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655-705 Level|   Assumption|                     
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woohoo921
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 20 Feb 2022, 14:21
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[wrapimg=][/wrapimg]
KarishmaB
Bunuel
Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psychologist Gordon Gallup as a model, several studies have investigated animals' capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression. However, in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self. The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

The cognitive scientist makes which of the following assumptions in the argument above?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.
B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.
D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.
E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

CR18731.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION

MSR experiments were conducted.
Most animals showed social behaviour such as aggression.
Great apes, on repeated exposure, show self-directed behaviour.

Implication - Great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

Most animals did not show MSR so we are concluding that they are not self aware. Only great apes showed MSR so we are concluding that only they are self aware.

What is the assumption?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.

We don't know what Gallup's work has established. We are discussing the experiments and their implications.

B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.

Correct. We are assuming that if an animal does not show MSR, it is not self aware. That is why we are implying that self awareness is unique in great apes.
Negate: If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does have the capacity for self-awareness.
Most animals do not show MSR. We are concluding that they do not have capacity for self awareness. If we are given that they have capacity for self awareness, then our conclusion fails.

C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.

Not true. The argument tells us that repeated exposure to mirror leads to MSR in great apes. The first few times, perhaps even great apes exhibit social behaviour. We are not assuming this.

D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.

Not assumed. They could display some other kind of behaviour too. We are only implying about self directed behaviour.

E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

Not assumed. In fact, the argument assumes opposite of this.

Answer (B)
Show more


KarishmaB
For Choice D, my reason to eliminate this answer was based on the answer saying "all animals" vs. the argument says "most animals"... is that another correct way to eliminate this answer choice?

What does the Official Guide mean when it says "the cognitive scientist's reasoning is compatible with an animal's displaying no behavior..." ---> the wording "compatible" is a bit strange to me. Do they mean it would be work if the animal displayed no behavior? Many thanks in advance :)
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 21 Feb 2022, 00:20
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[wrapimg=][/wrapimg]
KarishmaB
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psychologist Gordon Gallup as a model, several studies have investigated animals' capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression. However, in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self. The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

The cognitive scientist makes which of the following assumptions in the argument above?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.
B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.
D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.
E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

CR18731.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION

MSR experiments were conducted.
Most animals showed social behaviour such as aggression.
Great apes, on repeated exposure, show self-directed behaviour.

Implication - Great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

Most animals did not show MSR so we are concluding that they are not self aware. Only great apes showed MSR so we are concluding that only they are self aware.

What is the assumption?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.

We don't know what Gallup's work has established. We are discussing the experiments and their implications.

B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.

Correct. We are assuming that if an animal does not show MSR, it is not self aware. That is why we are implying that self awareness is unique in great apes.
Negate: If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does have the capacity for self-awareness.
Most animals do not show MSR. We are concluding that they do not have capacity for self awareness. If we are given that they have capacity for self awareness, then our conclusion fails.

C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.

Not true. The argument tells us that repeated exposure to mirror leads to MSR in great apes. The first few times, perhaps even great apes exhibit social behaviour. We are not assuming this.

D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.

Not assumed. They could display some other kind of behaviour too. We are only implying about self directed behaviour.

E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

Not assumed. In fact, the argument assumes opposite of this.

Answer (B)


KarishmaB
For Choice D, my reason to eliminate this answer was based on the answer saying "all animals" vs. the argument says "most animals"... is that another correct way to eliminate this answer choice?

What does the Official Guide mean when it says "the cognitive scientist's reasoning is compatible with an animal's displaying no behavior..." ---> the wording "compatible" is a bit strange to me. Do they mean it would be work if the animal displayed no behavior? Many thanks in advance :)
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Yes. We don't need any assumption involving "all" animals. We noticed something about most animals (that were involved in the study which may be a small subset of all animals) - that they reacted in one way. Great apes reacted in another way and based on that we are inferring something about great apes. So there is no assumption made about "all animals".
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 30 Aug 2022, 00:58
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How will the negation test work on option C] ?
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 04 Sep 2022, 08:45
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How will the negation test work on option C] ?
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The negation test can be a bit messy and difficult to apply with accuracy. Another way to think about assumption questions like this is to find out which answer choice MUST be true in order for the argument to hold up.

So, does (C) absolutely HAVE to be true for the scientist to reach his/her conclusion?
Quote:
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.
Show more
In the passage, we learn that "in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self."

From this, we know that the apes didn't immediately recognize the reflection as an image of self -- it took repeated exposures to get to that point.

