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Difficulty: MediumCommand of Evidence: Textual

In a study of early twentieth-century American labor movements, historian Dr. Kenji Tanaka examined the journals of textile factory workers in New England. Tanaka hypothesized that workers who regularly participated in informal workplace reading groups, or 'study circles,' were more likely to lead local unionization efforts than those who only attended formal union lectures. Tanaka argued that these informal groups fostered closer interpersonal trust and shared political vocabulary, which are critical for organizing collective action. Which choice, if true, would most directly support Tanaka's hypothesis?

  1. The journals show that the individuals who organized the largest local strike committees had frequently met in informal reading groups prior to the strikes, whereas workers who only attended formal union lectures rarely assumed leadership roles.Answer
  2. B
    The journals show that workers in informal reading groups read a wider variety of political pamphlets than did workers who did not participate in any union-related activities.
  3. C
    Workers who preferred formal lectures did so because they believed that union leaders were better equipped to explain complex political theories than their peers in reading groups were.
  4. D
    Textile factory managers actively encouraged workers to attend formal union lectures, believing that these structured events were less disruptive to productivity than informal reading groups.

Answer

The correct option is the one stating that the individuals who organized strike committees had frequently met in informal reading groups, while those who only attended formal lectures rarely assumed leadership roles.
The correct option provides direct evidence supporting the hypothesis by showing that workers who participated in informal reading groups were indeed the ones who went on to lead unionization efforts (organizing strike committees), while those who only attended formal union lectures did not assume leadership roles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the author's core hypothesis in the passage.
Tanaka's hypothesis is that workers participating in informal reading groups were more likely to lead unionization efforts than those who only attended formal union lectures.
To evaluate the options, we must understand the specific comparison being made: reading group participants vs. formal lecture attendees in terms of leadership likelihood.
2
Evaluate the options to find one that demonstrates this specific comparison.
The option showing that organizers of strike committees (leaders of unionization) were frequently reading group participants, while formal lecture attendees rarely became leaders, matches this comparison.
Supporting evidence must directly align with the hypothesized relationship between the two groups.

Key Concept

Identifying textual evidence that supports a specific research hypothesis.
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Topics

Command of Evidence: Textual

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