GMAT Focus EditionVerbal ReasoningMedium
A recent study found that employees who participate in regular mindfulness meditation sessions report significantly lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction compared to those who do not. Based on these findings, a company decides to implement a mandatory mindfulness program for all its employees, expecting a substantial increase in overall productivity. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the company's expectation?
- AParticipation in the mindfulness sessions in the study was entirely voluntary, attracting individuals already predisposed to stress management.
- BThe study was conducted on employees in a high-stress industry, which differs significantly from the company's industry.
- CSome employees express skepticism about the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation before the program begins.
- DThe company's current productivity levels are already among the highest in its industry.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Participation in the mindfulness sessions in the study was entirely voluntary, attracting individuals already predisposed to stress management.
The company assumes that the positive effects observed in a voluntary program will translate to a mandatory one. If the original participants were self-selected and already inclined to benefit, then forcing everyone to participate might not yield the same results, thereby weakening the expectation of increased productivity.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While industry differences might affect the degree of stress, the core mechanism (mindfulness reducing stress) could still apply, so it doesn't directly weaken the productivity expectation as much as self-selection.
- C. Employee skepticism might affect engagement, but it doesn't directly invalidate the potential for the program to improve productivity for those who do engage, nor does it weaken the core premise that mindfulness can lead to positive outcomes.
- D. High current productivity doesn't mean it can't increase further, and it doesn't address whether mindfulness will actually cause that increase.
Generalizability of Findings
The extent to which the results of a study or experiment can be applied to a broader population or different settings.
- Depends on representativeness of sample.
- Contextual factors can limit generalizability.
- Voluntary participation can introduce self-selection bias.
Memory trick: Don't accept claims without checking their roots, especially if the sample has fruits!