But what happened in the initial exposures, BEFORE the apes recognized themselves in the mirror? We don't know -- it's possible that they just sat there and looked, or it's possible that they showed social behaviors. The fact that they might have showed social behaviors doesn't mean that they're not self-aware. They just needed repeated exposures to get to the point where they showed self-awareness.

So, (C) doesn't have to be true for the argument to hold up, and thus the argument doesn't make this assumption.

I hope that helps!
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what if other animal have self-awareness (except apes). this experiment only show most animal (more than 50 % animal) respond self-awareness if they exposed to them MSR.
the answer choices says.. .Answer choices (b) said that if an animal( any animal) not have capacity For MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness. does any animal includes the most animal or not? nd how can the author, cognitive scientist , is assuming such horrible mistake error? or am I thinking horrible way? how can the author say any animal ( any animal includes the most animals , most animal are exposed the MSR, showing the self-awareness) , if the author said some animal that would be good ideas, is not it?

when the author first introduced general concept ,"Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression", and he has gone to specific specific concept. "in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self" and last he concludes his point by using specific concept.. What I am assuming that there must be something assuming that fills the gap between specific examples and conclusion. But, the answer is again general view. what's is going on here? Can anyone, Gmat expert, shed some light on my thinking? I can't stop thinking anymore this problem.
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 24 Apr 2023, 09:13
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S1ny1s
when the author first introduced general concept ,"Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression", and he has gone to specific specific concept."in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self" and last he concludes his point by using specific concept.. What I am assuming that there must be something assuming that fills the gap between specific examples and conclusion. But, the answer is again general view. what's is going on here? Can anyone, Gmat expert, shed some light on my thinking? I can't stop thinking anymore this problem.
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In a way, the conclusion is actually general.

To see why, let's consider the conclusion carefully:

The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

If you think about it, that conclusion implies the following:

Nonhuman species other than great apes IN GENERAL do not have a capacity for self-awareness.

So, in arriving a that conclusion, the author is assuming something about nonhuman species other than great apes in general, which is the following:

B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 14 Nov 2023, 20:47
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Bunuel
Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psychologist Gordon Gallup as a model, several studies have investigated animals' capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression. However, in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self. The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

The cognitive scientist makes which of the following assumptions in the argument above?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.
B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.
D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.
E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.


CR18731.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION
Show more
The video solution of this question is here:



It is the second question discussed.­
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 14 Apr 2024, 13:40
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Conc: ­The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species - This seems to be a separate conclusion. Does this answer the question "Do great apes have unique capacity for self-awareness?" We're only told they do show MSR. The assumption that MSR is equal to self-awareness needs to be established. This option doesn't do that. Drop

B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness. - This is a fun one. The passage states based on the outcome of several studies that presence of MSR suggests that an animal has self-awareness. But the option is in inverse, i.e., no MSR is equal to no self-awareness. Let's negate to check - "If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does have the capacity for self-awareness." Okay, the negation definitely breaks the conclusion. This is true, whether we negate the if or the then clause. Keep

C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware. - Another tricky option - Let's just quickly negate the then clause to check if this works - "If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behaviour, that animal is not incapable of being self-aware." Well does this break the conclusion, not necessarily. We're told that the great apes after repeated exposure showed signs of self-awareness. This defintely can co-exist with the conclusion, i.e., negation is not weakening the conclusion. Just to be sure, let's negate the if clause to check if this stands correct. "If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal doesn't exhibit social behaviour, that animal is incapable of being self-aware." Okay, based on what we're saying if the animal shows any behaviour other than social behaviour, i.e., aggression and the likes, then the animal isn't self-aware and this should break the conclusion. However, does non-social behaviour only means MSR. Not true. If the animal showed MSR and we conclude that it's not self-aware this breaks the argument. However, if the animal shows behaviour X (other than MSR or social behaviour) it doesn't break the conclusion, it's definitely possible that indication of behaviour X is equal to no self-awareness and this scenario co-exists with the option B (correct answer). Drop

D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior - This assumption just provides us with a fact. But doesn't answer the question "Are great apes self-aware?" Drop

E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways. - Could be true, but this would slightly weaken the conclusion that MSR is equal to self-awareness and the negation is pretty much in line with the conclusion. Therefore, this is not a required assumption. Drop

Note: Went a bit more detailed on option C (given that it's the most chosen trap answer) to establish no matter how it's sliced, the option doesn't hold up.
 
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KarishmaB, a previous comment negates B as: If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
you negated the second part, which one is correct ?

how do we negate ? thanks
KarishmaB
Bunuel
Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psychologist Gordon Gallup as a model, several studies have investigated animals' capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression. However, in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self. The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

The cognitive scientist makes which of the following assumptions in the argument above?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.
B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.
D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.
E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

CR18731.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION

Video Solution is available here: https://youtu.be/BW8Ijrhjjq8
It is the second question discussed.

