Summarize Argument: Phenomenon-Hypothesis
The author hypothesizes that the work done in Department F causes higher stress levels than work done in other departments. This is because workers in Department F are more often afflicted by a stress-related syndrome.
Notable Assumptions
The author assumes that workers in Department F are succumbing to the syndrome due to stress, rather than due to some other reason related to their work. He also assumes that workers in Department F aren’t being tested more frequently for the syndrome in question. If workers in Department F were tested more frequently, then that would explain the discrepancy. Last, he assumes that Department F isn’t simply comprised of people who happen to be predisposed towards the syndrome.
A
Department F has more employees than any other department in the company.
We care about relative rates. This talks about raw totals.
B
Some experts believe that the syndrome can be caused by various factors, only one of which is high stress.
We already know this is true. The author says the syndrome is “often attributed to stress.”
C
Many workers who transfer into Department F from elsewhere in the company soon begin to develop the syndrome.
Department F isn’t just comprised of people who happen to be affected by the syndrome. People in fact develop the syndrome once they transfer into Department F.
D
It is relatively common for workers in the transportation industry to suffer from the syndrome.
We don’t care how common it is among transportation employees, generally. We’re interested in the relative rates between departments.
E
Job-related stress has been the most frequently cited cause for dissatisfaction among workers at the company.
We need something that differentiates Department F from the rest of the company. This doesn’t do that.
At 9:05, J.Y. said, "This one (referring to J) is going first for sure" and at 9:06, "so no more Xs" and crossed off Xs. But he meant to eliminate Ys, not Xs.