assertion - reason q's

[Phil]

I'm constantly coming across questions where the 2nd assertion is not really a reason for the 1st assertion, but it is very closely related, usually in the form of a definition. For example, hypothetically:

ASSERTION: Full Cost Pricing is bad.

REASON: Full cost pricing allocates all expenses to the expense rates used in pricing.

Clearly, both statements are true, but would you answer (A) or (B) on a question like this? I really have no idea what the exam writers want. To me, the given "reason" is just the definition of Full Cost pricing, and not a real "reason" at all. A true "reason" would be something like "In full cost pricing, the company first incurs costs and then must achieve sales volumes to cover them".

What do you think? Thank you :smile:

[Anonymous]

I think this is a "B."

You can at least take solace in the fact that everyone will be just as confused as you are, so it really becomes the exam writers' problem.

[roz]

I have hardly seen a single assertion reason question that I am happy with -- the world is just not a simple enough place to describe difficult ideas in such a restricted format. In most cases where the reason might actually be a reason I always want to add 'yes, but it's more complicated than that....'

[Anonymous]

Just remember to answer according to the text. Even if the text is wrong. If the text says A b/c R, then you can bet if A & R are given then answer will be A. But be careful. Sometimes they will change R just slightly to make it false or to make answer B become the correct choice.

Finally, if you are taking course 5, the multiple choice questions aren't worth that much of the exam, so don't spend too much time thinking about it.

[Joined10MinBefore911Hit]

Assertion:

YOu have to recall many lists from memory in order to pass course 5.

Reason:

SOA loves to insult our intelligence and waste our time.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AcademicRefugee on 2001-10-02 11:58 ]</font>