The gap in average annual earnings between workers with university degrees and those without such degrees tripled from 1990 to 2000. Some economists have suggested that the rise in demand for skilled labor led to higher wages for degree holders.

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

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

(A) Throughout the 1990s, a significant number of degree holders were employed in positions that did not require a degree.

Correct

(B) The overall workforce became younger during the 1990s.

(D) Between 1990 and 2000, the income disparity between workers with master's degrees and those with bachelor's degrees also widened.

(E) There were instances in the 1990s where non-degree holders achieved salaries similar to those of degree holders.

See the full step-by-step explanation

You can see the correct answer above. Sign in for free to unlock the complete worked solution.

Track your performance and improve

Get detailed analytics, unlock full explanations, and move up difficulty tiers as you practice.

Start for free Sign in

Explanation

Preview

Official Explanation

Official

To determine which option most seriously undermines the explanation that increased demand for skilled labor led to higher wages for degree holders, we analyze each option. Option (A) states that many degree holders were in jobs that did not require a degree, suggesting that the increased earnings may not be solely due to demand for skilled labor,…

Read the full explanation

Create free account Sign in

Comments

adelinaApr 19, 2025

thank you for sharing

shashankMar 27, 2025

thanks

pareedhiMar 8, 2024

still struggling with these types of problems

HimanchalJun 5, 2024

thanks for taking time to upload it!

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.