Logical reasoning PrepTest 114 · Section 2 · Question 8

Incorrect. The argument never says that the books are "unreasonably" expensive just that they're "very" expensive. Their release being a ploy also doesn't assume that the expense is unreasonable—there could very well be a reasonably priced ploy. In fact that might work even better as the expense could be justified!

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
Books that update library classifications are very expensive, so the publishers must be motivated "just" by making money.

Answer Anticipation:
The conclusion of this argument has two elements that are very frequently related to a flaw in an argument. First it's very strong ("just"); second it discusses motive ("a ploy . . . to make"). Strong statements tend to lack full support in the premises and motives are frequently conflated with outcome.

Here the publishers are undoubtedly making money off of these books but does that mean that they're motivated by making money? Not necessarily—that outcome doesn't determine the motive behind the action. They could be making money off of the books despite releasing and selling them in order to improve library efficiency. And on top of that it certainly doesn't justify a conclusion that the profit motive is the only motive ("just a ploy") for releasing them.

Since the flaws are related here we can anticipate an answer that brings up either or both of them.

Answer Explanation:
This answer reflects both of our anticipated flaws. The argument assumes that a "possible" ulterior motive—making money—is the "only" motive ("just a ploy").

Key Takeaway:
The motive behind an action is almost always relevant to finding the correct answer when it's discussed in a stimulus so pay attention when you see one come up! Motives actions and outcomes aren't always aligned—someone can take an action that isn't aligned with their motives (people are illogical) and the outcome of an action could actually run counter to the motive behind it!

Incorrect. This answer is trying to get you to think that it highlights a flaw since the conclusion states that the frequent changes are just a ploy" to get libraries to buy these books. However even if other organizations buy these books that doesn't mean that the motive of the publishers isn't just related to libraries. As such the argument doesn't fail to consider whether there are other purchasers as that possibility doesn't contradict or undermine the stimulus.

Incorrect. The argument concludes that the "frequent" changes to the system are "just a ploy" so it doesn't assume that there's "no need ever" to make such changes.

Incorrect. If anything, the argument assumes that libraries are on a budget and thus can't just throw money at these updates without it being a justified expense that requires a ploy on the part of publishers to convince them of, so it doesn't fail to consider this.