Multiple choice

Directions: For this question, select the best of the answer choices given.

The more frequently employees take time to exercise during working hours each week, the fewer sick days they take. Even employees who exercise only once a week during working hours take less sick time than those who do not exercise. Therefore, if companies started fitness programs, the absentee rate in those companies would decrease significantly. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?

  1. Employees who exercise during working hours occasionally fall asleep for short periods of time after they exercise.

  2. Employees who are frequently absent are the least likely to cooperate with or to join a corporate fitness program.

  3. Employees who exercise only once a week in their company's fitness program usually also exercise after work.

  4. Employees who exercise in their company's fitness program use their working time no more productively than those who do not exercise.

  5. Employees who exercise during working hours take slightly longer lunch breaks than employees who do not exercise.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The argument assumes that offering a fitness program will cause absent employees to participate and thus reduce absenteeism. Option B most seriously weakens this by showing that employees who are frequently absent are the least likely to join such programs, creating a selection bias that would make the program ineffective. If the people who most need the program won't use it, the absenteeism reduction won't happen. Options A, D, and E suggest minor side effects but don't undermine the core claim. Option C suggests supplementary exercise but doesn't weaken the main argument.

Keep practicing — related questions