The gap in average monthly salaries between software engineers with master's degrees and those without such degrees increased significantly from 2010 to 2020. Some experts believe that the rise in demand for highly skilled software engineers led to higher salaries for those with advanced degrees.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously challenges the explanation provided above?

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Correct answer marked below

A significant number of software engineers with master's degrees were working in positions that did not require such qualifications.

Correct

The overall employment rate for software engineers remained stable during the decade.

The average salary of software engineers with only bachelor's degrees also increased during this period.

The age distribution of software engineers shifted towards younger professionals over the decade.

Many software engineers without degrees were able to secure high-paying jobs due to their experience.

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

Official

To determine which statement most seriously undermines the explanation that increased demand for highly skilled software engineers led to higher salaries for those with advanced degrees, we analyze each option. The correct answer is the first option: 'A significant number of software engineers with master's degrees were working in positions that did not require such qualifications.' This statement suggests that the high salaries for master's degree holders may not be due to…

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Comments

MichelApr 4, 2025

can you explain more?

ParthJun 7, 2024

thanksss

SiddharthJan 25, 2024

thankss

What this question tests

What it tests

Whether you can identify the option that most undermines an argument's conclusion.

Common trap

Choosing an irrelevant objection or one that attacks the premise rather than the reasoning.