PrepTest 129

Incorrect. The stimulus is about people making investments in companies they publicly praised, not companies they worked for.

Incorrect. The stimulus is about the appearance of bias, not the source of scientific claims.

Incorrect. There's no indication that science writers are privy to any private information.

Incorrect. Investing in advertisers doesn't feature a conflict of interest because the two companies are already tied together economically.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Illustration (Principle)

Stimulus Summary:
Situation - Some writers for scientific journals have praised companies they invest in
Problem - This calls the integrity of science into question
Recommendation - The writers for scientific journals should fully disclose their investments

Answer Anticipation:
When an Illustration question (even a Principle version) gives you a framework or overarching concept through which to understand the situation, listen!

Here, the stimulus relies on a concept that is general enough to apply to a number of situations—"conflict of interest." Based on the highlighted conflict of interest, the author recommends full public disclosure so that the integrity of some institution isn't called into question.

As such, the principle we should go into the answer choices with is something like:
If there's a conflict of interest that could call into question integrity, then there should be full disclosure.

Let's find an answer with a similar conflict of interest that leads to a recommendation of disclosure.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights a situation with a potential conflict of interest. Much as the science writers have a financial interest in praising a company that they've invested in no matter what the science says, financial advisers have a financial interest in promoting investments that they're receiving kickbacks for, regardless of whether they're a good investment for their client.

Key Takeaway:
Illustration questions—any variety—will sometimes directly provide you with the tools you need to find the correct answer, if you know where to look. When one introduces a general concept that it applies in a specific case, the correct answer will likely apply that same concept in another case. Look for them while working through a stimulus, and you'll be able to get through some of these questions much more efficiently.