Question

17. Read the following arguments/passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Performing outstanding medical research requires more than simple talent and more than simple explanations. A drive to solve problems is clearly a part of it. Also critical is the ability to identify the right question to ask. Thus, if we rare to produce successful medical researchers, our universities must cultivate dedication and creativity rather than merely conveying information.
Which of the following, if true, will weaken the conclusion?

• A. Researchers have a genuine curiosity about the world.
• B. Scientific talent is only a small facet of what makes an outstanding researcher
• C. The main objective of our universities is not to produce outstanding researchers, but to create well-rounded graduates.
• D. Developing creativity in students is less important for the cultivation of research talent than is instilling a sense of dedication.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The main objective of our universities is not to produce outstanding researchers, but to create well-rounded graduates.

Option (c) will weaken the argument since the argument deals exclusively with what needs to be done in order to produce outstanding researchers. The argument proceeds on the assumption that what is required is outstanding medical research but the statement in (c) negates that assumption. Option (b) rephrases “Performing outstanding medical research requires more than a simple talent” and does not weakens the argument in any way. Option (a) seems to corroborate “Also critical is the ability to identify the right question to ask.” Option (d) talks only about the relative merits of developing creativity and developing dedication which is out of the scope of the discussion.