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

Redeem

Find the assumption..Need serious help......

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 405
Joined: Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:44 am
Thanked: 3 times
Followed by:1 members

Find the assumption..Need serious help......

by voodoo_child » Sun Apr 24, 2011 2:17 pm
Although parapsychology is often considered a pseudoscience, it is in fact a genuine scientific enterprise, for it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests of clearly stated hypotheses to examine the questions it raises.

The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

(A) If a field of study can conclusively answer the questions it raises, then it is a genuine science.

(8) Since parapsychology uses scientific methods, it will produce credible results.

(e) Any enterprise that does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests is not genuine science.

(D) Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise.

(E) Since parapsychology raises clearly statable questions, they can be tested in controlled experiments

OA D source og 12

I am confused between C and D because PowerScore CR says, for Assumption+causality questions,

If Cause occurs, then Effect occurs is a valid answer choice. [Similar to Option D]
Secondly, If Cause doesn't occur, the effect doesn't occur is a valid answer type [Similar to Option C]

Can anyone please help me ?

Thanks
Voodoo
Top
Source: — Critical Reasoning |
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 2193
Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:30 pm
Location: Vermont and Boston, MA
Thanked: 1186 times
Followed by:512 members
GMAT Score:770

by David@VeritasPrep » Sun Apr 24, 2011 4:17 pm
This is not actually a cause and effect question.

This is not purely an assumption question. However do not worry about this as we can treat it as an assumption question.

Let's approach this by naming the conclusion and the evidence.

The conclusion is that parapsychology is a genuine scientific enterprise. The evidence for this is that parapsychology uses scientific methods (examples are controlled experiments and statistical tests).

Answer Choice D is the answer that we need here. We are saying that the reason that this is a science is because it uses scientific methods. Well choice D connects the dots by saying, "Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise." That takes us from the evidence to the conclusion.

What is you negate D and say that "even if a field of study employs scientific methods it may not be a genuine scientific enterprise." This would certainly harm the conclusion.

The reason that C is incorrect is simple: it does not apply to this situation. What good does it do for us to know about when an enterprise does not use "controlled experiments and statistical tests." That does not apply here since this activity uses just these things. It is like I am arguing about a dog and you tell me about creatures that are not warm-blooded. It just will not apply.
Veritas Prep | GMAT Instructor

Veritas Prep Reviews
Save $100 off any live Veritas Prep GMAT Course
Top
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:33 pm
voodoo_child wrote:Although parapsychology is often considered a pseudoscience, it is in fact a genuine scientific enterprise, for it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests of clearly stated hypotheses to examine the questions it raises.

The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

(A) If a field of study can conclusively answer the questions it raises, then it is a genuine science.

(8) Since parapsychology uses scientific methods, it will produce credible results.

(e) Any enterprise that does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests is not genuine science.

(D) Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise.

(E) Since parapsychology raises clearly statable questions, they can be tested in controlled experiments

OA D source og 12

I am confused between C and D because PowerScore CR says, for Assumption+causality questions,

If Cause occurs, then Effect occurs is a valid answer choice. [Similar to Option D]
Secondly, If Cause doesn't occur, the effect doesn't occur is a valid answer type [Similar to Option C]

Can anyone please help me ?

Thanks
Voodoo
I received a PM asking me to comment.

This argument exhibits a language shift:
The premise is about X (that parapsychology uses scientific methods).
The conclusion is about Y (that parapsychology is a genuine scientific enterprise).
The assumption is that X is connected to Y: that the use of scientific methods = being a genuine scientific enterprise.

D states the assumption described above and thus is the correct answer.

C is not the assumption. The argument does not assume that if an enterprise does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests, then it can't be a genuine science. Although the argument assumes that using these sorts of methods is one way to be a scientific enterprise, it does not state that using these methods is the only way. Eliminate C.

The correct answer is D.
Last edited by GMATGuruNY on Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Top
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 405
Joined: Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:44 am
Thanked: 3 times
Followed by:1 members

by voodoo_child » Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:59 pm
David@VeritasPrep wrote:This is not actually a cause and effect question.

