The Society for Education in India (in short SEI) had been engaged in running primary schools in different parts of the country since the 1950s. While attending a conference on employee selection, Mr J. Mehta, a senior member of the society, learned that a leading school had recently employed a psychologist to perform employment functions, i.e., recruitment and selection of teachers. Within two months of his return, Mr J. Mehta contacted a reputed university and employed a graduating psychologist, Mr Bibek Gupta.
Mr Bibek Gupta was employed by SEI with the single directive that he was to contribute to the selection of teachers. This task had previously been the prerogative of the principals of each school. Mr Gupta immediately notified each principal that in future he was to be notified of the personnel needs, and in return he would recruit, screen, and select the teachers.
At the end of his first year with SEI, Mr Gupta realized that his efforts had resulted in failure. During his first few months he encountered much opposition from several principals who had been managing schools for ten or more years. They did not believe in newer psychological techniques and preferred selecting people based on their own assessment. Other principals frequently refused to accept the teachers selected by Mr Gupta. Finally, Mr Gupta began to notice fewer and fewer principals notifying him of vacancies in their schools. Realizing that he was not making any effective contribution, Mr Gupta submitted the suggestion to the society members that support and co-operation of the school principals should be a matter of executive order, or else his resignation should be considered.
Directions: For each question below, an answer (A) and a reason (R) are given. Base your analysis only on the information in the passage above. Mark your response using the code:
1. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. if A is based on information given in the passage, but R is not based on the facts given.
4. if A is not based on information given in the passage, but R is based on the information given in the passage.
5. if both A and R are not based on information given in the passage.
Question: How were the changes in the recruitment and selection process received by the principals?
A: The principals rejected the new process in its entirety from the day it was introduced.
R: The principals were cynical of the abilities of the psychologist as far as recruitment and selection of teachers were concerned.
The Society for Education in India (in short SEI) had been engaged in running primary schools in different parts of the country since the 1950s. While attending a conference on employee selection, Mr J. Mehta, a senior member of the society, learned that a leading school had recently employed a psychologist to perform employment functions, i.e., recruitment and selection of teachers. Within two months of his return, Mr J. Mehta contacted a reputed university and employed a graduating psychologist, Mr Bibek Gupta.
Mr Bibek Gupta was employed by SEI with the single directive that he was to contribute to the selection of teachers. This task had previously been the prerogative of the principals of each school. Mr Gupta immediately notified each principal that in future he was to be notified of the personnel needs, and in return he would recruit, screen, and select the teachers.
At the end of his first year with SEI, Mr Gupta realized that his efforts had resulted in failure. During his first few months he encountered much opposition from several principals who had been managing schools for ten or more years. They did not believe in newer psychological techniques and preferred selecting people based on their own assessment. Other principals frequently refused to accept the teachers selected by Mr Gupta. Finally, Mr Gupta began to notice fewer and fewer principals notifying him of vacancies in their schools. Realizing that he was not making any effective contribution, Mr Gupta submitted the suggestion to the society members that support and co-operation of the school principals should be a matter of executive order, or else his resignation should be considered.
Directions: For each question below, an answer (A) and a reason (R) are given. Base your analysis only on the information in the passage above. Mark your response using the code:
1. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. if A is based on information given in the passage, but R is not based on the facts given.
4. if A is not based on information given in the passage, but R is based on the information given in the passage.
5. if both A and R are not based on information given in the passage.
Question: How were the changes in the recruitment and selection process received by the principals?
A: The principals rejected the new process in its entirety from the day it was introduced.
R: The principals were cynical of the abilities of the psychologist as far as recruitment and selection of teachers were concerned.
Show Hint
- Both A and R are based on information given in the passage, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are based on information given in the passage, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- A is based on information given in the passage, but R is not based on the facts given.
- Both A and R are not based on information given in the passage.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
We check assertion A (how principals received Gupta's new selection process) and reason R (why they reacted that way) against exactly what the SEI passage states.
Step 2: Key Approach:
Compare each claim word for word with the passage. An assertion or reason only counts as "based on the passage" if the passage actually supports it, not a stronger or different version of it.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Testing A: A says the principals "rejected the new process in its entirety from the day it was introduced." The passage instead describes a gradual process: opposition came from "several principals" (not every principal), and Gupta noticed "fewer and fewer principals notifying him" over time, meaning the pushback built up rather than being total and immediate. So A overstates what the passage says and is not based on the passage.
Testing R: R says principals were "cynical of the abilities of the psychologist." The passage's actual reason is different: principals "did not believe in newer psychological techniques and preferred selecting people based on their own assessment", a preference rooted in their own long experience of ten or more years managing schools, not a personal judgment about Gupta's competence. R substitutes a different, unstated reason, so it is also not based on the passage.
Since neither A nor R matches what the passage actually says, we do not even reach the question of whether R explains A.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Both A and R are not based on information given in the passage. After folding the option order, this is option 4.
Top XAT Decision Making Questions
- Direction: Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow.
