Question 1

Practical reasoning—choose the best restaurant match: Eileen seeks a memorable 35th-birthday dinner for her husband, who prefers jeans and baseball over formal venues; pick the restaurant description that best aligns with his simple, baseball-loving…

Accepted Answer

Align the venue's ambiance with the honoree's stated preferences. Given data Husband prefers casual attire (jeans) and baseball games; dislikes formal, fancy environments.Goal is a memorable yet fitting experience. Concept/Approach Select the option whose theme matches a baseball fan's casual taste rather than luxury dining. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) Option A/C are upscale, formal experiences (elegant Tuscan decor; four-star French) — poor fit.2) Option B is casual but generic buffet; not baseball-themed or particularly memorable.3) Option D explicitly mirrors a baseball clubhouse — casual, thematic, and aligned with his interests. Verification/Alternative Cross-check: only D connects directly to baseball while remaining relaxed and celebratory. Common pitfalls Equating 'memorable' exclusively with expense or formality instead of personal relevance. Final Answer Marty's (baseball clubhouse ambiance)

Question 2

Casting logic—match the screenplay's exact description: choose which pair(s) of actresses best fit ‘‘average-sized, forty-something redhead, deep brown eyes, very fair skin, brilliant smile’’ for the lead role of Lucy, with no deviation from key tra…

Accepted Answer

Evaluate each actress against all specified attributes: age (40s), hair (red), eyes (deep brown), complexion (very fair), and build (average-sized). Given data #1: Red hair; brown eyes; olive complexion; mid-20s; 5'9' (tall).#2: Red hair; big brown eyes; fair complexion; mid-40s; 5'5' (average).#3: Red hair; brown eyes; early 40s; 5'4'; medium build (average); complexion unspecified.#4: Red hair; blue eyes; early 30s; very slight build; 5'0'. Concept/Approach Accept candidates whose traits match or do not contradict any explicit requirement; reject those with conflicts (age/eyes/complexion/build). Step-by-Step evaluation 1) #1 conflicts on age (20s, not 40s), height (tall vs. average), and complexion (olive, not very fair) ⇒ reject.2) #2 cleanly matches: 40s, redhead, brown eyes, fair complexion, average size ⇒ accept.3) #3 matches age, hair, eyes, average build; skin tone unspecified (not contradicting 'very fair') ⇒ acceptable.4) #4 conflicts on eyes (blue, not brown), age (30s), and build (very slight) ⇒ reject. Verification/Alternative Only the pair '2, 3' contains exclusively acceptable profiles with no explicit contradictions. Common pitfalls Treating an unspecified trait (complexion for #3) as disqualifying; the rule excludes only non-matching traits, not absent descriptions. Final Answer 2, 3

Question 3

School-yard monitoring and bullying detection: from the recess scenarios provided, select the situation that most clearly indicates bullying behavior warranting immediate report to the principal.

Accepted Answer

Identify behavior involving intimidation, power imbalance, and possible coercion. Given data Bullying indicators: group surrounding a peer, control of the peer's property, potential threat or coercion. Concept/Approach Prioritize student safety and report scenarios with clear signs of harassment over minor rule violations or typical disputes. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) Option B shows a power imbalance (four vs. one) and possession of victim's backpack ⇒ strong bullying signal.2) Option A indicates withdrawal but not aggression.3) Option C is a routine competitive dispute.4) Option D is a rules issue (device ban), not bullying. Verification/Alternative Bullying policies emphasize physical encirclement and control of belongings as red flags requiring immediate intervention. Common pitfalls Equating every conflict (e.g., sports argument) with bullying; overlooking the key element of power imbalance. Final Answer Four girls surrounding another girl with her backpack (Option B)

Question 4

Memory-recall logic for license plates: using group-agreement clues (starts with J; ends with 12L per three observers; three think second letter is X; a different three think third letter is K), choose the plate most consistent with the witnesses’ s…

Accepted Answer

Pick the candidate that satisfies the majority-agreement constraints simultaneously. Given data All: starts with J.Three: ends with 12L.Three: second letter is X.A different three: third letter is K. Concept/Approach Find the option matching start/end and placing X in position 2 and K in position 3, explaining both majority beliefs. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) Check 'JXK 12L': J✓, second = X✓, third = K✓, ends 12L✓ — meets all majority claims.2) 'JYK 12L': second ≠ X (fails), though end and third K fit.3) 'JXK 12I': end ≠ 12L (fails), despite second X and third K.4) 'JXX 12L': third ≠ K (fails), although start/end OK. Verification/Alternative The single plate explaining all majority observations is 'JXK 12L'. Common pitfalls Accepting a plate that satisfies only some of the witness constraints (e.g., correct ending but wrong internal letters). Final Answer JXK 12L

Question 5

Fault-tolerant number recall: given partial group agreement on telephone digits (995 as the first three; majority for 4th=9, 5th=2, 6th=6, and also 7th=6), select the most probable seven-digit pizzeria number.

