LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Logical ReasoningMedium
A recent study found that employees who participate in voluntary wellness programs at work report higher job satisfaction. The study concluded that employers should implement wellness programs to boost employee morale.
- AHigher job satisfaction can also be achieved through competitive salaries and benefits.
- BEmployees who are already highly satisfied with their jobs are more likely to participate in voluntary wellness programs.
- CSome employees may feel pressured to participate in voluntary programs, despite their stated preferences.
- DThe wellness programs offered by employers vary greatly in quality and scope.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Employees who are already highly satisfied with their jobs are more likely to participate in voluntary wellness programs.
The argument assumes that wellness programs *cause* higher job satisfaction. Option A suggests reverse causation: those with higher job satisfaction *choose* to participate in wellness programs. This undermines the conclusion that implementing such programs will necessarily boost morale.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This offers alternative ways to achieve job satisfaction but doesn't challenge the causal claim that *wellness programs* boost morale.
- C. This points to a potential negative aspect of programs but doesn't reverse or weaken the general positive correlation observed.
- D. While true, this addresses the *effectiveness* or consistency of programs, not the underlying causal link assumed by the argument.
Reverse Causation
A logical fallacy where the true cause and effect are swapped, meaning the presumed effect is actually the cause of the presumed cause.
- Often arises when correlation is mistaken for causation.
- Challenges the direction of influence in a causal argument.
- Requires evidence that the 'effect' could plausibly lead to the 'cause'.
Memory trick: Cause and effect, don't get them retrospect!