MSR experiments were conducted.
Most animals showed social behaviour such as aggression.
Great apes, on repeated exposure, show self-directed behaviour.

Implication - Great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

Most animals did not show MSR so we are concluding that they are not self aware. Only great apes showed MSR so we are concluding that only they are self aware.

What is the assumption?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.

We don't know what Gallup's work has established. We are discussing the experiments and their implications.

B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.

Correct. We are assuming that if an animal does not show MSR, it is not self aware. That is why we are implying that self awareness is unique in great apes.
Negate: If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does have the capacity for self-awareness.
Most animals do not show MSR. We are concluding that they do not have capacity for self awareness. If we are given that they have capacity for self awareness, then our conclusion fails.

C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.

Not true. The argument tells us that repeated exposure to mirror leads to MSR in great apes. The first few times, perhaps even great apes exhibit social behaviour. We are not assuming this.

D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.

Not assumed. They could display some other kind of behaviour too. We are only implying about self directed behaviour.

E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

Not assumed. In fact, the argument assumes opposite of this.

Answer (B)
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the author jumps to the conclusion that apes are the only ones capable of being self aware amongst nonhumans.

a - sort of a restated fact. eliminate
b - Negate: If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness. - well if you can be self aware without the MSR part, then how are apes unique ? the negation breaks the argument
c - this could weaken the argument, assuming apes behaved aggressively on their first trial (this is a possibility because apes only showed MSR after repeated exposure)
d - Suppose some display neither. Apes are still the only ones with self-directed behaviour; uniqueness intact.
e - well this weakens the argument since it leaves a possibility for those who were constantly behaving aggressively to perhaps show signs of self-awarenes - removing uniqueness of apes.. also notice that this is Exactly the negation of B!
Bunuel
Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psychologist Gordon Gallup as a model, several studies have investigated animals' capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression. However, in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self. The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

The cognitive scientist makes which of the following assumptions in the argument above?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.
B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.
D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.
E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.


CR18731.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION
Show more
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The main clause is negated.

If A, then B implies "A leads to B".
Negation is "A may not not lead to B"

We cannot say anything about 'Not A' so we cannot negative the condition.

INprimesItrust
KarishmaB, a previous comment negates B as: If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
you negated the second part, which one is correct ?

how do we negate ? thanks
KarishmaB
Bunuel
Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psychologist Gordon Gallup as a model, several studies have investigated animals' capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression. However, in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self. The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

The cognitive scientist makes which of the following assumptions in the argument above?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.
B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.
D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.
E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

CR18731.01
OG2020 NEW QUESTION

Video Solution is available here: https://youtu.be/BW8Ijrhjjq8
It is the second question discussed.

MSR experiments were conducted.
Most animals showed social behaviour such as aggression.
Great apes, on repeated exposure, show self-directed behaviour.

Implication - Great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

Most animals did not show MSR so we are concluding that they are not self aware. Only great apes showed MSR so we are concluding that only they are self aware.

What is the assumption?

A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.

We don't know what Gallup's work has established. We are discussing the experiments and their implications.

B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.

Correct. We are assuming that if an animal does not show MSR, it is not self aware. That is why we are implying that self awareness is unique in great apes.
Negate: If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does have the capacity for self-awareness.
Most animals do not show MSR. We are concluding that they do not have capacity for self awareness. If we are given that they have capacity for self awareness, then our conclusion fails.

C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.

Not true. The argument tells us that repeated exposure to mirror leads to MSR in great apes. The first few times, perhaps even great apes exhibit social behaviour. We are not assuming this.

D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.

Not assumed. They could display some other kind of behaviour too. We are only implying about self directed behaviour.

E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

Not assumed. In fact, the argument assumes opposite of this.

Answer (B)
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 30 Jul 2025, 12:06
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Does that mean we can’t use just the negation technique and need an additional step beyond it? Or is there a specific type of assumption question wherein negation technique shouldn’t be used?
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himanshu0123
How will the negation test work on option C] ?
The negation test can be a bit messy and difficult to apply with accuracy. Another way to think about assumption questions like this is to find out which answer choice MUST be true in order for the argument to hold up.

So, does (C) absolutely HAVE to be true for the scientist to reach his/her conclusion?
Quote:
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.
In the passage, we learn that "in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self."

From this, we know that the apes didn't immediately recognize the reflection as an image of self -- it took repeated exposures to get to that point.