This is not purely an assumption question. However do not worry about this as we can treat it as an assumption question.

Let's approach this by naming the conclusion and the evidence.

The conclusion is that parapsychology is a genuine scientific enterprise. The evidence for this is that parapsychology uses scientific methods (examples are controlled experiments and statistical tests).

Answer Choice D is the answer that we need here. We are saying that the reason that this is a science is because it uses scientific methods. Well choice D connects the dots by saying, "Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise." That takes us from the evidence to the conclusion.

What is you negate D and say that "even if a field of study employs scientific methods it may not be a genuine scientific enterprise." This would certainly harm the conclusion.

The reason that C is incorrect is simple: it does not apply to this situation. What good does it do for us to know about when an enterprise does not use "controlled experiments and statistical tests." That does not apply here since this activity uses just these things. It is like I am arguing about a dog and you tell me about creatures that are not warm-blooded. It just will not apply.
Thanks David. Can you please give me some tips on identifying Causal vs Conditional Reasoning ? I am having a hard time trying to score on CR. :(

Thanks
Vijay
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 2330
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 5:14 am
Thanked: 56 times
Followed by:26 members

by mundasingh123 » Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:44 am
GMATGuruNY wrote:
voodoo_child wrote:Although parapsychology is often considered a pseudoscience, it is in fact a genuine scientific enterprise, for it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests of clearly stated hypotheses to examine the questions it raises.

The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

(A) If a field of study can conclusively answer the questions it raises, then it is a genuine science.

(8) Since parapsychology uses scientific methods, it will produce credible results.

(e) Any enterprise that does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests is not genuine science.

(D) Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise.

(E) Since parapsychology raises clearly statable questions, they can be tested in controlled experiments

OA D source og 12

I am confused between C and D because PowerScore CR says, for Assumption+causality questions,

If Cause occurs, then Effect occurs is a valid answer choice. [Similar to Option D]
Secondly, If Cause doesn't occur, the effect doesn't occur is a valid answer type [Similar to Option C]

Can anyone please help me ?

Thanks
Voodoo
it does state that using these methods is the only way. Eliminate C.

The correct answer is D.
Hi GmatGuruNy , Could you point out where does the stimulus say that using these methods is the only way.
The stimulus says
it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests
The stimulus does not mention that using any other scientific method such as performing calculations based on calculus will not make Parapsychology a scientific enterprise .
I Seek Explanations Not Answers
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 2330
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 5:14 am
Thanked: 56 times
Followed by:26 members

by mundasingh123 » Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:52 am
--
Last edited by mundasingh123 on Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:55 am, edited 2 times in total.
I Seek Explanations Not Answers
Top
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:53 am
mundasingh123 wrote:
GMATGuruNY wrote:
voodoo_child wrote:Although parapsychology is often considered a pseudoscience, it is in fact a genuine scientific enterprise, for it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests of clearly stated hypotheses to examine the questions it raises.

The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

(A) If a field of study can conclusively answer the questions it raises, then it is a genuine science.

(8) Since parapsychology uses scientific methods, it will produce credible results.

(e) Any enterprise that does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests is not genuine science.

(D) Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise.

(E) Since parapsychology raises clearly statable questions, they can be tested in controlled experiments

OA D source og 12

I am confused between C and D because PowerScore CR says, for Assumption+causality questions,

If Cause occurs, then Effect occurs is a valid answer choice. [Similar to Option D]
Secondly, If Cause doesn't occur, the effect doesn't occur is a valid answer type [Similar to Option C]

Can anyone please help me ?

Thanks
Voodoo
it does state that using these methods is the only way. Eliminate C.

The correct answer is D.
Hi GmatGuruNy , Could you point out where does the stimulus say that using these methods is the only way.
The stimulus says
it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests
The stimulus does not mention that using any other scientific method such as performing calculations based on calculus will not make Parapsychology a scientific enterprise .
You caught a typo that I thought I had corrected. I had meant to type just the opposite:

Although the argument assumes that using these sorts of methods is one way to be a scientific enterprise, it does not state (or imply) that using these methods is the only way.

