12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: Public Health Official

Question

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Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

GMAT Club's Official Explanation:

(C) Introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
 - The public health official highlights two key developments: the increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville, and the rise in the use of online fitness programs. These points suggest other reasons for the lack of change in average weekly exercise hours as reported in the study, challenging the conclusion that the public park hasn't contributed to an improvement in physical fitness. This approach introduces other variables that could have impacted the overall physical fitness of residents, thereby questioning the direct linkage between the park's opening and the citywide fitness levels.

The other options, while plausible, do not as closely match the strategy used by the public health official in the passage:

(A) Pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
 - The official does not directly critique the scope of the study.

(B) Suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
 - The official does not specifically address the reliability of self-reported data.

(D) Questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
 - The official does not challenge the metric of weekly exercise hours itself.

(E) Arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
 - The official does not comment on the sufficiency of the study's timeframe.

Hence, (C) is the correct answer as it best describes how the public health official challenges the study's conclusion.

Schinchan_bh · Answer

In this passage, the public health official challenges the study's conclusion by introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period. The official mentions the increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers, as well as the rise in the use of online fitness programs, as factors that may have contributed to residents' physical fitness in ways not considered by the study.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

DongTan · Answer

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
The passage does not address the limitations of the study's scope. Instead, it introduces additional factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
The passage does not discuss the study's reliance on self-reported data. Instead, it introduces alternative factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
The official does not question the validity of using weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. Instead, they introduce alternative factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends.

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
The official does not argue that the study's timeframe was insufficient. Instead, they introduce additional factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends, suggesting that the study's conclusion may be too simplistic.

Therefore, the best answer choice is (C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

sj296 · Answer

Public Health Official: study concludes that the new public park has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. 
This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. 
However, The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

(A)  pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
 ...........incorrect

(B)  suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness. ...............Data is based on a survey. The study didn't take into account other factors other than the park.

(C)  introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
 ...............this is correct

(D)  questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. ..........he is not questioning the weekly no of hrs

(E)  arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness. .....................impact of public park is not discussed.

IMO Option C is correct

juancarlos12 · Answer

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening.  However, this conclusion may be too simplistic.  The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.
 
 Keyword: However, this conclusion may be too simplistic., because after that, he mentions his reasons

Passage: Relation between Public Park and improvement in residents' physical fitness
The author explain only the reasons why improvement in residents' physical fitness could be success without the Public Park

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.  -->the author does not mention this relation

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data  might not accurately reflect  the actual change in residents' physical fitness.  --> Incorrect report is irrelevant

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.  --> Right, because mentions factors that help to improve residents' physical fitness

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.  -->No, this is no the point of the author

(E) arguing that the  study's timeframe  was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.  --> No, this is no the point of the author

Right answer: C

rd1009 · Answer

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
 limitations of the study not covered as part of the argument

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
 Out of scope..no such claims presented in the passage

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
  substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers; marked rise in the use of online fitness programs -- these are the additional factors as part of the argument to challenge the study's conclusion

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
 no doubts raised in the argument about the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
 the argument never claims that the study's timeframe was not sufficient

(C) is the answer

$!vakumar.m · Answer

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness. - is incorrect because the public health official does not point out the limitations of the study’s scope. he introduces additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness. - is incorrect because the public health official doesn't specifically question the accuracy of self-reported data in this passage.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.- correct - because the public health official challenges the study's conclusion by introducing other factors, such as the increase in gyms and fitness centers and the rise in the use of online fitness programs, suggesting that these factors may have influenced physical fitness trends.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness. - incorrect - because the public health official doesn't explicitly question the validity of using this measure.

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness. - incorrect - because the public health official doesn't explicitly argue that the timeframe was insufficient.
Answer C

rishikavats17 · Answer

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
-- The author is not assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness but rather stating additional factors that contributed to the result. Eliminate.

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
-- No such suggestion has been made by the author. Eliminate.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
-- Correct. The author lists down additional key factors that must've influenced the fitness trends, something that the study overlooks.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
-- The argument doesn't question the number of weekly exercise hours. Eliminate,

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
-- The long term impact hasn't been discussed in the argument. Irrelevant, eliminate.

