Task:
The following appeared in a memo from the director of a large group of hospitals.
"In a laboratory study of liquid antibacterial hand soaps, a concentrated solution of UltraClean produced a 40 percent greater reduction in harmful bacteria than did the liquid hand soaps currently used in our hospitals.
In a laboratory study of liquid antibacterial hand soaps, a concentrated solution of UltraClean produced a 40 percent greater reduction in harmful bacteria than did the liquid hand soaps currently used in our hospitals.
During our recent test of regular-strength UltraClean, the product most preferred by consumers, our sales increased by 40 percent.
During our recent test of regular-strength UltraClean, the product most preferred by consumers, our sales increased by 40 percent.
During our recent test of regular-strength UltraClean, the product most preferred by consumers, our sales increased by 40 percent.
Therefore, to prevent serious patient infections, we should supply UltraClean at all hand-washing stations throughout our hospital system.
Therefore, to prevent serious patient infections, we should supply UltraClean at all hand-washing stations throughout our hospital system.
Model Answer:
The argument made by the director of the hospitals appears to be flawed due to several reasons, thus rendering the conclusion unsubstantiated and weak.
The argument made by the director of the hospitals appears to be flawed due to several reasons, thus rendering the conclusion unsubstantiated and weak.
The argument made by the director of the hospitals appears to be flawed due to several reasons, thus rendering the conclusion unsubstantiated and weak.
Firstly, the director assumes a causal relationship between the increased sales of UltraClean and its effectiveness in reducing harmful bacteria.
Firstly, the director assumes a causal relationship between the increased sales of UltraClean and its effectiveness in reducing harmful bacteria.
However, there is no evidence provided to support this assumption.
The increase in sales could be attributed to various factors such as marketing campaigns, discounts, or consumer preferences unrelated to the product's efficacy in combating bacteria.
Without a controlled experiment that directly links the increase in sales to the product's effectiveness, the argument remains speculative.
Without a controlled experiment that directly links the increase in sales to the product's effectiveness, the argument remains speculative.
Secondly, the argument relies solely on the results of a laboratory study without considering real-world conditions.
Secondly, the argument relies solely on the results of a laboratory study without considering real-world conditions.
Laboratory studies often employ controlled environments that do not accurately reflect the complexities of hospital settings.
Laboratory studies often employ controlled environments that do not accurately reflect the complexities of hospital settings
Factors such as the frequency of hand washing, the presence of different strains of bacteria, and the variability in hand-washing techniques among healthcare workers can significantly impact the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps.
Factors such as the frequency of hand washing, the presence of different strains of bacteria, and the variability in hand-washing techniques among healthcare workers can significantly impact the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps.
Factors such as the frequency of hand washing, the presence of different strains of bacteria, and the variability in hand-washing techniques among healthcare workers can significantly impact the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps.
Therefore, the director's recommendation to supply UltraClean at all hand-washing stations based solely on laboratory results is unwarranted.
Moreover, the director fails to address potential drawbacks or unintended consequences of implementing UltraClean throughout the hospital system.
Moreover, the director fails to address potential drawbacks or unintended consequences of implementing UltraClean throughout the hospital system.
For instance, overuse of antibacterial products can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a serious threat to public health.
Additionally, the cost of replacing existing hand soaps with UltraClean on a large scale is not addressed in the argument.
Considering the budget constraints faced by healthcare institutions, such a decision requires careful considerations of cost-effectiveness.
Considering the budget constraints faced by healthcare institutions, such a decision requires careful consideration of cost-effectiveness.
Considering the budget constraints faced by healthcare institutions, such a decision requires careful consideration of cost-effectiveness.
In conclusion, the argument presented by the director of the hospitals is flawed due to its reliance on unsubstantiated assumptions, lack of real-world evidence, and failure to address potential drawbacks.
In conclusion, the argument presented by the director of the hospitals is flawed due to its reliance on unsubstantiated assumptions, lack of real-world evidence, and failure to address potential drawbacks.
To strengthen the argument, additional research that considers the effectiveness of UltraClean in hospital settings and its cost implications is necessary.
To strengthen the argument, additional research that considers the effectiveness of UltraClean in hospital settings and its cost implications is necessary.
