LR Problem Set #3, Q: 288

[moshei24]

Why can't (D) work? I see why (A) works, but what's wrong with (D)?

Thanks!

[Adam Tyson]

I think there are a couple of problems with it, but one reason to reject it as not being precisely parallel is that at the end of the argument the author combines two of the terms in the conditional chain - "evaluated subjectively". Our stimulus did not combine selection of a unit of measurement with arbitrariness and include "arbitrarily selected" as part of the chain. It's a close call, but since answer A has a conditional diagram that is closer to the stimulus' chain, without that combination of terms, it's the better choice.

Adam

[moshei24]

Right, but "evaluated subjectively" matches up with "selecting units of measurement," not with "arbitrarily selected." "Arbitrarily" matches up with "resent" - those are the new words added into the conclusions the stimulus and in (D).

The way I diagrammed each one is as follows:

Science Measuring Units of Measurement

Units of Measurement Arbitrary
therefore,
Science Arbitrary

Units of Measurement Arbitrary

(D): Manager Evaluating People Evaluation Subjective

Evaluated Subjectively People Resent
therefore,
Manager People Resent

I think I see what you're saying now. If it were that people resented the fact that evaluation is subjective, it would match up. But because they resent being evaluated subjectively, it combines statements, because the last statement in the chain is saying that evaluation is subjective - it's describing evaluation. In the conclusion, it's saying that they resent being evaluated subjectively, not just that they resent the fact that evaluation is subjective.

Do I got it?

Thanks, Adam!