PrepTest 155

Incorrect. There's no analysis of whether there's an observation that can refute this theory. Just because no one was present doesn't mean there isn't some type of observation of the effects that can allow the theory to be empirical.

Incorrect. This answer is a reversal of the principle as stated in the argument, so it's a wrong answer.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Principle (Illustration)

Stimulus Summary:
not Observation that can refute a theory → not Empirical
Empirical theory → Observation that can refute it

Answer Anticipation:
In general, this question type will present a conditional rule as a principle. We took the contrapositive here, but it's much more likely that the correct answer will conclude that a theory isn't empirical based on the first statement rather than that there's an observation that can refute it, since that's more of a premise than a conclusion.
Answer Explanation:
This answer aligns with the first version of the principle, so it's our answer.

Key Takeaway:
For Principle (Illustration) questions, there will generally be a conditional rule you should map out and take the contrapositive of so that you can quickly analyze the answers. Pay particular attention to the necessary conditions, as those are what can be concluded.

Incorrect. The principle doesn't allow us to conclude that something is empirical, just that it isn't. This answer is right out.

Incorrect. The principle is about whether theories are empirical, not whether they're true, so this answer is incorrect.