BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

assumptions

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 185
Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2010 3:06 am
Thanked: 6 times

assumptions

by gmatnmein2010 » Thu Feb 11, 2010 2:52 am
In 1987, an environmental action group reported a 65-percent response rate to a questionnaire sent to all of its members. The subject of the questionnaire was ocean dumping. On the basis of these results, the group expects a 65-to-70 percent response rate to its upcoming questionnaire on air pollution.

The environmental group's expectation is based on which of the following assumptions?

a) The group's membership has not declined by more than 5 percent since 1987.
b) The same number of surveys will be distributed as were distributed in 1987.
c) People who are concerned about ocean dumping are even more concerned about air pollution.
d) The response rate of one questionnaire can be predicted from that of another.
e) The total amount of pollution today is the same as it was in 1987.
Top
Source: — Critical Reasoning |
User avatar
Site Admin
Posts: 2567
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:05 am
Thanked: 712 times
Followed by:550 members
GMAT Score:770

by DanaJ » Thu Feb 11, 2010 3:07 am
Note that the argument concerns "response rates". Response rates are percentages, so absolute numbers should not have anything to do with the correct answer. Think of it this way: out of 100 people, if 70 answer, then you have a 70% response rate. If you send out 1000 forms and 650 people answer, then you have a 65% response rate. Even though in the first example you have a higher response rate, it's clear that the second example garnered the most physical answers.

So, based on this reasoning, we can safely eliminate answer choices A and B.

C may be true, but that doesn't predict their willingness to answer questionnaires. We're focused on response rates, not "caring".

D is the best, IMHO. This is an underlying assumption of the argument. If you deny this assumption, then the argument falls apart. If you could not make predictions based on past events, then there's no basis for the claim that the response rate will be 65 to 70 percent.

E - it's irrelevant to the point of response rates. Maybe the respondents are not even aware of this (although it's unlikely).
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1275
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:13 pm
Location: Arabian Sea
Thanked: 125 times
Followed by:2 members

by ajith » Thu Feb 11, 2010 9:27 am
gmatnmein2010 wrote:In 1987, an environmental action group reported a 65-percent response rate to a questionnaire sent to all of its members. The subject of the questionnaire was ocean dumping. On the basis of these results, the group expects a 65-to-70 percent response rate to its upcoming questionnaire on air pollution.

The environmental group's expectation is based on which of the following assumptions?

a) The group's membership has not declined by more than 5 percent since 1987.
b) The same number of surveys will be distributed as were distributed in 1987.
c) People who are concerned about ocean dumping are even more concerned about air pollution.
d) The response rate of one questionnaire can be predicted from that of another.
e) The total amount of pollution today is the same as it was in 1987.
Conclusion: the group expects a 65-to-70 percent response rate to its upcoming questionnaire on air pollution.
Assumption: The response rate for the survey on Air Pollution will be similar or slightly more than that of the survey on Ocean Dumping

a) Irrelevant
b) Irrelevant
c) Hold - A strong candidate
d) Hold - It could be
e) Irrelevant

Between C and D; I would choose D [it talks about response rate]
Always borrow money from a pessimist, he doesn't expect to be paid back.
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 2109
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2009 10:25 pm
Location: New Jersey
Thanked: 109 times
Followed by:79 members
GMAT Score:640

by money9111 » Thu Feb 11, 2010 9:54 am
I also chose D because in totality this is the assumption. C could be misleading but wasn't compelling enough for me
My goal is to make MBA applicants take onus over their process.

My story from Pre-MBA to Cornell MBA - New Post in Pre-MBA blog

Me featured on Poets & Quants

Free Book for MBA Applicants

Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 777
Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2010 4:02 am
Location: Mumbai, India
Thanked: 117 times
Followed by:47 members

by komal » Sun Feb 14, 2010 5:39 am
In 1987, an environmental action group reported a 65-percent response rate to a questionnaire sent to all of its members. The subject of the questionnaire was ocean dumping. On the basis of these results, the group expects a 65-to-70 percent response rate to its upcoming questionnaire on air pollution.

The environmental group's expectation is based on which of the following assumptions?

A. 65-percent response rate to ocean dumping. The group's membership has not declined by more than 5 percent since 1987. Therefore, group expects 65-70% for air pollution questionnaire. -- Out of Scope

B. 65-percent response rate to ocean dumping. The same number of surveys will be distributed as were distributed in 1987. Therefore, group expects 65-70% for air pollution questionnaire. -- Author is least bothered about number of surveys.

C. 65-percent response rate to ocean dumping. People who are concerned about ocean dumping are even more concerned about air pollution. Therefore, group expects 65-70% for air pollution questionnaire. - This may work hold on

D. 65-percent response rate to ocean dumping. The response rate of one questionnaire can be predicted from that of another. Therefore, group expects 65-70% for air pollution questionnaire. - Good option Hold on

E. 65-percent response rate to ocean dumping. The total amount of pollution today is the same as it was in 1987. Therefore, group expects 65-70% for air pollution questionnaire. -- we are least bothered about this option

Now we have two options in Hand C and D. C is extreme it uses word 'more'. If you are stuck between extreme and mild option go with mild one....90% this option will be right

(D) wins
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1