A Rationale: The argument’s hidden assumption is that the causal mechanism (charge → less driving) transfers. A attacks the mechanism: without good transit, drivers have no alternative, so reduction may not occur. B is similar but narrower (biking only). C weakens (charge less effective) but less direct than A, which eliminates alternatives entirely. D and E are irrelevant or weaken less. Passage 4 (Principle Application) Principle: An action is morally permissible only if it does not treat another person merely as a means to an end, and it respects their capacity for rational consent.
A Rationale: Self-selection (motivated managers) could cause higher ratings regardless of training, explaining the observational study’s effect. Random assignment removes this bias. B would reduce difference, not explain it. C contradicts timeline. D is possible but less direct — and the study claimed no significant difference, not just power issue. E suggests industry difference, but A resolves via selection bias, the classic explanation for observational vs. RCT discrepancy. Passage 3 (Weaken — Expert Level) Economist: In order to reduce traffic congestion, the city council plans to impose a $15 daily congestion charge for driving into the downtown zone between 7 AM and 7 PM. Based on a pilot study in a similar city, such a charge reduced traffic by 18% within six months. Therefore, the plan will likely succeed here. utopia verbal critical reasoning test (expert)
A) The first study’s participants volunteered for EI training, while the second study’s participants were assigned without choice. B) The placebo seminar in the second study also contained some EI content by accident. C) The first study measured performance 18 months after training, not 12 months. D) The second study had a smaller sample size, reducing statistical power. E) Managers in the first study worked in tech firms; those in the second worked in manufacturing. A Rationale: The argument’s hidden assumption is that
A) The company’s pricing is morally permissible because innovation benefits future patients. B) The company’s pricing is morally impermissible because it treats poor patients merely as a means to fund R&D. C) The company’s pricing is morally permissible only if all patients can rationally consent to the price. D) The company’s pricing is morally permissible because it does not involve coercion or deception. E) The principle does not apply to for-profit companies. C weakens (charge less effective) but less direct