Logical reasoning PrepTest 152 · Section 1 · Question 23

If A were true, we'd see B. But not A . . . As soon as this answer negates the sufficient condition, it can be eliminated for not matching up.

A, and if A, then B. This answer can be eliminated after we see that the first sentence triggers the conditional in the second sentence, instead of negating the necessary condition.

If A, then B. B . . . As soon as the necessary condition from the conditional is given instead of negated, this answer can be eliminated.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Parallel Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
Adult male dolphins carry sea junk. Researchers thought it was just for fun, but if that were true, then baby and female dolphins would also do it. They don't, so it's more likely a mating display.

Answer Anticipation:
An abstract version of this argument:
If a certain explanation (fun) for a phenomenon (adult male dolphins carrying sea junk) were correct, then another phenomenon (baby and female dolphins carrying sea junk) would also be seen. That phenomenon isn't seen, so another explanation (mating display) is more likely.

Or, even more abstract, if A were true, we'd see B. We don't see B, so probably something other than A.

Answer Explanation:
If A, then B. Not B, so probably not A. This answer isn't a direct match to the stimulus because it concludes probably not A, instead of probably something other than A, but it follows the general structure. After eliminating (E), it becomes clear this answer best matches the structure of the given argument.

Key Takeaway:
When there's conditional language in a Parallel Reasoning question, diagram the argument using conditional notation to see the structure that the correct answer must follow.

If A, then B. Probably A . . . As soon as the sufficient condition is given (even as a probability), this answer can be eliminated for not following the same structure as the given argument.