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Difficulty: MediumGeneral Method of Reasoning

Business Analyst: Some executives argue that strictly monitoring employee internet usage increases productivity by eliminating distractions. However, recent data shows that companies with the strictest monitoring policies actually have lower output per employee than those with flexible policies. This is likely because intense monitoring creates a high-stress environment that reduces overall employee morale and creative problem-solving, which are crucial for our industry's output.

Which one of the following most accurately describes the method of reasoning used in the business analyst's argument?

  1. A
    criticizing a strategy by arguing that its ultimate goal is less valuable than an intermediate outcome it destroys
  2. B
    utilizing established background information about industry standards to prove that a new policy is unnecessary
  3. refuting a claim by presenting data that contradicts the claim's expected outcome and offering an explanation for that dataAnswer
  4. D
    undermining an opposing position by pointing out that it relies on an ambiguous interpretation of workplace productivity
  5. E
    introducing universally accepted scientific principles to demonstrate that a desired behavioral change is biologically impossible

Answer

The correct answer accurately states that the analyst refutes a claim by presenting data that contradicts the expected outcome, and then offers an explanation for that data.
The correct answer accurately maps to the two distinct moves the analyst makes: first, citing data that companies with strict monitoring have lower output (presenting data that contradicts the expected outcome), and second, positing that this happens because of increased stress and lowered morale (offering an explanation for that data).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the opposing claim being addressed in the stimulus.
The claim is that strictly monitoring employee internet usage increases productivity.
Understanding the context of the argument is necessary to evaluate how the author responds to it.
2
Determine how the author challenges the opposing claim.
The author introduces 'recent data' showing that companies with strict monitoring actually have lower output per employee.
This establishes the first half of the argumentative method: presenting contradictory empirical evidence.
3
Analyze the final sentence to identify the argument's conclusion and supporting mechanism.
The author explains the data by stating that monitoring creates stress, which reduces morale and creative problem-solving.
This establishes the second half of the argumentative method: offering a causal explanation for the presented data.
4
Match the observed structure to the abstract descriptions in the answer choices.
The structure perfectly matches the option describing a refutation via contradictory data followed by an explanation.
This translates the specific details of the stimulus into the abstract structural language characteristic of Method of Reasoning questions.

Key Concept

General Method of Reasoning
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General Method of Reasoning

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