Pls help with reasoning used in this OG 11 CR Question

samirpandeyit62

Metal ring excavated from seventh-century settlements in the western part of Mexico were made using the same techniques as those used by Ecuadorian artisans before and during that period. These techniques are sufficiently complex to make their independent development in both areas unlikely. Since the people of these two areas were in cultural contact, archeologists hypothesize that the metallurgical techniques used to make the rings found in Mexico were learned by Mexican artisans from Ecuadorian counterparts

Which of the following would it be most useful to establish in order to evaluate the archeologists hypothesis

A) Whether metal objects were traded from Ecuador to Western Mexico during the 7th century

B) Whether travel between Western Mexico and Ecuador in the seventh century would have been primarily by land or by sea

C) Whether Artisans from Western Mexico could have learned metallurgical techniques from their Ecuadorian counterparts without actually leaving Western Mexico

D) Whether metal tools were used in the seventh century settlements in Western Mexico

E) Whether any of the techniques used in the manufacture of the metal rings found in Western Mexico are still practiced among the artisans in Ecuador today

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The above question is explained on pg 79 of OG11

The correct answer in OG for this question is choice 'A' however i tend to differ a little with the reasoning mentioned,

The OG reasoning points out that if metal objects were traded between Western Mexico and Ecuador then it is possible that metalworking techniques were passed as well.

However there is one more Reasoning possible i.e. If Metal objects were traded between Western Mexico and Ecuador, then the metal rings found in Western Mexico were actually imported from Ecuador and not made in Western Mexico, Thus the artisans in Western Mexico would not have learned anything from their Ecuadorian counterparts.

Pls explain how to handle such questions with conflicting reasonings.

Stacey Koprince · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:33 pm Post subject:

There are all kinds of things we could surmise with respect to the answer to this (or any CR) question - the key is that only one of the options is in the answer choices.

You will often be able to think of several things that might fit a given question... but not all of those options will be in the answer choices. It's fine to brainstorm ideas before looking at the choices (and, in fact, I recommend it), but be prepared for your idea not to be there at all.

As it is in this case - none of the choices gives the alternate idea that the Ecuadorians could have learned it from Mexico instead of the other way around. So that can't be it.

montz · Guest

I believe the reasoning given makes further assumption. The techniques are 'complex' so it is not possible to learn them just by seeing the metal objects traded from Ecuador. If (as is assumed further in favour of choice A) metalworking techniques were passed along as well then shouldn't the answer choice mention techniques instead of metal objects?

I understand that no other choice seems to fit but how to decide when all choices seem incorrect?

Stacey Koprince · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 4:20 pm Post subject:

If there was any contact between the two groups, this would bolster the idea that anything, including objects or knowledge, could have been transferred or shared.

Choice A indicates that there was contact between the two groups. Therefore, it bolsters the idea that knowledge was transmitted between the two. It even adds the info that the metal objects being traded were specifically being traded from Ecuador to Mexico, which fits with the hypothesis that Mexicans were learning info about making metal objects from Ecuadorians, not the other way around.

Note that the question does not ask you to prove the hypothesis is true. We are just asked to evaluate it - what choice would give us additional relevant info.

Also note that critical reasoning answers can introduce new information or make assumptions. DON'T look for such answers on reading comp, but CR is fine.

montz · Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 9:09 am Post subject:

Thanks for the explanation Smile