PrepTest 144, Section 1, Question 20
Passage A Karl Popper's main contribution to the(496 more words not shown)
Passage A(258 more words not shown)
Passage B(246 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(7 more words not shown)
- Athe logical asymmetry(5 more words not shown)
- Bthe role of(6 more words not shown)
- Cthe role of(5 more words not shown)
- Dthe proper technique(5 more words not shown)
- Ethe irrelevance of(6 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Our reading connected both accounts through failed predictions. A explains why an observation that conflicts with a prediction may not disprove the underlying theory. B shows scientists working out what went wrong when predicted planetary orbits failed to match observations.
What we’re looking for
That mismatch is negative evidence, even when B does not use that exact phrase. Look for the shared scientific issue rather than a topic confined to one example.
Working the answers
- A
The logical difference between positive and negative evidence is explicitly developed in A through the swans. B illustrates scientists responding to evidence, but does not make that logical comparison its central topic.
- B
Auxiliary assumptions matter in both accounts, but predicting planetary orbits is B's subject matter. A discusses scientific testing generally and never introduces planets. The ending makes this answer too specific for both.
- CCorrect
Both examine what scientists can learn from evidence that conflicts with their predictions. A explains the limits of such evidence; B shows it prompting investigation of assumptions and eventual rejection of a theory in different cases.
- D
Neither provides a general procedure for confirming a theory. B does describe increased confidence in Einstein's theory, but the shared discussion centers on responding to failed predictions, not setting out the proper technique for confirmation.
- E
Neither dismisses experimentation as irrelevant. A explains why interpreting a failed test can be complicated, which is different from saying tests cannot help disprove theories.
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