Thanks for pointing out the typo. I've corrected my response above.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 2330
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 5:14 am
Thanked: 56 times
Followed by:26 members

by mundasingh123 » Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:04 pm
Hi GmatGuruNY,David
I posted somthing that was actually different from what i wanted to ask.
The stimulus says
for it uses scientific methods
The stimulus says that Parapsychology is a scientific enterprise because it uses scientific methods such X and Y
We can shorten the statement to ,say

The stimulus says that Parapsychology is a scientific enterprise because it uses scientific methods .
The stimulus nowhere says that using scientific methods is the only way a branch of science can be a scientific enterprise.

If the stimulus has not stated that a branch of science cant be a scientific enterprise if it uses mathematical methods to test the questions ,
How can we conclude that some other science cant be a scientific enterprise if it uses methods that are based on mathematical calculations and use of calculus.

I also have a question about E but it would be helpful if you can elaborate on this first.
Thanks
I Seek Explanations Not Answers
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 8:06 pm
Thanked: 1 times

by gmat.acer » Sun Jul 14, 2013 6:47 pm
GMATGuruNY wrote:
mundasingh123 wrote:
GMATGuruNY wrote:
voodoo_child wrote:Although parapsychology is often considered a pseudoscience, it is in fact a genuine scientific enterprise, for it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests of clearly stated hypotheses to examine the questions it raises.

The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

(A) If a field of study can conclusively answer the questions it raises, then it is a genuine science.

(8) Since parapsychology uses scientific methods, it will produce credible results.

(e) Any enterprise that does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests is not genuine science.

(D) Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise.

(E) Since parapsychology raises clearly statable questions, they can be tested in controlled experiments

OA D source og 12

I am confused between C and D because PowerScore CR says, for Assumption+causality questions,

If Cause occurs, then Effect occurs is a valid answer choice. [Similar to Option D]
Secondly, If Cause doesn't occur, the effect doesn't occur is a valid answer type [Similar to Option C]

Can anyone please help me ?

Thanks
Voodoo
it does state that using these methods is the only way. Eliminate C.

The correct answer is D.
Hi GmatGuruNy , Could you point out where does the stimulus say that using these methods is the only way.
The stimulus says
it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests
The stimulus does not mention that using any other scientific method such as performing calculations based on calculus will not make Parapsychology a scientific enterprise .
You caught a typo that I thought I had corrected. I had meant to type just the opposite:

Although the argument assumes that using these sorts of methods is one way to be a scientific enterprise, it does not state (or imply) that using these methods is the only way.

Thanks for pointing out the typo. I've corrected my response above.
---

Hello Mitch,
I was wondering what would happen if argument does imply that using scientific methods is THE ONLY WAY for considering an enterprise a genuine science.
Would (C) be a valid assumption in that case?
I believe it will be, but I will appreciate if you could confirm.

Thanks!
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 944
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 8:21 am
Thanked: 8 times
Followed by:5 members

by RBBmba@2014 » Sat Sep 12, 2015 3:08 am
GMATGuruNY wrote:
voodoo_child wrote:Although parapsychology is often considered a pseudoscience, it is in fact a genuine scientific enterprise, for it uses scientific methods such as controlled experiments and statistical tests of clearly stated hypotheses to examine the questions it raises.

The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?

(A) If a field of study can conclusively answer the questions it raises, then it is a genuine science.

(8) Since parapsychology uses scientific methods, it will produce credible results.

(e) Any enterprise that does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests is not genuine science.

(D) Any field of study that employs scientific methods is a genuine scientific enterprise.

(E) Since parapsychology raises clearly statable questions, they can be tested in controlled experiments

OA D source og 12

I am confused between C and D because PowerScore CR says, for Assumption+causality questions,

If Cause occurs, then Effect occurs is a valid answer choice. [Similar to Option D]
Secondly, If Cause doesn't occur, the effect doesn't occur is a valid answer type [Similar to Option C]

Can anyone please help me ?

