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Difficulty: MediumGeneral Method of Reasoning

Sociologist: Several urban economists predict that the recent surge in remote work will result in the permanent hollowing out of city centers, inevitably causing the collapse of downtown commercial districts. This gloomy forecast is flawed, however. It overlooks the fact that as corporate demand for office space decreases, commercial real estate prices will drop significantly. This reduction in rent will attract independent artists, cultural institutions, and small experimental businesses that were previously priced out, thereby revitalizing and transforming the district rather than destroying it.

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

  1. Rebutting a forecast by identifying a probable consequence of an underlying trend that those making the forecast fail to consider.Answer
  2. B
    Questioning the validity of a causal claim by proposing an alternative explanation for an observed economic correlation.
  3. C
    Challenging a prediction by asserting that the terminology used by the urban economists is ambiguous and shifts in meaning.
  4. D
    Undermining a conclusion by pointing out that it relies on a subsidiary premise that contradicts the main premise.
  5. E
    Attempting to refute an argument by invoking a broad historical principle that is outside the scope of the original claims.

Answer

The correct answer is the option stating that the argument rebuts a forecast by identifying a probable consequence of an underlying trend that those making the forecast fail to consider.
The correct answer perfectly maps to the structure of the stimulus. The 'forecast' is the predicted collapse of downtown districts. The 'underlying trend' is the surge in remote work. The 'probable consequence' that was failed to be considered is the drop in commercial rent which will attract new businesses and revitalize the area.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the opponent's argument (the urban economists).
The economists predict that remote work will cause the collapse of downtown commercial districts.
Identifying the claim being attacked is the first step in determining how the author attacks it.
2
Analyze the sociologist's counter-argument.
The sociologist argues the forecast is flawed because decreasing demand for office space will lower rents, which will attract new, diverse businesses.
Understanding the evidence used to counter the original claim reveals the logical structure of the rebuttal.
3
Abstract the sociologist's method of reasoning into general terms.
The author is rejecting a prediction by introducing a secondary effect (lower rent) of the initial cause (remote work) that mitigates the predicted negative outcome.
General Method of Reasoning questions require translating specific subject matter into abstract, structural descriptions.

Key Concept

General Method of Reasoning
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

General Method of Reasoning

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