LSAT Explanation PT 37, S2, Q8: Conscientiousness is high on most firms'

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, helps to resolve the apparent paradox above EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this Paradox question, we are given a passage that presents an apparent contradiction: conscientiousness is a highly desirable trait for employees, yet laid-off conscientious individuals are less likely to find jobs within five months than those who shirked their workplace responsibilities. Our task is to identify which answer choice does NOT help resolve this apparent paradox.

Before discussing the answer choices, let's simplify the passage information. Imagine a group of people playing a game where the goal is to pick up the most apples. Conscientious players are better at picking up apples, but when the game ends, they have picked up fewer apples than the less conscientious players. This is the paradox we need to resolve.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) People who shirk their workplace responsibilities are less likely to keep the jobs they have, so there are more of them looking for jobs.

- This answer choice tells us that there are more shirkers looking for jobs, but it doesn't explain why conscientious individuals are less likely to find jobs within five months. The fact that there are more shirkers looking for jobs does not necessarily mean that they are more successful in finding them. This answer choice does not help resolve the paradox, so it is the correct answer.

b) Conscientious people tend to have a greater than average concern with finding the job most suited to their interests and abilities.

- This answer choice suggests that conscientious individuals are more selective in their job search, which could make it harder for them to find a job within five months. This helps resolve the paradox.

c) Resentment about having been laid off in spite of their conscientiousness leads some people to perform poorly in interviews.

- This answer choice implies that laid-off conscientious individuals may not perform well in job interviews due to their resentment, which could make it harder for them to find a job within five months. This helps resolve the paradox.

d) People who are inclined to shirk their workplace responsibilities are more likely to exaggerate their credentials, leading prospective employers to believe them to be highly qualified.

- This answer choice suggests that shirkers may appear more qualified to employers because they exaggerate their credentials, increasing their chances of getting a job within five months. This helps resolve the paradox.

e) Finding a job is less urgent for the conscientious, because they tend to have larger savings.

- This answer choice implies that conscientious individuals may not be as motivated to find a job quickly because they have larger savings to fall back on. This helps resolve the paradox.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it does not help resolve the paradox. All the other answer choices provide reasons that help explain why laid-off conscientious individuals are less likely to find jobs within five months than those who shirked their workplace responsibilities.