Question

Scientists are not the only persons who examine the world about them by the use of rational processes, although they sometimes BLANK this impression by extending the definition of "scientist" to include anyone who is BLANK in his or her investigational practices.
BLANK 1 Options: (A) conceal, (B) create, (C) undermine
BLANK 2 Options: (D) intuitive, (E) haphazard, (F) logical

Hint:

When you see a pronoun like "this" or "that," make sure you understand exactly what it refers to. In this sentence, "this impression" refers to the idea in the first clause ("Scientists are not the only persons who... use rational processes"). Correctly identifying the antecedent is key to solving the logic of the sentence.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: (C) undermine, (F) logical
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The sentence starts by stating a truth, then uses "although" to introduce a contrasting action by scientists that goes against this truth. We need to find words that correctly describe this contradictory behavior.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Blank 1: The initial truth or "impression" is that people other than scientists can be rational. The word "although" indicates that scientists sometimes act in a way that opposes this idea. Therefore, they must try to weaken or diminish this impression. The word (C) undermine fits perfectly, as it means to erode or weaken. "Create" would contradict the "although," and "conceal" is less precise.
Blank 2: This blank describes how scientists undermine the impression of shared rationality. They do so by "extending the definition of 'scientist' to include anyone who is...". To claim rationality as their own domain, they would define anyone who exhibits the core scientific trait of rational thought as a scientist. Therefore, the word must be (F) logical. By defining anyone who is logical as a scientist, they are essentially claiming that logic is the exclusive property of their group, thus undermining the idea that non-scientists can be rational in their own right.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The sentence correctly reads: Scientists are not the only ones who use rational processes, although they sometimes undermine this impression by extending the definition of "scientist" to include anyone who is logical in their practices.