WeakenDiff: Hard
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: A study found that biology professors who don't do research hold fewer leadership roles than their numbers would suggest. The author blames this on a bias against non-researchers.
Conclusion: The lack of research activity is the reason why teaching-only biology professors are underrepresented in administrative roles.
Reasoning: There is a statistical discrepancy between the percentage of teaching-only professors in the general faculty and their lower percentage in administrative positions.
Analysis: This is a classic correlation-versus-causation trap. The author sees a statistical gap and immediately assumes 'bias' is the culprit, ignoring any other possible explanations. Perhaps teaching-heavy professors are simply too busy with students to want administrative headaches, or maybe they lack the specific grantsmanship experience administrators look for. Look for an answer that provides an alternative explanation for why these professors aren't in those roles.
Conclusion: The lack of research activity is the reason why teaching-only biology professors are underrepresented in administrative roles.
Reasoning: There is a statistical discrepancy between the percentage of teaching-only professors in the general faculty and their lower percentage in administrative positions.
Analysis: This is a classic correlation-versus-causation trap. The author sees a statistical gap and immediately assumes 'bias' is the culprit, ignoring any other possible explanations. Perhaps teaching-heavy professors are simply too busy with students to want administrative headaches, or maybe they lack the specific grantsmanship experience administrators look for. Look for an answer that provides an alternative explanation for why these professors aren't in those roles.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage19.Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the support for the analyst's conclusion?
Correct Answer
B
If even biologists who do research are underrepresented in scientific administrative positions, the shortfall isn’t uniquely explained by not doing research. That directly undermines the inference that lack of research causes bias against these professors.
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