But what happened in the initial exposures, BEFORE the apes recognized themselves in the mirror? We don't know -- it's possible that they just sat there and looked, or it's possible that they showed social behaviors. The fact that they might have showed social behaviors doesn't mean that they're not self-aware. They just needed repeated exposures to get to the point where they showed self-awareness.

So, (C) doesn't have to be true for the argument to hold up, and thus the argument doesn't make this assumption.

I hope that helps!
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 05 Aug 2025, 06:32
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psychologist Gordon Gallup as a model, several studies have investigated animals' capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Most animals exposed to a mirror respond only with social behavior, such as aggression. However, in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self. The implication of these studies is that the great apes have a capacity for self-awareness unique among nonhuman species.

The cognitive scientist makes which of the following assumptions in the argument above?

Argument breakdown: Please observe, how there is a conditional reasoning in this argument.

Facts:
1. >50% animals respond to mirror with social behaviour
2. 1 case shows apes have the capacity for MSR

Conclusion: Apes have a capacity for self awareness unique to them among nonhuman species.

Conditional reasoning logic that can be used: If apes are self aware, they must have MSR.


A. Gallup's work has established that the great apes have a capacity for MSR unique among nonhuman species.

Negation technique: Established, that great apes do not have capacity for MSR. - Negation makes an argument that is 180 degrees to the conclusion. While we have to negate the conclusion by using negation, it has to be done by negating the premise/facts. Not by opposite of the conclusion. Hence, this is out.

B. If an animal does not have the capacity for MSR, it does not have the capacity for self-awareness.

Let's expand on the conditional reasoning.
We are given, if animals are self aware, they have MSR.
What forms of this reasoning don't work
- If animals have MSR, they must be self aware - can't be stated
- if animals don't have self awareness, then they must not have MSR - as per the rule, we can't infer this also.
Only inference possible:
- If they don't have MSR, they must not be self aware. This is exactly stated in the answer choice. This should be correct.

C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.

We know most animals respond with social behaviour and the conclusion is around a unique case. This is reverse of the entire argument. - Negate this

D. When exposed to a mirror, all animals display either social behavior or self-directed behavior.

All animals - Never stated. Negate. This will the weakest answer among the answer choices because of this reason.

E. Animals that do not exhibit MSR may demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness in other ways.

Again - Other ways. this won't be the assumption as it doesn't relate to the conclusion. The assumption has to be in relation to the conclusion and not a branching thought
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 07 Aug 2025, 10:48
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soumyab12
Does that mean we can’t use just the negation technique and need an additional step beyond it? Or is there a specific type of assumption question wherein negation technique shouldn’t be used?

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himanshu0123
How will the negation test work on option C] ?

The negation test can be a bit messy and difficult to apply with accuracy. Another way to think about assumption questions like this is to find out which answer choice MUST be true in order for the argument to hold up.

So, does (C) absolutely HAVE to be true for the scientist to reach his/her conclusion?

Quote:
C. If a researcher exposes an animal to a mirror and that animal exhibits social behavior, that animal is incapable of being self-aware.

In the passage, we learn that "in the case of the great apes, repeated exposure to mirrors leads to self-directed behaviors, such as exploring the inside of the mouth, suggesting that these animals recognize the reflection as an image of self."

From this, we know that the apes didn't immediately recognize the reflection as an image of self -- it took repeated exposures to get to that point.

But what happened in the initial exposures, BEFORE the apes recognized themselves in the mirror? We don't know -- it's possible that they just sat there and looked, or it's possible that they showed social behaviors. The fact that they might have showed social behaviors doesn't mean that they're not self-aware. They just needed repeated exposures to get to the point where they showed self-awareness.

So, (C) doesn't have to be true for the argument to hold up, and thus the argument doesn't make this assumption.

I hope that helps!

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The simple (but unsatisfying) answer is that negation will work as long as you get the negation right!

The problem is that we've seen tons of examples of students slightly missing the mark when attempting to negate assumptions. Many students use negation as a crutch or a short cut to avoid thinking hard about the logic, and that's a recipe for trouble. For example:

  • Assumption: The light is always on.
  • Flawed Negation: The light is never on.
  • Logic: If we do NOT assume that the light is ALWAYS on, that doesn't necessarily mean that the light is NEVER on. It just means that we don’t know. That means that the light could be on some of the time, none of the time, or all of the time.

If you lazily jump straight to the opposite of an assumption, you might end up with an inaccurate negation that throws off your analysis of the answer choice.

(Search our posts for "negation" and you'll find plenty of examples!)
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 30 Sep 2025, 05:34
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Hello everyone, experts...

How is B the correct answer here?

