GS-1 Verbal Reasoning Question 13

[nathan.blu4013]

13) According to the passage, which of the following claims about the two models described is inaccurate?

1. The invisible wave theory of electromagnetism is naive and has been abandoned by most psychic theorists.[x]
2. There is greater supporting evidence for the psi dimension theory than the electromagnetic theory.[x]
3. There is no physical evidence to support the existence of extra dimensions in the universe.[x]
4. None of the above.

the solution states:


The answer to this question can be deduced from the following: "Psi waves, however, have never been found, and this model still fails to account for the faster-than-light speeds and undiminished power suggested by reports of precognition and telepathy." Therefor, Psi waves are merely a matter of speculation.

---> The answer should be D!! None of the above, since, as your solution states, B *is* accurate. (Psi waves are described by electromagnetic theory)

[jellywing_2058]

The explanation for this question is fine. Answer choice B is correct.

Option B states that psi dimension theory has more proof of existing than the electromagnetic theory.

The passage quoted in the explanation says the exact opposite:

"Psi waves, however, have never been found, and this model still fails to account for the faster-than-light speeds and undiminished power suggested by reports of precognition and telepathy."

This is a negative type question where option B contradicts the passage and is therefore correct.

[khalafam3821]

The problem with this question is that psi waves are actually part of the electromagnetic theory according to the passage.

[dnpgr16513]

Why wouldn't the answer be A? I don't see any evidence of the theory being "abandoned".......


Thanks

[jeanne7524]

What's tricky with this question is the way it is put. Simply restated, the gist of this question is: Which of the following statements is NOT correct?

The statement contained in choice A is briefly mentioned in the passage - par 8, sentence 2. Choice C is also explicitly stated in the final sentence of the passage. This is exactly the opposite of the statement provided by Choice B. Therefore, B contains the most incorrect or inaccurate claim pertaining to the two models.

@ khalafam3821: If "psi waves are actually part of the electromagnetic theory according to the passage," then this makes choice B all the more correct as the answer because how can there be a "greater supporting evidence for the psi dimension theory than the electromagnetic theory" if both pertain to the same thing?

Overall, the trick in answering this test item is by really understanding the question itself.

Don't give up, guys. Do more practice tests.

Good luck!

[kumerah3323]

I do, kind of believe something is wrong with the answer here. I looked at it over and over again, but I still believe that all the choices given is a correct statment.

The way I interpret it...
The passage discusses two theories that try to explain ESP: the electromagnetic theory (ET) and the dimension theory (DT).
First, it talks about ET and how it fails to explain the (what is called) "psi waves" model. It continues to say that because of the incredible lack of evidence in this theory psychologist have disregarded this theory.
Then it turns to DT, where it says that in short, although, there is no physical evidence to support this theory, psychic researchers seem to rely more or have more faith in this theory because of the concepts of math that may help to explain it.

So, basically, saying that (answer choice C) there is more evidence for DT than there are for ET, seems like a pretty valid statement to me . But I don't know maybe I'm just missing something here.

(P.S. I also want to say that ET and DT are not the same thing, they are different theories presented by the passage that try to explain the same psychic, ESP phenomena.)

[jeanne7524]

Hi there!

I think, you mean choice "B. There is greater supporting evidence for the psi dimension theory than the electromagnetic theory."

Your points are valid, and I can't blame you for the confusion. The passage does sound like there is more weight in the psi dimension theory than the ET. This is because, as you have pointed out yourself, of the math behind the theory. However, the general idea of the passage can be summed up by the following:

Paragraph 8:"Psi waves, however, have never been found, and this model still fails to account for the faster-than-light speeds and undiminished power suggested by reports of precognition and telepathy." and;

Final sentence of the passage: "However, with NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE to support extra dimensions, the idea of a consciousness plane remains nothing more than fascinating speculation."

These would tell the reader that both theories - equally - have no sufficient proofs to be even considered as valid.

I hope this clarifies your inquiry.