PrepTest 133

Incorrect. While this answer might provide a motive to mislead bidders about the vase, it doesn't establish that motive, and so it falls short of justifying the application of the principle.

Incorrect. This answer doesn't discuss the beliefs of Healy's at all, so it can't establish they intended to deceive bidders. Outcome doesn't determine intent, so what the bidders did doesn't tell us anything about Healy's motives.

Incorrect. While this answer might suggest the vase's description violated policy, it doesn't indicate that it was done so with an intent to deceive.

Incorrect. The beliefs of "some" staff members don't determine the motives behind a given description.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen (Principle)

Stimulus Summary:
P: Description labeled as opinion but meant to mislead bidders → Misrepresentation

A: Healy's catalog disclaims that all descriptions are opinions, but it described a modern repro vase as mid-18th century, so it was a misrepresentation.

Answer Anticipation:
The principle establishes a key element making a description—even one labeled an opinion—a misrepresentation: it was meant to mislead. There's no indication in the Application that Healy's meant to mislead anyone with their description of a modern reproduction of a vase as mid-18th century, so to justify that being a misrepresentation, the correct answer will have to bring up that intent.

Answer Explanation:
This answer strongly suggests that Healy's was attempting to mislead bidders in that they didn't check with experts and were motivated "merely" by a desire to make more money. This answer does the most to establish that misleading motive, thus doing the most to justify the application of the principle.

Key Takeaway:
Motives are key to finding the correct answer in most questions that mention them. Make sure to pay attention to this motive—and not just actions or outcomes—when they're mentioned. Someone can take an action that runs counter to their motives, and the best of intentions can lead to the worst of outcomes.