Logical reasoning PrepTest 122 · Section 4 · Question 9

Incorrect. The argument doesn't need a principle that justifies the reliability of a medical publication. That those publications are reliable is a premise, so this answer doesn't present a connection relevant to the argument.

Incorrect. The question isn't whether the herbal tinctures are effective or not, but rather whether that means they won't sell.

Incorrect. The Executive also consulted members of her advisory staff, so this answer doesn't apply to the situation in the stimulus.

Incorrect. There's no indication in the stimulus that the herbal tinctures have adverse effects—or any effects at all.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen (Principle)

Stimulus Summary:
Goal - Make more money
Approach - Sell herbal tinctures
Problem - Herbal tinctures don't work
Conclusion - This approach won't help reach the goal

Answer Anticipation:
Strengthen (Principle) questions generally reach a judgment in the conclusion, and the correct answer justifies that judgment based on the details in the premises. In this case, the "judgment" is a prediction—an approach to a goal won't be effective.

What's the goal in this case? Making money. What's the approach? Selling herbal tinctures. Why does the Executive believe it won't work? Because herbal tinctures don't work.

So to justify the conclusion, the Executive is assuming that a product that doesn't work won't sell well, thus driving up profits. But that's not established as true—people buy stuff that doesn't work all the time, especially in the "pop" medicine world. Let's find an answer that establishes that as true.

Answer Explanation:
There are a number of reliable authorities that claim herbal tinctures are ineffective, so this answer justifies a conclusion that selling such tinctures won't be profitable. This answer connects the premises to the prediction in the conclusion, so it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
For Strengthen (Principle) questions, always start with the conclusion, and then identify why the author believes it to be true. Find an answer that connects those details with the conclusion.