GRE General TestAnalytical WritingMedium
A company is considering implementing a mandatory 'digital detox' policy, requiring employees to disconnect from all work-related digital devices for one hour during their lunch break. The CEO argues this will reduce employee stress and improve overall well-being. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the CEO's claim?
- AThe company's industry is highly competitive, requiring constant communication and responsiveness.
- BStudies show that prolonged screen time can contribute to eye strain and headaches.
- CMany employees already choose to disconnect during their lunch breaks voluntarily.
- DA pilot program of the 'digital detox' at another company resulted in a 20% reduction in self-reported stress levels among participants.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A pilot program of the 'digital detox' at another company resulted in a 20% reduction in self-reported stress levels among participants.
To strengthen the claim that the digital detox will reduce stress and improve well-being, one needs evidence of its positive impact. A pilot program with positive results at another company provides direct empirical support for the policy's efficacy.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This suggests a potential challenge to implementing the policy, weakening rather than strengthening the claim of positive effects.
- B. While true, this points to physical effects of screen time, not directly to a reduction in *stress* or improvement in *well-being* from a 'detox'.
- C. Voluntary action by some doesn't prove a mandatory policy will have the desired effect for all, especially those who *don't* voluntarily disconnect.
Empirical Support
Empirical support refers to evidence obtained through observation or experimentation that validates a claim or hypothesis.
- Based on real-world data and experience.
- Strengthens arguments by moving beyond theoretical claims.
- Can come from studies, experiments, or observations.
Memory trick: Numbers and studies are the muscles that make an argument strong.