Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 220: Answer and Explanation

Question: 220

A state is considering increasing the payment it provides to unemployed workers from $300 a week to $500 a week. An economist hypothesizes that this change in policy will discourage unemployed citizens from seeking out work since they will receive increased funds from unemployment.

Which finding, if true, would most undermine the economist's hypothesis?

• A. Observation that in a similar state that when unemployment benefits were doubled, there was no change in those seeking unemployment
• B. Data demonstrating that a 50 percent increase in unemployment benefits in a neighboring state resulted in a 100 percent increase in those seeking unemployment
• C. Analysis of economic statistics showing a strong correlation between an increase in unemployment benefits and a decreased willingness to work
• D. Results from a voluntary survey of 300 people in a particular city showing that respondents would be unwilling to let an increase in unemployment benefits affect their decision about whether to seek out benefits

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) To undermine the hypothesis is to "find a flaw" in it. The economist is arguing that making unemployment benefits more generous will cause fewer people to seek out work. Choice (A) most directly undermines this because it would show that in a similar situation in another state, an increase in unemployment benefits did not result in an increase in unemployment. (B) and (C) would confirm the original hypothesis instead of undermining it. (D) presents a flawed sample of voluntary results that would not be helpful in making a determination on this topic.