Logical reasoning PrepTest 144 · Section 3 · Question 5

Incorrect. While this answer might align with the discrepancy (although it is a bit of the opposite of the situation described), it doesn't resolve it—how are these people both efficient and unorganized?

Incorrect. This answer doesn't address efficiency at all, which was a key part of the discrepancy.

Incorrect. This answer doesn't address efficiency at all, and (jokes aside) managers aren't inherently less (or more) efficient than other workers.

Incorrect. This answer establishes that the individuals might go from being below-average organizationally to average or above-average, but it doesn't address their efficiency at all.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary
:Taking a seminar on organization increases organization, but it doesn't increase efficiency.

Answer Anticipation:The question stem asks us to resolve an apparent discrepancy, so we need to start by defining what that discrepancy is. Here, the stimulus notes that despite people who take a seminar on organization becoming more organized, they don't become more efficient. The discrepancy, therefore, must relate to how someone could be more organized than before but no more efficient. Any answer that explains how an increase in being organized wouldn't lead to an increase in efficiency, therefore, will serve to resolve that discrepancy.

Answer Explanation:
Time is inherently related to efficiency. If the individuals who take the seminars end up spending a lot of time organizing their activities, then they may be more organized while taking longer to accomplish tasks, thus eating up any efficiency gains from their newfound organization skills. This answer highlights how an increase in organization might not translate to an increase in efficiency, thus resolving the discrepancy.

Key Takeaway:
Clearly defining the paradox/discrepancy is key to getting the correct answer in a Paradox question. Without knowing what you're trying to explain, you're likely to fall for a trap answer—especially one that aligns with the paradox but doesn't resolve it.