The influence of McTell's work on Waters' formulation of phychosocial

Make sure you understand the evidence and conclusion precisely. The author concludes that it is not possible that McTell influenced the formulation of Waters' theories in the manner originally believed. The evidence for the original theory (that McTell did influence the formulation of the theory) was communication between McTell and Waters during the 50s right before Waters published his findings. The new evidence is that before the two men ever met, Waters had developed the basic concept of his theory. From this the author concludes that McTell couldn't have influenced the formulation of his theories. What does that conclusion assume? Since the evidence is only that the two hadn't met before the formulation, the author must be assuming that the two needed to have personal contact for McTell to influence Waters. If you had this as your prephrase you would see that Choice (A) is correct. The author must be assuming that Waters had no other interaction with McTell, or even exposure to his research.

Choice (B) introduces irrelevant information. The argument concerns whether or not McTell influenced Waters; the influence of another scholar is beside the point. (C) makes a general claim that Waters had no mentor during the 40's, but Waters could have had a mentor and still have been influenced by McTell. (D) claims that Waters didn't allow McTell to influence his theories in any way, but McTell could have influenced the development of the theories without influencing their formulation (in fact, the argument suggests this). This is not necessary to the argument. (E) does not address the 1940's, a period with which the argument is very much concerned. Waters could have had a non-beneficial association with McTell in 50's while still having had him as a mentor and confidante during the 40's. In other words, (E) need not be assumed.

The influence of McTell's work on Waters' formulation of psychosocial theory has long been recognized in the academic community. McTell was Waters' mentor and main confidante during the 1950s, the time just before Waters published his revolutionary findings. There is ample evidence of communication during this time between the two regarding the core issues that would eventually coalesce in Waters' theory. However, a recently discovered letter dated 1947—years before Waters met McTell—indicates that Waters had by that time already formulated the basic conceptions of his psychosocial theory. While McTell may certainly have helped Waters develop his theories, it is not possible that McTell influenced the formulation of Waters' scholarship in the manner originally believed.

1. McTell was Waters' mentor and main confidante during the 1950s
2. 1947—years before Waters met McTell—indicates that Waters had by that time already formulated the basic conceptions
--> Conclusion: McTell did not influenced the formulation of Waters' scholarship

The author of the argument above assumes that Waters did not

A. know of and read McTell's work before he met him
This is the correct answer. Even when Waters did not meet McTell, but Waters read McTell's work --> influenced
B. model his theory on the work of some scholar other than McTell
scholar other than McTell
C. have a mentor and confidante during the 1940s
Do not related to McTell
D. allow McTell to influence any aspect of his psychosocial theory
wrong answer
E. benefit in any way from his association with McTell in the 1950s --> influenced