Causal mechanism

(CausMech)

Answers that strengthen by shedding light on the "how?" of the cause and effect relationship. For example, high altitude training causes better aerobic performance. How? The causal mechanism could be that the thin air at high altitudes cause physiological changes that support better oxygenation.

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Key tactics

  • In almost any phenomenon-hypothesis situation, it pays to ask "But how?!?" Understanding the implied (or sometimes explicit) causal mechanism being proposed will help you anticipate evidence that would support or undermine it.
  • Support for causal mechanisms often appear in the form of causal chains. For example, if the conclusion is "A causes C," the premises could say "A causes B" and "B causes C." Evidence like this supports the conclusion by telling the story of how the world moves from A to C.

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Logical reasoning question types

Argument part Evaluate Fill in the blank Flaw or descriptive weakening Inference Main conclusion or main point Method of reasoning or descriptive Most strongly supported Must be false Must be true Necessary assumption Parallel flawed method of reasoning Parallel method of reasoning Point at issue: agree Point at issue: disagree Principle PSA - find or complete the application PSA - find the rule Resolve reconcile or explain Strengthen Sufficient assumption Weaken

Reading comprehension question types

Analogy (RC) Application Author’s attitude Author’s perspective Describe approach Describe organization Describe relationship Implied Logical continuation Main point Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Other’s perspective Principle or generalization Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Purpose of paragraph Purpose of passage Stated Structure WSE (RC)

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