Accepted Answer

Choose the number satisfying the greatest set of agreed-upon digit positions. Given data First three digits: 995 (all agree).3 of 4 agree: 4th = 9; 5th = 2; 6th = 6; and another group of 3 agree 7th = 6. Concept/Approach Match each candidate against the consensus digits to maximize consistency. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) 995-9266 ⇒ 4th=9✓, 5th=2✓, 6th=6✓, 7th=6✓ — matches all consensus points.2) 995-9336 ⇒ 5th=3 (≠2) and 7th=6✓ — partial.3) 995-9268 ⇒ 7th=8 (≠6) — fails one consensus.4) 995-8266 ⇒ 4th=8 (≠9) — fails one consensus. Verification/Alternative The only option aligned with every majority observation is 995-9266. Common pitfalls Overlooking a single mismatched digit in the tail (6 vs. 8) that breaks consensus. Final Answer 995-9266

Question 6

Retail location suitability for a toy store: select the site that best balances proximity to the town center with strong, child-focused foot traffic likely to convert for toys.

Accepted Answer

Match target customers (families with children) and convenient access with the proposed locations. Given data Desired: near or not far from center; high relevant foot traffic; child-centric surroundings beneficial. Concept/Approach Prioritize proximity plus adjacency to schools/child attractions that naturally drive toy demand. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) Option B: Near main street; opposite an elementary school; next to an ice cream shop ⇒ high target traffic.2) Option A: Central but demographic is childless professionals — weak relevance.3) Option C: Farther (ten blocks), quiet residential — low foot traffic.4) Option D: Outskirts with pharmacy/dry cleaner — low kid-focused flow. Verification/Alternative Retail principles favor co-location with complementary kid destinations (schools, treats) for impulse and convenience buys. Common pitfalls Choosing the most central site without considering customer fit and daypart footfall. Final Answer Shop near school and ice cream store (Option B)

Question 7

Pattern-matching and suspect identification in a neighborhood solicitation case study: compare detailed physical descriptions (age, height, weight, hair, attire, briefcase) to infer which earlier door-to-door solicitation events (#1, #2, #3) were mo…

Accepted Answer

Given data Prior reports: #1 (white male, 20–25, 5'9', ~145 lb, very short brown hair, dark blue suit, brown briefcase); #2 (white male, 25–30, 6'2', ~200 lb, shaved head, red T-shirt and jeans); #3 (white male, ~23, 5'10', slight build, short brown hair, blue suit). New suspect #4: white male, 22 years, 5'10', 140 lb, short brown hair, dark suit, carrying a briefcase. Concept/Approach (why this method) Use multi-attribute matching. The strongest candidate shares multiple independent features (age band, height, build/weight, hair, attire type, accessory). A single mismatch (e.g., shaved head vs. short brown hair) is disqualifying. Step-by-Step comparison 1) Compare #4 to #1: close age (22 vs. 20–25), height (5'10' vs. 5'9'), weight/build (~140 vs. ~145/slight), hair (short brown vs. very short brown), attire (dark suit for both), accessory (briefcase for both). Strong match.2) Compare #4 to #2: age band barely overlaps, but height 5'10' vs. 6'2', weight 140 vs. 200 (large mismatch), hair short brown vs. shaved head (critical mismatch), clothes dark suit vs. T-shirt/jeans. Clear mismatch.3) Compare #4 to #3: age (~22 vs. ~23), height (both 5'10'), build (140 lb vs. slight build), hair (short brown vs. short brown), attire (dark suit vs. blue suit—same garment type). Strong match. Verification/Alternative Counting matched attributes (age, height, build, hair, attire type, accessory): #1 and #3 each match on ≥5 features; #2 matches on ≤1 and conflicts on ≥3 critical features. Common pitfalls Overweighting a single color difference (dark blue vs. dark suit) while ignoring hair/build mismatches. Assuming any white male match is sufficient—must confirm multiple independent traits. Final Answer #1 and #3, but not #2

Question 8

Small-business marketing strategy for a specialty bakery: choose the best tactic to increase daily footfall and recurring purchases when the brand is perceived as only for special occasions

Accepted Answer

Given data Problem: Perception = 'special occasions only' → low daily traffic. Goal: Drive everyday purchases (bread, rolls, pastries). Concept/Approach (why this method) Use positioning and message–market fit: communicate everyday product lines and value to shift mental availability from rare events to routine buying. Step-by-Step reasoning 1) Options A & B reinforce the 'special occasion' frame (wedding/anniversary/Bridal Expo), not daily buying.2) Option D changes location but not perception or product awareness; costly and speculative.3) Option C directly advertises daily staples (breads), repositioning the shop for frequent visits → best fit to the stated research finding. Verification/Alternative Messaging salience for routine needs (bread) increases purchase frequency; channel (local paper) reaches nearby residents who shop daily. Common pitfalls Confusing demand generation for weddings with everyday demand shaping. Final Answer Run local newspaper ads highlighting the bakery's wide array of daily breads and everyday items

Question 9

Hiring decision for a pediatric dentistry practice: select the dental hygienist candidate whose experience best aligns with children's care, reliability, and pediatric-specific challenges

