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CR OG 13 question

Expert replies
by AndyMann » Thu Nov 06, 2014 2:24 pm
Hi All,

I have a doubt regarding the reasoning behind this OG 13 question:

Social scientists are underrepresented on the advisory councils of the National Institutes of Health(NIH). Since these councils advise NIH directors and recommend policy, the underrepresentation of social scientists results in a relative lack of NIH financial support for research in the social sciences.

If the statements above are correct, they most strongly support which of the following?

(A) A significant increase in the size of NIH advisory councils would be required in order to increase the representation of social scientists on these councils.

(B)A significant increase in the representation of social scientists on NIH advisory councils would result in an increase in NIH funding for social science research.

(C)A significant increase in funding for social science research would result in improved policy recommendations to NIH directors.

(D)A significant increase in funding for the training of social scientists would result in an increase in the number of social scientist on NIH advisory councils.

(E)A significant increase in the representation of social scientists on NIH advisory councils would have to precede any increase in the number of NIH directors who are social scientists.


OA B


My question is regarding the logical relationship between the following 2 statements:

Suppose X stands for the underrepresentation of social scientists
Suppose Y stands for relative lack of NIH financial support for research in the social sciences


The questions states that X causes Y, X -> Y
As per causality rules the only thing must be true is Y(not) -> X(not)

It looks like the correct answer is X(not)->Y(not), which is incorrect per causality rules.

Please advise for the correct reasoning for this question

Thanks,
Andy
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Source: — Critical Reasoning |

by [email protected] » Thu Nov 06, 2014 5:32 pm
Hi Andy,

I understand the logical problem that you have with this prompt. You're treating the prompt with a concept that is regularly tested on the LSAT: formal logic (and more specifically, the contrapositive).

The logical equivalent of X -> Y is (Not Y) - > (Not X).

The GMAT almost never tests this type of logic though. Even though I don't particularly like the wording, the prompt is trying to get across the following idea:

The NUMBER of social scientists on the advisory councils to the NIH will AFFECT the AMOUNT of financial support that will be given to research of the social sciences. In other words, a larger number of social scientists will lead to a greater amount of money; the current situation tells us that a smaller number of social scientists leads to a smaller amount of money.

The only answer that points out how the number of social scientist would affect the financial support is B. The other answers bring up causal ideas that are not implied by the passage.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
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