Option B is basically saying that having MSR capacity is necessary for having self-awareness capacity. If I negate this, I get "having MSR capacity is not necessary for having self-awareness capacity", which doesn't quite break the conclusion as having MSR capacity could still be sufficient for having self-awareness capacity.

From what I have understood from the argument, the author takes a jump from "great apes have MSR capacity" to "great apes have self awareness capacity that is unique". So, clearly, specifically for great apes of course, there is a link between "having MSR capacity" and "having self awareness capacity that is unique" - this is the logical gap in the argument as per my understanding. So, having MSR doesn't have to necessary for having self awareness that is unique - It can very well be sufficient, and the logical gap will still exist.
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 30 Sep 2025, 07:17
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goaltop30mba
Hello everyone, experts...

How is B the correct answer here?

Option B is basically saying that having MSR capacity is necessary for having self-awareness capacity. If I negate this, I get "having MSR capacity is not necessary for having self-awareness capacity", which doesn't quite break the conclusion as having MSR capacity could still be sufficient for having self-awareness capacity.

From what I have understood from the argument, the author takes a jump from "great apes have MSR capacity" to "great apes have self awareness capacity that is unique". So, clearly, specifically for great apes of course, there is a link between "having MSR capacity" and "having self awareness capacity that is unique" - this is the logical gap in the argument as per my understanding. So, having MSR doesn't have to necessary for having self awareness that is unique - It can very well be sufficient, and the logical gap will still exist.
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goaltop30mba The conclusion isn't just that great apes have self-awareness - it's that they have self-awareness unique among nonhuman species. This uniqueness claim requires proving that other animals don't have self-awareness.

Why Necessity (Not Sufficiency) Matters

The argument's logic flow:
  1. Great apes show MSR → They have self-awareness
  2. Other animals don't show MSR → They don't have self-awareness
  3. Therefore, self-awareness is unique to great apes

For step 2 to work, the author must assume: No MSR → No self-awareness
This is exactly what option B states: MSR is necessary for self-awareness.

The Negation Test (Applied Correctly)

When you negate B: "Animals can have self-awareness without having MSR"

This completely destroys the conclusion because:
- Other animals might have self-awareness through different mechanisms (not mirrors)
- Just because they fail the mirror test doesn't mean they lack self-awareness
- Therefore, great apes' self-awareness is no longer unique

If MSR were merely sufficient (as you suggested), the argument would only prove great apes have self-awareness, but couldn't prove other animals lack it.

Strategic Pattern Recognition

This is a classic "Uniqueness Claim" assumption pattern in GMAT CR. When an argument concludes something is unique/exclusive to one group based on a specific test:
- The assumption is always that the test is necessary for the quality
- Watch for conclusions with words like "unique," "only," "exclusive"
- The trap answer often reverses or weakens the necessity relationship

You can practice similar questions here (you'll find a lot of OG questions) - select Critical Reasoning under Verbal and choose Medium level questions focusing on assumption-based problems.
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Cognitive scientist: Using the pioneering work of comparative psycholo 03 Oct 2025, 15:51
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goaltop30mba
Hello everyone, experts...

How is B the correct answer here?

Option B is basically saying that having MSR capacity is necessary for having self-awareness capacity. If I negate this, I get "having MSR capacity is not necessary for having self-awareness capacity", which doesn't quite break the conclusion as having MSR capacity could still be sufficient for having self-awareness capacity.

From what I have understood from the argument, the author takes a jump from "great apes have MSR capacity" to "great apes have self awareness capacity that is unique". So, clearly, specifically for great apes of course, there is a link between "having MSR capacity" and "having self awareness capacity that is unique" - this is the logical gap in the argument as per my understanding. So, having MSR doesn't have to necessary for having self awareness that is unique - It can very well be sufficient, and the logical gap will still exist.
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Yes, MSR capacity could still be sufficient for having self-awareness capacity, but without (B) MSR capacity is not necessary for having self-awareness capacity.

In that case, we don't know anything about the animals that do NOT exhibit MSR capacity. Maybe they have a capacity for self-awareness, maybe they don't. Your pet chinchilla might have self-awareness capacity even if it does NOT demonstrate MSR capacity.

In other words, without (B), knowing that an animal lacks MSR capacity isn't evidence one way or the other. So while the scientists have evidence that the great apes DO have the capacity for self-awareness, the evidence is inconclusive for the other animals.

Without (B), the studies only suggest that (1) great apes have self-awareness and (2) the other animals may or may not have self-awareness. In that case, there's no evidence that the self-awareness of the great apes is unique, so the conclusion does not hold.

For more on that, check out this post: https://gmatclub.com/forum/cognitive-sc ... l#p3202394.
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