Official Explanation
1. The author of the passage states that Weimann, Knabe, and Schdéb believe Easterlin incorrectly
Analyze the question stem
The question asks what the text "states" and so is a Detail question. Look up why Weimann, Knabe, and Sch6b criticized Easterlin.
Research the relevant text
The views of Weimann, Knabe, and Schéb are discussed in the third paragraph. Their criticisms are directed toward Easterlin's methods; specifically, they believe that his data were biased due to the countries selected and the questions asked.
Make a prediction
Weimann, Knabe, and Schéb believe Easterlin's study included too many wealthy countries and too many nations with unstable governments and economies. They also complain that the questions changed over the years, introducing distortions in the data. Look for one of these ideas in the choices but expect that the correct answer may express the right idea using different language than in the passage.
Evaluate the choices
(D) matches the prediction and is correct. Countries without settled political systems corresponds with "countries with historically unstable governments” in the third paragraph.
(A) is Worstall's view stated in the second paragraph, not the view of Weimann, Knabe, and Schob.
(B) is a 180 and is incorrect; the criticism of Easterlin’s data is that too many wealthy countries were included.
(C) is a distortion of information in the passage; the critics cite concerns with Easterlin's methodology, not with how his results are applied. Also, although “some economists" in the first paragraph use Easterlin's results to justify income redistribution, the passage does not state that Easterlin himself did so.
(E) is also a distortion of information in the passage. One criticism is that Easterlin overrepresented wealthier citizens of poorer countries, but there's no indication he did so by limiting his survey to those who could read and write.
Answer: D
2. Which of the following research results would most support the view of the economists mentioned in the first paragraph?
Analyze the question stem
This question requires you to find an answer choice that supports an argument made in the passage, so it is a Strengthen question. It's unusual to see this type of question on a Reading Comprehension passage, but it’s a common among Critical Reasoning questions. The conclusion you must find evidence to support is that of the economists discussed in the first paragraph.
Research the relevant text
The economists in the first paragraph believe Easterlin is correct: once basic needs are met, increases in income do not yield equivalent increases in happiness. Since the additional income is not making the earner more happy, these economists argue that excess income should be moved to help less fortunate members of society, raising the level of happiness of the nation as a whole.
Make a prediction
The correct answer will provide evidence that, as Easterlin claims, more affluence in the population does not make people happier or that redistribution of wealth makes recipients happier.
Evaluate the choices
(A) Strengthens Easterlin's view and is correct. This comparison between a wealthy country that is getting wealthier and a country with a significantly disrupted economy supports the idea that happiness does not depend on GNP.
(B) is the opposite of Easterlin's view and is incorrect. If happiness levels were found to increase with GNP, this would weaken Easterlin's conclusion and, in turn, the conclusion of the economists who cite his work.
(C) is incorrect because this comparison does nothing to suggest that happiness is independent of GNP.
(D) is incorrect because it does not connect GNP and happiness levels and so would have no effect on these economists’ views.
(E) connects increasing GNP with increasing happiness and so would weaken these economists' views.
Answer: A
3. Which of the following statements about Stevenson and Wolfer's study can be inferred from information in the passage?
Analyze the question stem
The question asks you to make an inference about Stevenson and Wolfer’s study. A GMAT inference will not be directly stated in the passage but will require you to assemble support for the correct answer from different statements in the passage.
Research the relevant text
Stevenson and Wolfer are discussed in the third paragraph, where Weimann, Knabe, and Schdb's critique of Easterlin's idea is discussed. Stevenson and Wolfer’s research is cited by the other three economists. Stevenson and Wolfer criticized Easterlin's methodology because his surveys used different questions in different years and those changes caused respondents with the same happiness levels to receive lower scores in later years.
Make a prediction
The correct answer will align with the idea that changes in Easterlin’s survey questions produced data that some economists use to cast doubt on his theory.
Evaluate the choices
(C) matches the prediction and is correct.
(A) is incorrect because the motivation of Stevenson and Wolfer is never mentioned in the passage.
(B) is too extreme and is incorrect; the text never says Stevenson and Wolfer's study invalidated Easterlin's work, only that some economists use it as evidence against Easterlin. Perhaps Easterlin responded to the criticism, or perhaps some of his analysis still stands up to scrutiny.
(D) is a distortion of information in the passage: Stevenson and Wolfer's study indicated that the measured life satisfaction decreased even though participants’ actual happiness remained constant.
(E) is also a distortion and is incorrect; it describes Deaton's criticism, not Stevenson and Wolfer's.
TAKEAWAY: Don't be afraid of the "obvious" choice; if you can support the choice from the passage, it is the correct answer.
Answer: C
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05 Jan 2021, 09:00
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(03:17) wrong 
