situation may vary in different circumstances and so the solution of it will also vary. Therefore, to solve these types of problems a careful analysis of the problem is required to reach the correct course of action. 

Types of Statement and Course of Action Reasoning

Now that we understand the components of questions related to the Statement and Course of Action reasoning section, let's explore the different types of questions that may arise, one by one.

Established Fact

Established type of Statement and Course of Action reasoning are of various types. Let us understand them one by one from below. 

(a) Experiences predict so 
In this type of Statement and Course of Action reasoning, the statement given can be a relatively new one. The solution in this case may not be a universal fact, but the experience predicts that it is true. 

(b) Logical Prediction 
In this type of Statement and Course of Action reasoning, the given course of action can be relatively new one and cannot be a universal fact, but from a logical point of view it is true. 

(c) Prevailing notion of truth
In this type of Statement and Course of Action reasoning, statements will be given and solutions for the same will be considered as a strong solution but it will be not in conformity with the prevailing notion of truth. 

Solve Examples

In this type of questions, a statement is given followed by two courses of action numbered I and II. The candidate is required to grasp the statement, analyse the problem or policy it mentions and then decide which of the courses of action logically follows.
Q1: Statement: The chairman stressed the need for making education system more flexible and regretted that the curriculum has not been revised in keeping with the pace of the changes taking place. 
Arguments: I. Curriculum should be reviewed and revised periodically. 
II. System of education should be made more flexible.
(a) if only I follows
(b) if only II follows
(c) if either I or II follows
(d) if neither I nor II follows
(e) if both I and II follow
Ans: (e)
Sol: Clearly, the situation demands making the education system more flexible and changing it periodically according to the needs of the time. So both the courses follow.

Q2: Statement: Courts take too long in deciding important disputes of various departments.
Arguments: I. Courts should be ordered to speed up matters.
II. Special powers should be granted to officers to settle disputes concerning their department.
(a) if only I follows
(b) if only II follows
(c) if either I or II follows
(d) if neither I nor II follows
(e) if both I and II follow
Ans: (e)
Sol: Clearly, either the work in the court needs to be speeded up or the system be reorganised to that more number of problems can be resolved at the lower levels itself, to provide speedy justice to the people. So, both the courses follow.

Q3: Statement : Every year large number of devotees die due to severe cold on their way to the shrine located at the top of the mountain range.
Arguments: I. The devotees should be discouraged to visit the shrine without having proper warm clothes and other amenities.
II. The government should provide warm clothes and shelter to all the devotees visiting the shrine.
(a) if only I follows
(b) if only II follows
(c) if either I or II follows
(d) if neither I nor II follows
(e) if both I and II follow
Ans: (a)
Sol: Clearly, the problem can be solved by warning the devotees of the excessive cold at the shrine. So, only I follows.

Q4: Statement: The State Government has decided to declare Kala Azar as a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Act. Family members or neighbours of the patient are liable to be punished in case they did not inform the State authorities.
Arguments: I. Efforts should be made to effectively implement the Act.
II. The cases of punishment should be propagated through mass media so that more people become aware of the stern actions.
(a) if only I follows
(b) if only II follows
(c) if either I or II follows
(d) if neither I nor II follows
(e) if both I and II follow
Ans: (e)
Sol: The Act is aimed at eradication of the disease and so it needs to be proclaimed and promoted. So, both the courses follow.

Q5: Statement: The Officer Incharge of a Company had a hunch that some money was missing from the safe.
Arguments: I. He should get it recounted with the help of the staff and check it with the balance sheet.
II. He should inform the police.
(a) if only I follows
(b) if only II follows
(c) if either I or II follows
(d) if neither I nor II follows
(e) if both I and II follow
Ans: (a)
Sol: Clearly, a suspicion first needs to be confirmed and only when it is confirmed, should an action be taken. So, only course I follows.