Riya, a brilliant young scientist, comes from a small town with limited resources and opportunities. Despite the challenges, Riya has always been passionate about scientific research and dreams of making groundbreaking discoveries. She excels in her studies and actively participates in science competitions, where she consistently wins accolades for her innovative projects. Riya's parents, although supportive, struggle to provide the financial means necessary to support her scientific pursuits. Determined to overcome these obstacles, Riya is ready to take the next steps towards achieving her dream.
To increase Riya's chances of realising her dream, which of the following actions should she prioritise? - Direction: Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow.
Riya, a brilliant young scientist, comes from a small town with limited resources and opportunities. Despite the challenges, Riya has always been passionate about scientific research and dreams of making groundbreaking discoveries. She excels in her studies and actively participates in science competitions, where she consistently wins accolades for her innovative projects. Riya's parents, although supportive, struggle to provide the financial means necessary to support her scientific pursuits. Determined to overcome these obstacles, Riya is ready to take the next steps towards achieving her dream.
Riya successfully conducts several groundbreaking experiments and gains recognition for her contributions to the scientific community. She now wants to expand her research and collaborate with other scientists from around the world. Which strategy would be most effective for Riya to achieve this? - Direction: Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow.
Riya, a brilliant young scientist, comes from a small town with limited resources and opportunities. Despite the challenges, Riya has always been passionate about scientific research and dreams of making groundbreaking discoveries. She excels in her studies and actively participates in science competitions, where she consistently wins accolades for her innovative projects. Riya's parents, although supportive, struggle to provide the financial means necessary to support her scientific pursuits. Determined to overcome these obstacles, Riya is ready to take the next steps towards achieving her dream.
With her ingenuity and determination, Riya finds a way to attract international collaborators and establish herself as a respected scientist in her field. However, she realises that her research findings are not effectively reaching the general public. To increase awareness and foster public interest in scientific research, which of the following options would be most beneficial for Riya? - Direction: Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow.
Rahul is the CEO of a multinational corporation that operates in a country where discrimination based on caste is prevalent. Rahul has been urged by stakeholders to address the underrepresentation of individuals from marginalised castes in the company's workforce. However, Rahul is hesitant and unsure about the benefits and feasibility of actively promoting diversity in this regard.
The following arguments are presented to Rahul about the benefits of hiring individuals from lower castes:
1) Individuals from marginalised castes bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultural insights, which can foster innovation and creativity within the organisation.
2) Hiring individuals from marginalised castes can help reduce societal inequalities by providing them with opportunities for economic mobility and social upward mobility.
3) Creating an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity can attract top talent from all backgrounds, leading to a more competitive and successful organisation.
4) Individuals from marginalised castes often possess resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic due to the challenges they have faced, making them valuable assets to the company.
5) Promoting diversity and social inclusion can improve the company's reputation, enhance brand image, and attract a wider customer base.
From the above arguments, which of the following options indicate that Rahul's apprehensions are misplaced? - Direction: Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow.
Rahul is the CEO of a multinational corporation that operates in a country where discrimination based on caste is prevalent. Rahul has been urged by stakeholders to address the underrepresentation of individuals from marginalised castes in the company's workforce. However, Rahul is hesitant and unsure about the benefits and feasibility of actively promoting diversity in this regard.
After careful consideration, Rahul decides to implement diversity initiatives to address the underrepresentation of individuals from marginalised castes in the company. Which of the following actions would be most effective in promoting diversity and inclusivity?
Top XAT Critical Reasoning Questions
- Directions for questions 118 to 121: For each question, an answer (A) and a reason (R) has been given. Base your analysis on the information presented in the passage. Mark:
1. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. if A is based on information given in the passage but R is not based on the facts given.
4. if A is not based on information given in the passage but R is based on the information given in the passage.
5. if both A and R are not based on information given in the passage.
The Society for Education in India (in short SEI) had been engaged in running primary schools in different parts of the country since the 1950s. While attending a conference on employee selection, Mr J. Mehta, a senior member of the society, learned that a leading school had recently employed a psychologist to perform employment functions, i.e., recruitment and selection of teachers. Within two months of his return, Mr J Mehta contacted a reputed university and employed a graduating psychologist, Mr Bibek Gupta.
Mr Bibek Gupta was employed by SEI with the single directive that he was to contribute to the selection of teachers. This task had previously been the prerogative of principals of each school. Mr Gupta immediately notified each principal that in future he was to be notified of the personnel needs, and in return he would recruit, screen and select the teachers.
At the end of his first year with SEI, Mr Gupta realized that his efforts had resulted in failure. During his first few months he encountered much opposition from several principals who had been managing schools for ten or more years. They did not believe in newer psychological techniques and preferred selecting people based on their own assessment. Other principals frequently refused to accept the teachers selected by Mr Gupta. Finally, Mr Gupta began to notice fewer and fewer principals notifying him of vacancies in their schools. Realizing that he was not making any effective contribution, Mr Gupta submitted the suggestion to the society members that support and co-operation of the school principals should be a matter of executive order, or else his resignation should be considered.
118. What was the flaw in the decision of selecting a psychologist for selecting teachers that led to the final situation?
A: Mr Mehta's decision was predominantly driven by the information about another school that had enlisted the services of a psychologist for recruitment and selection.