Thanks
Voodoo
I received a PM asking me to comment.

This argument exhibits a language shift:
The premise is about X (that parapsychology uses scientific methods).
The conclusion is about Y (that parapsychology is a genuine scientific enterprise).
The assumption is that X is connected to Y: that the use of scientific methods = being a genuine scientific enterprise.

D states the assumption described above and thus is the correct answer.

C is not the assumption. The argument does not assume that if an enterprise does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests, then it can't be a genuine science. Although the argument assumes that using these sorts of methods is one way to be a scientific enterprise, it does not state that using these methods is the only way. Eliminate C.

The correct answer is D.
Hi Mitch,
Got this one right, bust just curious to clarify the followings -

1. As it's an ASSUMPTION CR, option C stands WRONG in order to satisfy MUST BE TRUE aspect, I think. Right ?

2. However, had it been a STRENGTHEN CR, then I think C would have been in consideration because unlike ASSUMPTION questions, MUST BE TRUE aspect is NOT VALID in STRENGTHEN questions.

Correct me please if wrong!
Top
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Sun Sep 13, 2015 1:56 am
RBBmba@2014 wrote:
Hi Mitch,
Got this one right, bust just curious to clarify the followings -

1. As it's an ASSUMPTION CR, option C stands WRONG in order to satisfy MUST BE TRUE aspect, I think. Right ?

2. However, had it been a STRENGTHEN CR, then I think C would have been in consideration because unlike ASSUMPTION questions, MUST BE TRUE aspect is NOT VALID in STRENGTHEN questions.

Correct me please if wrong!
If John is not in New York, then John is not in Times Square.
The statement above is true.
But the following statement is NOT necessarily true:
If John IS in New York, then John IS in Times Square.
Clearly, John can be in New York without being in Times Square.

This line of reasoning can be applied to C.

C, rephrased as an if-then statement:
If an enterprise does not use controlled experiments and statistical tests, then the enterprise is not genuine science.
Even if C is true, the following statement is NOT necessarily true:
If an enterprise DOES use controlled experiments and statistical tests, then the enterprise IS genuine science.
Since the statement in red is not necessarily true, NO CLEAR LINK between the use of controlled experiments and being a genuine science has been established.
Thus, C does NOT sufficiently strengthen the conclusion that parapsychology is genuine science.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Top
User avatar
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Aug 05, 2015 8:01 am

by [email protected] » Tue Sep 15, 2015 1:07 am
<A simple explanation for ruling out option C>

C limits the scope of assumption by using only controlled experiments and statistical tests to prove genuine science.These may be just 2 of the many examples of scientific methods.
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 944
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 8:21 am
Thanked: 8 times
Followed by:5 members

by RBBmba@2014 » Tue Sep 15, 2015 3:31 am
Hi Mitch - Exactly so...

Hence, I think, we can ESSENTIALLY deduce that for an ASSUMPTION CR, MUST BE TRUE aspect MUST be considered and satisfied, whereas in STRENGTHEN questions,any STRENGTHENER has NOT necessarily to be TRUE (it may or may NOT be TRUE).

Am I correct ?
Top
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Tue Sep 15, 2015 7:34 am
RBBmba@2014 wrote:Hi Mitch - Exactly so...

Hence, I think, we can ESSENTIALLY deduce that for an ASSUMPTION CR, MUST BE TRUE aspect MUST be considered and satisfied, whereas in STRENGTHEN questions,any STRENGTHENER has NOT necessarily to be TRUE (it may or may NOT be TRUE).

Am I correct ?
An assumption is information that MUST BE TRUE for the conclusion to be valid.
When you evaluate an answer choice to an assumption CR, ask yourself the following question:
Does this answer choice have to be true in order for the conclusion to be valid?

A strengthener is information that, if true, SUPPORTS the conclusion.
When you evaluate an answer choice to an strengthen CR, ask yourself the following question:
If this answer choice is true, is the conclusion strengthened?
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1