PrepTest 150

Incorrect. If anything, this answer provides a reason to be afraid of scientists, which runs counter to the scientist's conclusion.

Incorrect. The argument doesn't mention people's level of understanding of science, and it's also about how people actually feel, not how they'd feel under certain circumstances.

Incorrect. If anything, this answer provides a reason for people to be fearful of something, while the argument is about a lack of fear.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen with Necessary Premise

Stimulus Summary:
Over a few decades, one scientists hasn't encountered anyone afraid of scientists, so the public isn't afraid of scientists.

Answer Anticipation:
Whenever an argument jumps between one person's experience and a generalization, it's assuming that particular person's experiences are representative. For this Necessary Assumption question, the correct answer will provide a statement establishing that it is representative.

Answer Explanation:
This answer choice connects this scientist's experiences with the generalization made by the argument. If we negate this answer and state that the public fearing scientists wouldn't necessarily be experienced by a scientist, then the whole argument falls apart since this scientist's might be one of the lucky view to avoid the anti-scientist prejudice.

Key Takeaway:
When an argument makes a generalization, the assumption is that the samples discussed are representative of the situations that fall under the generalization.

Incorrect. This answer is too extreme to be correct, since a few liars out there wouldn't negate others being genuinely afraid of scientists. Additionally, the author doesn't rely on self-reporting—she states that she's never met someone afraid of scientists, not that she's never met someone who claims not to be afraid of scientists.