R: Both the administration of the school and managing teachers have been primary responsibilities of the principal of the school. The Society for Education in India (in short SEI) had been engaged in running primary schools in different parts of the country since the 1950s. While attending a conference on employee selection, Mr J. Mehta, a senior member of the society, learned that a leading school had recently employed a psychologist to perform employment functions, i.e., recruitment and selection of teachers. Within two months of his return, Mr J. Mehta contacted a reputed university and employed a graduating psychologist, Mr Bibek Gupta.
Mr Bibek Gupta was employed by SEI with the single directive that he was to contribute to the selection of teachers. This task had previously been the prerogative of the principals of each school. Mr Gupta immediately notified each principal that in future he was to be notified of the personnel needs, and in return he would recruit, screen, and select the teachers.
At the end of his first year with SEI, Mr Gupta realized that his efforts had resulted in failure. During his first few months he encountered much opposition from several principals who had been managing schools for ten or more years. They did not believe in newer psychological techniques and preferred selecting people based on their own assessment. Other principals frequently refused to accept the teachers selected by Mr Gupta. Finally, Mr Gupta began to notice fewer and fewer principals notifying him of vacancies in their schools. Realizing that he was not making any effective contribution, Mr Gupta submitted the suggestion to the society members that support and co-operation of the school principals should be a matter of executive order, or else his resignation should be considered.Directions: For each question below, an answer (A) and a reason (R) are given. Base your analysis only on the information in the passage above. Mark your response using the code:
1. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. if A is based on information given in the passage, but R is not based on the facts given.
4. if A is not based on information given in the passage, but R is based on the information given in the passage.
5. if both A and R are not based on information given in the passage.Question: What responsibilities were shouldered by Mr Bibek in his first year of employment?
A: Mr Bibek had the responsibility of contributing his expertise to recruitment and selection of teachers.
R: The board members wanted to systematize the recruitment and selection of the entire organization.The Society for Education in India (in short SEI) had been engaged in running primary schools in different parts of the country since the 1950s. While attending a conference on employee selection, Mr J. Mehta, a senior member of the society, learned that a leading school had recently employed a psychologist to perform employment functions, i.e., recruitment and selection of teachers. Within two months of his return, Mr J. Mehta contacted a reputed university and employed a graduating psychologist, Mr Bibek Gupta.
Mr Bibek Gupta was employed by SEI with the single directive that he was to contribute to the selection of teachers. This task had previously been the prerogative of the principals of each school. Mr Gupta immediately notified each principal that in future he was to be notified of the personnel needs, and in return he would recruit, screen, and select the teachers.
At the end of his first year with SEI, Mr Gupta realized that his efforts had resulted in failure. During his first few months he encountered much opposition from several principals who had been managing schools for ten or more years. They did not believe in newer psychological techniques and preferred selecting people based on their own assessment. Other principals frequently refused to accept the teachers selected by Mr Gupta. Finally, Mr Gupta began to notice fewer and fewer principals notifying him of vacancies in their schools. Realizing that he was not making any effective contribution, Mr Gupta submitted the suggestion to the society members that support and co-operation of the school principals should be a matter of executive order, or else his resignation should be considered.Directions: For each question below, an answer (A) and a reason (R) are given. Base your analysis only on the information in the passage above. Mark your response using the code:
1. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. if both A and R are based on information given in the passage, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. if A is based on information given in the passage, but R is not based on the facts given.
4. if A is not based on information given in the passage, but R is based on the information given in the passage.
5. if both A and R are not based on information given in the passage.Question: "At the end of his first year with SEI, Mr Gupta realized that his efforts had resulted in failure." Was Mr Bibek's self-assessment justified?
A: Yes, since the selection of teachers continued to be done as it was being done earlier.
R: He was placed in a situation where the concerned persons refused to consult him regarding his expertise. Hence his impact was dependent on co-operation by others.
Top XAT Questions
- Ashok, a maths teacher in the school, asked his students to guess his date of birth by giving the following hints.
Hint 1: He was born in 1995
Hint 2: The sum of the products of his birth date multiplied by 24 and his birthday month multiplied by 60 is 1284.
Find the sum of Ashok’s birth date, birth month, and birth year. - Solve for the number of integral values of \(x: \frac{(x^2-15x+47)(x-13)}{(x-8)}<0\).
- In an examination, Akhil scored 11.11% less than the pass marks and Akshay scored 12.5% more than the pass marks. Find the percentage of pass marks if the sum of the scores of Akhil and Akshay is 25% more than the total marks.
- The ratio of paint and oil in Tank A is 3: 4, whereas in Tank B, the respective ratio is 4: 5 . Then, 96 liters of a mixture consisting of paint and oil in the ratio of 5: 1 is added to Tank A, such that the respective ratio in Tank A becomes exactly the reverse of that in Tank B. Find the amount (in liters) of the mixture from Tank B that is poured into Tank A such that the amount of paint and water in Tank A become equal.
- The points (–4, 3) and (–1, –4) are two end points of a diagonal of a parallelogram. If the other diagonal has the equation 7y + 3x + c = 0, then find the value of c.