Critical Reasoning – Market regulation: A regulatory authority sets up a review committee to identify reasons for unstable stock prices. Determine which assumption(s) are implicit: (I) This decision may restore investor confidence; (II) The committee has the expertise to diagnose the causes of stock-market volatility.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only assumption II is implicit

Explanation:

Given data

  • Action: Establish a review committee to find causes of price instability.
  • Assumption I: Investor confidence may improve because of this decision.
  • Assumption II: The committee is capable (has expertise) to find the causes.

Concept/Approach
The minimal necessary assumption is about the feasibility of the action achieving its stated purpose (diagnosis), not about secondary outcomes like sentiment.


Step-by-step reasoning
• The stated goal is to 'find out reasons'. For this, it must be assumed the committee can, in principle, perform such analysis → II is necessary.• Investor confidence (I) may be an intended benefit but is not necessary to justify forming a diagnostic committee; the committee could be set up even if sentiment did not change.


Verification/Alternative
Deny II: If the committee lacks expertise, the setup is pointless with respect to the stated purpose → undermines the decision. Deny I: Confidence may or may not improve; the action is still rational for fact-finding.


Common pitfalls

  • Confusing hoped-for outcomes (confidence) with necessary assumptions (capability).

Final Answer
Only assumption II is implicit.

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