Critical Reasoning – Overqualification and access to jobs Statement: Should people whose educational qualification exceeds the job’s optimum requirement be debarred from seeking such jobs? Arguments: I. No. It will further aggravate the problem of educated unemployment. II. Yes. It creates complexes among employees and affects work adversely. III. No. It goes against the basic rights of individuals. IV. Yes. It will increase productivity.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only I and III are strong

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question weighs employment access rights against perceived organizational concerns about overqualification. Strong arguments must be principled and broadly applicable, not speculative.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Debarring overqualified applicants would restrict a segment of the labor market.
  • Educated unemployment is a real social and economic issue.
  • Rights to seek employment are fundamental in a competitive market, subject to legal limits.


Concept / Approach:
Strong “No” arguments: social cost (unemployment) and rights. “Yes” arguments must show consistent, non-speculative organizational benefit.



Step-by-Step Solution:

I (No): Debarment shrinks opportunities for the educated, potentially worsening unemployment—direct, plausible, and social-interest aligned. Strong.II (Yes): Claims psychological “complexes” and adverse effects without evidence; highly speculative and not a reliable policy ground. Weak.III (No): Debarment conflicts with basic rights and fair access (employers can still select best fit). This is a principled argument. Strong.IV (Yes): Says productivity will increase if the overqualified are barred; this is counterintuitive and speculative—sometimes overqualification can enhance productivity. Weak.


Verification / Alternative check:
Employers can manage fit during selection without blanket bans; blanket debarment is excessive, validating I and III.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • “All strong” includes weak, speculative claims.
  • “Only II & IV” selects weak arguments.
  • “Only III” ignores the unemployment impact in I.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming overqualification necessarily harms organizations; ignoring candidate choice and employer screening processes.



Final Answer:
Only I and III are strong

More Questions from Statement and Argument

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