Question

Absenteeism among employees has decreased steadily over the past several years. Two possible explanations have been offered. First, improved health insurance has allowed employees to maintain better health. Second, improved working conditions have improved morale, leading to less desire to avoid work. However, since absenteeism has also decreased at companies with poor or no health insurance and poor working conditions, one must conclude that the cause of the decrease is the increased tendency of employers to deduct missed days from employees’ paychecks.

Which of the following indicates a flaw in the reasoning above?


(A) Employees who lack health insurance often have low morale.

(B) Companies with poor working conditions are most likely to deduct pay for missed work days

(C) Most employees are not honest about the reasons that they miss work

(D) The definition of absenteeism is not clear

(E) Improved health care, improved working conditions, and fear of losing money are not the only possible explanations for decreased absenteeism

Answer 1

The reasoning overlooks other possible explanations for decreased absenteeism beyond health insurance, working conditions, and paycheck deductions, such as broader cultural or legal changes and work attendance initiatives.

Step-by-step explanation:

The flaw in the reasoning provided is that it overlooks the possibility of alternative explanations besides the three discussed: improved health care, improved working conditions, and penalty through pay deductions for absenteeism. The argument assumes that the decrease in absenteeism is due to the tendency of employers to deduct missed days from paychecks alone, without considering other potential factors. By noticing that absenteeism has decreased even at companies with poor or no health insurance and poor working conditions, the argument bypasses indirect influences and other external variables that might contribute to this trend.

For example, there could be a broader cultural shift towards greater work ethic, legal changes regarding work leave, or improved transportation options making it easier for employees to commute. Employee support programs, workplace attendance incentives, and other such initiatives could also play a significant role. Therefore, the presence of other plausible explanations reveals a flaw in the reasoning that attributes the decrease in absenteeism solely to punitive paycheck deductions.