PrepTest 121

Incorrect. This answer might allow for a conclusion to be drawn that the current teaching method is unacceptable, but not that a specific alternative should be adopted, as this stimulus concludes.

Incorrect. There's no indication that the classes in question concentrate "mainly" on role-playing—just that it's a part of the class. It also allows only for a conclusion that one type of class is undesirable, not that another should be adopted.

Incorrect. The argument is about teaching ethics, not obliging people to always behave ethically.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen (Principle)

Stimulus Summary:
Current business ethics courses - Mostly consider specific cases and principles
Flaw in that method - It fails to provide a framework for understanding these principles
Conclusion - The method should be changed to include abstract theory

Answer Anticipation:
Strengthen (Principle) questions generally draw a conclusion that has a judgment in it, based on details raised in the premises. Starting with the judgment and identifying the relevant details backing it up is key to tackling these efficiently.

Here, the judgment takes the form of a recommendation—business ethics courses "should" be changed to teach abstract ethical theory. Why is this? Because the current method (teaching specific cases/principles) fails to provide a framework for understanding these specific principles.

The principle (yes, it's confusing when the topic itself is about principles) connecting those two, then, would be something like:
Material should be taught in a manner that provides a framework for understanding specific cases/principles.

Answer Explanation:
This answer is a bit more specific than our anticipation, but it addresses the same issues. If abstract ethical theory is "the most appropriate" context for understanding specific principles, then it justifies using it to teach a framework that can be applied to the specific cases in the class. By establishing the recommended method of teaching as the "most appropriate" in the circumstances, this answer justifies that recommendation.

Key Takeaway:
When the conclusion of an argument in a Strengthen (Principle) question recommends something that was never discussed in the premises, make sure that the answer you select brings that thing up! Here, the conclusion was about abstract ethical theory, which was never mentioned in the premise. Limiting yourself to considering just those answers that mentioned it would have allowed you to get your options down to 2 pretty quickly!

Incorrect. This answer doesn't address abstract ethical theory, so it can't justify the conclusion.