Logical reasoning PrepTest 123 · Section 2 · Question 10

Question prompt

Double-blind techniques should be Remaining source text redacted.
Why the credited answer is right

Credited answer: B

The notes below walk through why it fits the stem and how to eliminate the rest.

Argument or Facts

Argument

Valid or Flawed

Flawed

Question Type

Main Point Questions

Stimulus Summary

A recommendation is made ("should be used"). A benefit of that recommendation is listed, and the benefit is tied into the recommendation.

Answer Anticipation

Recommendations ("should be used") are almost always conclusions, and the first sentence here is a recommendation. The recommendation—to use double-blind studies—is supported by the stated benefit, so that second clause is a premise.
The last sentence also uses "should," so we should think about whether it's the conclusion here. However, there's no support for it—it just states what scientists should do, not why they should do it. It also supports the recommendation—double-blind studies should be used because they help prevent misinterpretations, which is something scientists should do. Since the last sentence has no support and supports the first sentence, that first sentence is the main point of the argument.

Answer choices

  1. A
    Scientists' objectivity may be Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice A is not credited
    Incorrect. This answer is a portion of the premise stating the benefit of using double-blind studies, so it's not the main point but rather support.
  2. B
    It is advisable for Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice B matches the stem
    Correct. "It is advisable" matches with "should be used," and "as high a proportion . . . as they can" matches with "whenever possible." This answer choice paraphrases the first sentence, which was the main point, so it's correct.
  3. C
    Scientists sometimes neglect to Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice C is not credited
    Incorrect. This answer choice isn't stated in the argument, so it can't be the main point of it.
  4. D
    Whenever possible, scientists should Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice D is not credited
    Incorrect. While this borrows a phrase from the main point of the argument, the rest of the answer choice reflects the last clause, which supported the recommendation to use double-blind studies.
  5. E
    Double-blind experimental techniques are Remaining source text redacted.
    Why choice E is not credited
    Incorrect. This answer choice misses the recommendation made in the conclusion. It also goes a step farther than the stimulus, which discusses being diligent about misinterpretations and biases, and helping to prevent these misinterpretations, not ensuring objectivity. Trap answers in Main Point questions often are a bit stronger than the actual argument!

What this tests

Question analytics

Based on historical answer selection rates for this question.

Answer choice distribution

  1. A 12%
  2. B Credited 35%
  3. C 6%
  4. D 7%
  5. E 40%

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