Logical Reasoning Question Types-Divergence
Logical reasoning (arguments) divergence questions are easily identified. The problem stem usually contains the term "point at issue" or some variation of the word disagreement. Meanwhile, the passage will contain two points of view, each from a different individual. The overall goal of logical reasoning (arguments) divergence problems is to identify the main divergence in the points of view expressed by the problem's actors. Consider the following example:
Bob: Baseball is the greatest sport in the world and with new technology bringing broadcasts of baseball games to foreign countries, the popularity of the sport will grow dramatically in the coming years.
Ted: Baseball may be a great sport, but other countries have established their favorite sports and won't be receptive to new sports.
The key to logical reasoning (arguments) divergence problems is to quickly identify the point of contention. Without this recognition, it is impossible to select the best answer choice. Consider the following incorrect answer choice:
Baseball has a worldwide fan base.
This answer selection is incorrect because it is not at the center of the controversy. It is known that Bob thinks baseball is the greatest sport in the world and that it will have a worldwide audience in the future, but we don't know if Bob thinks baseball has a worldwide fan base currently. Additionally, we don't know that Ted disagrees with this answer choice. Ted thinks that baseball may have a tough time breaking into some countries, but that does not mean that Ted doesn't think baseball currently has fans worldwide. This is a common trick with logical reasoning (arguments) divergence problems. The examiner offers selections that are outside the scope of one of or both of the views put forth. Now consider the following answer choice:
Baseball is a good sport.
This answer selection is obviously incorrect. Why? Because this selection fails to bring up a point of contention. Neither party would disagree with the statement "baseball is a good sport." Both Bob and Ted may think it is better than "good," but this statement raises a point that both parties actually agree upon. This is another type of answer choice that is seen with divergence problems. Consider the following answer choice:
New technology will expose more people around the world to baseball.
This selection is incorrect because it is simply irrelevant to the debate. The parties are not really arguing about technology's affect on baseball. The real focus of the divergence is on people in other countries accepting baseball as a pastime. Finally, consider the following answer choice:
In the near future, baseball's worldwide fan base will grow dramatically.
The examinee should see that this selection has promise because it is definitely relevant to the point of divergence. To properly test this answer selection, the examinee should ask each party if they agree with the statement. Here, Bob would clearly agree. On the other hand, Ted would disagree. This is a strong indication that this answer choice is the proper selection.
Logical Reasoning Question Format
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Overview
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Supposition
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Argument Enhancement/Reduction
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Error Identification
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Error Correction
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Inference
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Divergence
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Process
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Standard
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Parallel Reasoning
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Underlying Issue
Logical Reasoning Question Types-Purpose