During the early development of a new idea, scientists behave rather like artists, driven by temperament. We start off with a hunch, a feeling, even a desire that the world be one way, and then we proceed from that presentiment, often sticking with it long after the data suggest we may be leading ourselves and others down a blind alley. What saves us is that experiment acts as the ultimate referee, settling all disputes. No matter how strong our hunch is, at some point we will have to prove it with facts. Otherwise our hunch, no matter how strongly held, will remain just that.
In the first two sentences ('During'… 'alley'), scientists are presented as all of the following EXCEPT:
- A. predisposed
- B. determined
- C. inherently logical
- D. overly zealous
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The portrayal of scientists in the first two sentences emphasizes their predisposition (A) and determination (B) in their pursuits, highlighting their commitment to discovery. Additionally, the term "overly zealous" (D) suggests an intense passion, which can also be a characteristic of scientists. However, the phrase "inherently logical" (C) is not supported in the text, as it does not imply that scientists are always guided by logic alone; emotions and biases can also influence their work. Thus, option C stands apart from the others.
The portrayal of scientists in the first two sentences emphasizes their predisposition (A) and determination (B) in their pursuits, highlighting their commitment to discovery. Additionally, the term "overly zealous" (D) suggests an intense passion, which can also be a characteristic of scientists. However, the phrase "inherently logical" (C) is not supported in the text, as it does not imply that scientists are always guided by logic alone; emotions and biases can also influence their work. Thus, option C stands apart from the others.
Other Related Questions
Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
- A. American football has not changed much since the first intercollegiate football game was played.
- B. Most early football players did not know how to throw a football properly.
- C. Rutgers' current football team is better than Princeton's.
- D. The name Scarlet Knights most likely refers to clothing worn by Rutgers players in the 1869 game.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The inference about the name Scarlet Knights likely relates to clothing worn by Rutgers players in the 1869 game, as historical context suggests team names often reflect uniforms or school colors. Option A is incorrect; while some aspects of American football have evolved, the statement oversimplifies the sport's development over time. Option B lacks support from the passage, as it does not provide evidence regarding the skills of early players. Option C is subjective and cannot be inferred without specific performance data comparing the two teams.
The inference about the name Scarlet Knights likely relates to clothing worn by Rutgers players in the 1869 game, as historical context suggests team names often reflect uniforms or school colors. Option A is incorrect; while some aspects of American football have evolved, the statement oversimplifies the sport's development over time. Option B lacks support from the passage, as it does not provide evidence regarding the skills of early players. Option C is subjective and cannot be inferred without specific performance data comparing the two teams.
The claim about the 'metamorphosis' primarily serves to:
- A. refute a theory
- B. support a prediction
- C. introduce an alternative view
- D. downplay a change
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The claim about the 'metamorphosis' primarily serves to support a prediction by illustrating how significant transformations can lead to anticipated outcomes. This connection reinforces the idea that change is not only possible but expected in certain contexts. Option A, refuting a theory, does not align since the claim does not attempt to discredit existing ideas. Option C, introducing an alternative view, is incorrect as the claim builds upon existing concepts rather than presenting a different perspective. Lastly, option D, downplaying a change, is inaccurate; the term 'metamorphosis' emphasizes rather than minimizes the impact of transformation.
The claim about the 'metamorphosis' primarily serves to support a prediction by illustrating how significant transformations can lead to anticipated outcomes. This connection reinforces the idea that change is not only possible but expected in certain contexts. Option A, refuting a theory, does not align since the claim does not attempt to discredit existing ideas. Option C, introducing an alternative view, is incorrect as the claim builds upon existing concepts rather than presenting a different perspective. Lastly, option D, downplaying a change, is inaccurate; the term 'metamorphosis' emphasizes rather than minimizes the impact of transformation.
The author of Passage 2 would likely respond to the actions attributed to 'academia' in the fifth sentence of Passage 1 ('academia...complaints') by asserting that:
- A. these actions are consistent with the approach common in publishing
- B. academic plagiarism has usually been misrepresented in surveys
- C. universities increasingly treat plagiarism as a serious offense
- D. colleges should provide amnesty to researchers accused of plagiarism
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The assertion in Passage 2 likely aligns with the view that universities are taking a stronger stance against plagiarism, reflecting a growing seriousness about academic integrity. This perspective supports option C, as it highlights an evolving attitude within academia. Option A misrepresents the author's likely stance, as it suggests acceptance of the status quo in publishing rather than a critique of it. Option B incorrectly implies that the author believes surveys misrepresent plagiarism, which may not be the focus of their argument. Option D suggests a leniency that contradicts the seriousness implied in Passage 2, as it undermines the accountability that academia is increasingly emphasizing.
The assertion in Passage 2 likely aligns with the view that universities are taking a stronger stance against plagiarism, reflecting a growing seriousness about academic integrity. This perspective supports option C, as it highlights an evolving attitude within academia. Option A misrepresents the author's likely stance, as it suggests acceptance of the status quo in publishing rather than a critique of it. Option B incorrectly implies that the author believes surveys misrepresent plagiarism, which may not be the focus of their argument. Option D suggests a leniency that contradicts the seriousness implied in Passage 2, as it undermines the accountability that academia is increasingly emphasizing.
The author quoted in Passage 1 would likely argue that the historian’s having 'lifted passages from other historians' (sentence 4, Passage 2) is:
- A. an example of academic collaboration
- B. deserving of harsh punishment
- C. far from an isolated incident
- D. a comparatively recent problem
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The author in Passage 1 likely views the historian's practice of lifting passages as a common occurrence in the field, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend rather than an isolated case. This aligns with option C, emphasizing the prevalence of such practices among historians. Option A misinterprets the act as collaboration, which typically involves mutual consent and acknowledgment, whereas lifting passages often lacks proper attribution. Option B is incorrect as it implies a punitive view that the author does not express. Lastly, option D suggests a recent emergence of this issue, contradicting the author's perspective that it has long been a part of historical writing.
The author in Passage 1 likely views the historian's practice of lifting passages as a common occurrence in the field, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend rather than an isolated case. This aligns with option C, emphasizing the prevalence of such practices among historians. Option A misinterprets the act as collaboration, which typically involves mutual consent and acknowledgment, whereas lifting passages often lacks proper attribution. Option B is incorrect as it implies a punitive view that the author does not express. Lastly, option D suggests a recent emergence of this issue, contradicting the author's perspective that it has long been a part of historical writing.