PrepTest 122

Incorrect. The argument doesn't overlook this possibility—the Counselor would expect this person to be both self-disparaging and dismissive of others (a real peach). This answer would only be correct if the outcomes were mutually exclusive, or if the conclusion stated that one can't compare themselves to both groups.

Incorrect. The conclusion of the argument isn't that comparing oneself to these groups is a good or bad thing overall, or that one should refrain from doing so—it limits itself to discussing two specific downsides (or upsides, if they're avoided). As such, other benefits of such comparisons are out of scope.

Incorrect. Firstly, that's not really an assumption—that's more or less what the words mean. Secondly, the argument doesn't assume that being either of these things prevents the other; it argues that not having the cause of these things guarantees the other. Subtle difference, but enough to invalidate this answer.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
Comparing yourself to your idols results in self-disparagement
Comparing yourself to those you look down on results in you being dismissive of others
So if you don't compare yourself to others, you won't be self-disparaging or dismissive of others

Answer Anticipation:
The argument in the stimulus brings up some pretty strong causal relationships—comparing yourself to those you view as better leads to self-disparagement, and to those you view as worse leads to being dismissive of others. Not great!

But then it concludes that not comparing yourself to these groups will mean that you don't end up at either of those bad places. It's possible, however, that there could be other things that would lead you to be self-disparaging, or to be dismissive of others. This argument is like saying eating a whole pizza will make you full, so not doing so will keep you hungry. That's not the case if you eat an entire 2-foot submarine sandwich!

Answer Explanation:
The argument establishes that comparing yourself to others leads to certain outcomes, and then concludes that not comparing yourself to others will thus preclude those outcomes. However, it's possible that there are other ways to end up self-disparaging or dismissive of others, as this answer states. It therefore highlights a possibility the argument overlooks, so it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Causal relationships aren't exclusive—unless specifically noted, a given effect always potentially has other causes.

Incorrect. The argument doesn't discuss what happens to people who compare themselves to those who are their equals, but it also doesn't assume that this group doesn't exist. It just assumes that this group, if it does exist, is much smaller than the other two groups so that "on the whole" what's true of them is true of the average person.