V39-11

Question

Software Engineer: A certain software application is one of a few in a closely related category that operates effectively under extreme network conditions, which often disrupt other software applications. Studies on the application's performance have revealed that it utilizes a unique algorithm that, in simulations, handles data packet loss more efficiently than standard methods. Hence, the application's unique algorithm must be the key feature that allows it to operate effectively in these extreme conditions.
 
In evaluating the argument, it would be most important to determine which of the following?

A. Whether the software application can also perform well in conditions with stable network connectivity.
B. Whether other software applications in the closely related category also utilize a similar algorithm.
C. Whether the software application's efficient handling of packet loss is associated with slower data transmission rates in normal conditions.
D. Whether using the software in extreme network conditions will, over time, improve the network’s stability.
E. Whether the efficiency of the algorithm declines as the network conditions worsen.

AbhishekP220108 · Accepted Answer

Chahbaz  let me try to help

Software Engineer: A certain software application is one of a few in a closely related category that operates effectively under extreme network conditions, which often disrupt other software applications. Studies on the application's performance have revealed that it utilizes a unique algorithm that, in simulations, handles data packet loss more efficiently than standard methods. Hence, the application's unique algorithm must be the key feature that allows it to operate effectively in these extreme conditions.

In evaluating the argument, it would be most important to determine which of the following?

Studies on the application's performance have revealed that it utilizes a unique algorithm that, in simulations, handles data packet loss more efficiently than standard methods.- Studies were done by a software engineer on whatsapp performance, and it shows that WhatsApp utilizes a unique algorithm that helps it to handle data loss effectively.

Hence, the application's unique algorithm must be the key feature that allows it to operate effectively in these extreme conditions.- The software engineer concluded that because of the unique algorithm only, it works effectively.

Question is about evaluating, in which, if a variance test is done, then a positive response will increase our belief in the conclusion of the software engineer, and a negative response will raise a doubt.

Before moving on to option analysis, let's think: the study was not done on the other apps. What if the reason for performing effectively is something else associated with a unique algorithm?

B. Whether other software applications in the closely related category also utilize a similar algorithm.

If it is yes, then the conclusion is doubtful, because the reason for effective performance is not the algorithm 
 If it is no, then the conclusion is fine.

E. Whether the efficiency of the algorithm declines as the network conditions worsen.

If it is yes, the efficiency of the algorithm declines in case of network worsening, but still it helps whatsapp to work effectively in comparison to other apps, the conclusion is still fine.

If it is no, the conclusion is still safe.

Hope it helps

Bunuel · Answer

Official Solution:

Software Engineer: A certain software application is one of a few in a closely related category that operates effectively under extreme network conditions, which often disrupt other software applications. Studies on the application's performance have revealed that it utilizes a unique algorithm that, in simulations, handles data packet loss more efficiently than standard methods. Hence, the application's unique algorithm must be the key feature that allows it to operate effectively in these extreme conditions.
 
In evaluating the argument, it would be most important to determine which of the following?

A. Whether the software application can also perform well in conditions with stable network connectivity.
B. Whether other software applications in the closely related category also utilize a similar algorithm.
C. Whether the software application's efficient handling of packet loss is associated with slower data transmission rates in normal conditions.
D. Whether using the software in extreme network conditions will, over time, improve the network’s stability.
E. Whether the efficiency of the algorithm declines as the network conditions worsen.

(A) Incorrect: Irrelevant. this answer choice does not impact the claim regarding its performance under extreme conditions.
 
 Correct Choice (B):  This choice questions if the supposed unique feature (the unique algorithm) is indeed unique or common among similar applications. Establishing whether other software also uses similar algorithms (or perhaps relying on other elements than algorithms) would decide the argument that this particular algorithm is what enables superior performance under challenging conditions.
 
(C) Incorrect: This option introduces an irrelevant factor - trade-off (slower data transmission) but we are not concerned with speed, only effective operation under extreme network conditions.
 
(D) Incorrect: This choice suggests another irrelevant factor - long-term effect on the network by using the software. Irrelevant. We can eliminate it.
 
(E) Incorrect: Irrelevant. We are not concerned with efficiency of the algorithm. We just want to know a sort of a yes/no answer - is the unique algorithm to thank for improved performance in extreme network conditions or not.

Answer: B

Chahbaz · Answer

I am a bit confused on this one.
I had marked (E) since the simulation conditions aren't specified, making a more thorough evaluation plausible. 
The argument explicitly mentions that "Studies on the application's performance have revealed that it utilizes a unique algorithm". Don't we have to accept its uniqueness as a truth?

Chahbaz · Answer

This helps. Thanks Abhishek!

AbhishekP220108 · Answer

Glad I was able to help you
🙂

PriyankaPrajapati · Answer

I don’t quite agree with the solution. I'm confused. How the choice of other software applications affect the efficacy of current software.I chose C

FlatVase · Answer

I chose C, where did i go wrong and how to solve similar questions?

bb · Answer

C) goes wrong because it asks about a possible cost in normal conditions, while the conclusion is about what enables effective operation under extreme conditions. In general C is not really relevant to our situation (meaning it is outside of the scope of the argument) because we only care about the algorithm that works in extreme conditions wihtin the argument scope and anything not in that scope is not the answer... for this question type.

I think if you are trying to improve you have to keep in mind 2 things:

1. This situation is specific ONLY to this question type, so don't try this on must be true for example. 
2. You need to be able to clearly identify scope of the question with confidence so you can easily put a line/border between real evidence and just irrelevant items.

bb · Answer

Sure. Sorry for the late reply. In this case, we are told "This software is great in extreme situations because of its algorithm" 
For us to evaluate this claim, we are saying - "tell me about other software that uses the same algorithm and its performance"

If we can find out if other software with the same algorithm performs poorly, then we can logically conclude that it is NOT the algorithm that's responsible for this software's performance.

You get the answer by using "math" so to speak by deducting the algorithm from the equation if this makes any sense in the CR context and I will completely understand if I am judged for bring math to the CR 😇

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