Question

In the next four years, the number of doctors, nurses, and other health care workers will increase significantly worldwide. Even so, the average compensation received by such professionals will not decline but rather is likely to increase. This is due, at least partly, to the fact that the median age of the world's population will increase steadily in this same period of time. The argument above depends logically upon which of the following assumptions?

Short answer

The argument assumes that an increase in the median age implies a higher demand for health care services, leading to higher compensation for health care workers.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Argument

The argument states that although the number of health care workers will increase, their average compensation will also increase. This is attributed to the increase in the median age of the world's population.

Identify the Conclusion

The conclusion is that the average compensation for health care professionals will increase despite the increase in the number of these workers.

Identify the Premise

The premise provided is that the median age of the world's population will increase steadily over the next four years.

Determine the Necessary Assumption

To determine the necessary assumption, we need to identify a statement that must be true for the argument to hold. The assumption should link the premise to the conclusion by explaining why an increase in the median age would result in higher average compensation for health care workers.

Analyze the Relationship Between Median Age and Compensation

The increase in the median age likely implies a higher demand for health care services as older individuals generally require more medical attention. If this demand increase is substantial enough, it could drive up compensation.

Formulate the Assumption

The essential assumption here is that the demand for health care services will increase as the median age of the population increases, leading to higher compensations for health care workers.

Key concepts

Logical Assumptions

In critical reasoning questions, logical assumptions are the hidden connections that bridge the gap between the premises and the conclusion of an argument. An assumption is something that must be true for the argument to work. Understanding this concept is key to answering questions like the one in the exercise.

In our problem, the conclusion states that even with an increase in the number of healthcare workers, their average compensation will rise. The premise given is that the median age of the population will increase. To identify the logical assumption, we must ask, 'What must be true for this increase in median age to lead to a rise in healthcare compensation?'

This assumption could be that an older population needs more healthcare services, which raises the demand for healthcare professionals' services. This heightened demand could then drive up their compensation. Without this assumption, the premises do not logically lead to the conclusion. Recognizing this invisible thread is crucial for solving these kinds of questions efficiently.

Argument Analysis

Argument analysis in GMAT Critical Reasoning involves dissecting the given argument to understand its structure and evaluate its validity. This skill helps in identifying the logic and any potential flaws within the argument.

First, let's identify the components of the argument in our exercise. The conclusion is that healthcare workers' compensation will rise despite an increase in their numbers. The premise supporting this conclusion is that the median age of the global population will increase. By examining these elements, we can see if the conclusion logically follows the premise.

Next, let's evaluate the strength of this argument. Does the premise necessarily lead to the conclusion? To do this, we must consider external factors and underlying assumptions. In this case, we analyzed that an aging population may imply greater demand for healthcare services, thus driving up compensation. However, if this assumed relationship were incorrect, the argument could fall apart. Therefore, a good argument analysis involves thinking critically about whether the premises adequately support the conclusion and identifying any implicit assumptions that might affect the argument's validity.

Premise and Conclusion Identification

Identifying the premises and conclusions is a foundational skill in critical reasoning for the GMAT. Premises are statements that provide the evidence or reasons that support the conclusion. The conclusion is the main point or claim that the argument is trying to prove.

In the exercise provided, we begin by isolating the conclusion. The conclusion is the main claim: 'the average compensation for healthcare workers will increase despite the growth in their numbers.' Recognizing the conclusion helps focus on what the argument aims to establish.

Next, we identify the premises. In this case, the premise is: 'the median age of the world's population will increase over the next four years.' This statement is the foundation upon which the conclusion is built.

It's important to clearly distinguish these components because it aids in understanding how the argument is structured. Recognizing the premises and conclusion allows you to then identify any assumptions and evaluate whether the premises sufficiently support the conclusion. This is a crucial step in dissecting and analyzing arguments effectively.