Accepted Answer

Given data Practice type: pediatric dentistry (requires child-handling skills + clinical competence). Recent hires (despite top recommendations) failed within a month → reliability/fit critical. Concept/Approach (why this method) Match role-specific competencies (experience with children, behavior management, communication with parents) plus proven track record. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) Marilyn: strong experience but with adult/elite clientele; lack of pediatric emphasis; cultural fit uncertain.2) Lindy: child exposure (day care) but new clinically; steep learning curve for a busy practice.3) James: clinical experience in public health; pediatric focus not indicated.4) Kathy: experienced and recommended plus formal training in early childhood education and desire for pediatrics → aligns with clinical and child-specific needs. Verification/Alternative Consider risk: Kathy offers both competence and pediatric orientation, lowering onboarding risk vs. a new grad. Common pitfalls Equating general excellence with pediatric suitability. Final Answer Kathy: experienced, highly recommended hygienist; finishing early childhood education degree; eager to work with children

Question 10

Backyard gardening selection problem: choose the best seed package for an Arizona yard with significant shade from a large tree, prioritizing flowering plants that thrive without strong direct sun

Accepted Answer

Given data Location: Arizona (generally arid/sunny), but yard condition: significant shade due to a large tree. Goal: flowering plants that do well with limited direct sunlight. Concept/Approach (why this method) Match microclimate (shade) rather than regional stereotype (full sun desert). Shade tolerance is the decisive constraint. Step-by-Step reasoning 1) Option D favors bright sun → conflicts with heavy shade.2) Option A is for cool/moist Northeast → climate mismatch.3) Option B requires bright light → again conflicts with shade.4) Option C explicitly targets shady/partially shady settings with flowering plants → best fit. Verification/Alternative Microclimate drives plant performance; shade-tolerant varieties outperform full-sun species even in arid regions when light is the limiting factor. Common pitfalls Overgeneralizing Arizona = full sun everywhere, ignoring site shade. Final Answer The Treehouse Collection — lush plants with delicate flowers for shady/partially shady locations

Question 11

Workplace judgment — urgent help request: While you are working on a routine assignment, a coworker asks for a few minutes of help to complete an assignment with top priority that must be finished immediately. What is the best action?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Situational judgment questions assess prioritization, teamwork, and organizational awareness. When a true “top priority, must be completed immediately” task appears, well-run teams momentarily reallocate effort to protect the organization’s critical path, especially if your current work is routine and can briefly wait. Given Data / Assumptions: Your current task is routine (non-urgent). The coworker’s assignment is urgent and top priority, with immediate deadline. A “few minutes” of help is requested—limited scope intervention. Helping will unblock an immediate organizational need. Concept / Approach: Apply priority management: address time-sensitive, high-impact work first. Briefly assist the urgent task to completion, then resume your routine task. This approach maximizes team throughput and meets immediate commitments. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the highest-priority work stream: the coworker’s urgent deliverable.2) Evaluate the opportunity cost: your assignment is routine and can tolerate a short delay.3) Provide targeted help to complete the urgent assignment.4) Return immediately to your own task once the urgent item is secured. Verification / Alternative check: Organizations frequently employ “swarm to green” practices—briefly focusing multiple hands on the most time-critical work. Your swift assistance prevents a potential miss without materially harming your schedule. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a): Deflecting wastes time and shirks team responsibility. (b): Delays the urgent task; “as soon as I finish” may be too late. (d): Ignores stated priority, risking organizational failure. None of these: Not needed; (c) is clearly optimal. Common Pitfalls: Confusing personal task ownership with organizational priorities. Underestimating the compounding impact of brief delays on truly urgent work. Final Answer: Help her to complete her assignment and then go back to your work.

Question 12

Public safety judgment — ambulance vs parade: A police officer has orders not to allow cars to cross the route while the parade is in progress. An ambulance on an emergency run attempts to cross while the parade is passing. What should the officer d…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Competing orders and emergencies require prioritizing life safety over routine directives. Police discretion exists to protect life; a standing order about traffic control for a parade yields to immediate medical emergencies. Given Data / Assumptions: Active parade; default rule: no vehicles may cross. Ambulance is on an emergency run, where delay could endanger life. Officer can influence parade flow and traffic at the crossing. Concept / Approach: Hierarchy of priorities: life safety > property > convenience/ceremony. The officer should use discretion to briefly interrupt the parade to expedite the ambulance crossing, minimizing total disruption while maximizing public safety. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recognize the emergent medical priority.2) Temporarily halt parade movement to clear a corridor.3) Direct the ambulance safely across the route.4) Resume the parade immediately after the crossing. Verification / Alternative check: Calling headquarters (a) introduces critical delay; detouring (c) adds ten minutes; detaining the ambulance (d) directly conflicts with life-safety imperatives. A brief interruption (b) best balances safety and order. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a): Creates decision latency dangerous in emergencies. (c): An avoidable long delay with potential medical harm. (d): Violates the duty to preserve life when discretion is available. None of these: Not applicable; (b) is appropriate. Common Pitfalls: Over-literal obedience to non-emergency orders in the face of a life-threatening scenario. Underestimating the impact of added minutes in medical emergencies. Final Answer: Stop the parade long enough to permit the ambulance to cross the street.

Making Judgments Questions