PrepTest 151, Section 3, Question 7
If rational-choice theory is correct, then people act(35 more words not shown)
The argument above is most(8 more words not shown)
- Aassumes as a(8 more words not shown)
- Bconcludes that a(14 more words not shown)
- Ctakes for granted(19 more words not shown)
- Dpresumes, without justification,(24 more words not shown)
- Efails to consider(24 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
Expecting a benefit doesn't guarantee getting one.
Rational-choice theory, as described here, concerns what people expect when they act. The supposed counterexamples concern what actually happens afterward. Someone could make a decision expecting it to help and turn out to be wrong. That would be a disappointing outcome, not necessarily a violation of this theory.
What we’re looking for
Imagine choosing an option because you think it will save you time, only to discover that it takes longer. The lack of a benefit doesn't erase the expectation that motivated the choice. For the flaw, look for the argument's switch from expected results to actual results.
Working the answers
- A
The argument doesn't simply assume that the theory is false. It offers examples of actions producing no benefit as a reason to reject it. Those examples don't establish the needed point about expectations, but a faulty reason is different from repeating the conclusion as a premise.
- B
The author doesn't complain that the evidence supporting the theory is hypothetical. The author claims there are actual examples that contradict it. The problem is whether those examples address what the theory says, not whether its supporting evidence concerns imagined situations.
- C
This concerns people whose actions do produce a benefit and whether they anticipated it. The argument instead focuses on actions producing no benefit and treats those failures as challenges to a theory about expected benefit. C switches to the successful outcomes, so it doesn't describe the inference actually made.
- D
The examples wouldn't have to outnumber anything if they contradicted a theory about all actions. Even one action taken without any expected personal benefit could challenge that universal claim. The problem isn't that we need a larger number of failures; it's that a failed outcome doesn't tell us what the person expected.
- ECorrect
Someone may expect an action to help even when it ultimately produces no personal benefit. The given examples tell us about results, while the theory concerns expectations. Those can differ, so the examples don't by themselves show that people acted contrary to the theory. Our time-saving attempt could fail and still fit the description of acting for an anticipated benefit.
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