DG1989 · Answer

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
  Explanation:   While the official mentions limitations in scope, their main focus is on highlighting alternative factors beyond the park that could have impacted fitness trends.   INCORRECT

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
  Explanation:   While this may or may not be true, this choice doesn't reflect the attempt of the expert to identify the alternate factors responsible for the fitness trends.   INCORRECT

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
  Explanation:   This choice highlights the presence of other influential factors not considered by the study, thereby suggesting the observed lack of change having alternative explanations.   CORRECT

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
  Explanation:   The study's chosen measure i.e 'weekly exercise hours' isn't directly questioned. The official's argument revolves around additional relevant factors, not the chosen metric.   INCORRECT

(E) arguing that the study's time frame was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
  Explanation:   Timeframe isn't raised as a specific concern. The official is interested in factors within the same period that could explain the lack of change observed.   INCORRECT

Option C   is the right answer.

Elite097 · Answer

Public Health Official: A recent study concludes that the new public park in Downtown Metroville has not contributed to an overall improvement in residents' physical fitness. This conclusion is based on a citywide survey showing no significant change in average weekly exercise hours reported by residents after the park's opening. However, this conclusion may be too simplistic. The same period saw a substantial increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers across Metroville. Additionally, there was a marked rise in the use of online fitness programs, likely due to the recent expansion of high-speed internet services in the area.

In this passage, the public health official attempts to challenge the study's conclusion by:

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.
Its not pointing the limitations specifically just found it simplistic

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.
No issue is stated with data being self reported

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.
This is correct. His response is entirely dependent on this

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.
He has no problem with using number of weekly excercise hours

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.
Time frame has not even been mentioned throughout

Ans C

missionmba2025 · Answer

(A) pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness.

Highlighting the study's limitations in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness scope is not addressed in the passage. Eliminate

(B) suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness.

The passage doesn't address the study's reliance on self-reported data. Eliminate.

(C) introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

This is correct. Introducing additional factors that could have influenced citywide physical fitness trends during the same period.

(D) questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness.

The official doesn't question the validity of using weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness; instead, they introduce alternative factors that might have influenced trends in physical fitness.

(E) arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness.

The official doesn't argue that the study's timeframe was insufficient. Instead, they introduce additional factors that could have influenced physical fitness trends, suggesting that the study's conclusion may be overly simplistic. Eliminate.

IMO C

Lalykys · Answer

(A) Pointing out the limitations of the study's scope in assessing the impact of the public park on physical fitness:

This is not the primary focus. The official introduces additional factors (increase in gyms, online fitness programs) rather than pointing out the limitations of the study's scope.
(B) Suggesting that the study's reliance on self-reported data might not accurately reflect the actual change in residents' physical fitness:

This is not the primary focus. While the official mentions the citywide survey, the emphasis is on introducing additional factors (gyms, online programs) that could have influenced physical fitness.
(C) Introducing additional factors that could have influenced the citywide physical fitness trends during the same period:

This is the correct focus. The official challenges the study's conclusion by presenting other factors that may have contributed to the residents' physical fitness.
(D) Questioning the validity of using the number of weekly exercise hours as a measure of physical fitness:

This is not the primary focus. The official introduces additional factors influencing fitness trends rather than directly questioning the validity of the measure used in the study.
(E) Arguing that the study's timeframe was not sufficient to capture the long-term impact of the public park on residents' fitness:

This is not the primary focus. The official introduces immediate factors (increase in gyms, online programs) to challenge the study's conclusion, rather than focusing on the long-term impact of the park.
In summary, the primary strategy of the public health official is to introduce additional factors (gyms, online programs) that could have influenced physical fitness trends,  making (C) the most suitable answer.

CorporateAsset · Answer

They’re saying:

“You can’t blame the park for no improvement because other things also changed that might be affecting the numbers.”

That’s classic:

Introducing other influencing factors during the same time period → (C)

12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: Public Health Official

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: Public Health Official

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards