Logical reasoning PrepTest 144 · Section 3 · Question 18

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Main Point

Stimulus Summary:
A certain type of study is a staple of anthropological research, but its usefulness is overrated because a key flaw is underestimated.

Answer Anticipation:
As soon as the argument pivots ("However"), we should start to consider whether it's pivoting to a conclusion or a premise. We can't always be certain, but we can get a general sense from the type of statement made in the pivot.

Here, the author of the argument states her opinion of an opposing view—anthropologists overrate the usefulness of a certain type of study they commonly engage in. Opinions of opposing points are almost always conclusions, so this is looking like a good candidate for the main point.

The following statement starts with "Although," which generally introduces a concession that the author is going to make to the opposing point, and that pans out here. However, a statement that starts with "although" pivots back to the author's point, generally by showing how that concession doesn't undercut the conclusion and thus supports it. That's the case here—anthropologists underestimate their impact on the community they're living in and studying. This supports the contention that this type of study is overrated by these anthropologists.

We should look for an answer stating that the usefulness of field studies tends to be overrated by anthropologists.

Answer Explanation:
This answer reflects the pivot statement that reflects the author's opinion of the opposing point, supported by the following sentence, making it the main point.
Key Takeaway:
Pivot statements can pivot to a conclusion or a premise. When an argument pivots to an opinion of the opposing point or its argument, it's almost always the main point of the argument.

Incorrect. This is background, defining the key term of the argument.

Incorrect. This is background, giving context for the discussion.

Incorrect. This is a concession made to the opposing point, agreeing that they're aware of a downside to their studies, even if not fully aware of the scale of that issue.

Incorrect. This is the primary support for the conclusion—since they underestimate the effect they have on a community during a field study, they overrate the usefulness of these studies.