((new)): Utopia Verbal Critical Reasoning Test (expert)

Hidden premise: Driving behavior is similar across cities. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the economist’s argument?

Fact: A pharmaceutical company develops a lifesaving drug but prices it so high that only wealthy patients can afford it without going into debt. The company argues that it must recoup R&D costs to continue innovation. Which of the following conclusions best follows from applying the principle to the fact? utopia verbal critical reasoning test (expert)

A Rationale: Self-selection (motivated managers) could cause higher ratings regardless of training, explaining the observational study’s effect. Random assignment removes this bias. B would reduce difference, not explain it. C contradicts timeline. D is possible but less direct — and the study claimed no significant difference, not just power issue. E suggests industry difference, but A resolves via selection bias, the classic explanation for observational vs. RCT discrepancy. Passage 3 (Weaken — Expert Level) Economist: In order to reduce traffic congestion, the city council plans to impose a $15 daily congestion charge for driving into the downtown zone between 7 AM and 7 PM. Based on a pilot study in a similar city, such a charge reduced traffic by 18% within six months. Therefore, the plan will likely succeed here. Hidden premise: Driving behavior is similar across cities

The governor’s reasoning is most vulnerable to criticism because it: The company argues that it must recoup R&D

A) The company’s pricing is morally permissible because innovation benefits future patients. B) The company’s pricing is morally impermissible because it treats poor patients merely as a means to fund R&D. C) The company’s pricing is morally permissible only if all patients can rationally consent to the price. D) The company’s pricing is morally permissible because it does not involve coercion or deception. E) The principle does not apply to for-profit companies.