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Q. 32: The passage given below is followed by four summaries. Choose the option that best captures the author’s position.
The early optimism about sport's deterrent effects on delinquency was premature as researchers failed to find any consistent relationships between sports participation and deviance. As the initial studies were based upon cross-sectional data and the effects captured were short-term, it was problematic to test and verify the temporal sequencing of events suggested by the deterrence theory. The correlation between sport and delinquency could not be disentangled from class and cultural variables known. Choosing individuals to play sports in the first place was problematic, which became more acute in the subsequent decades as researchers began to document just how closely sports participation was linked to social class indicators.
A. Sports participation is linked to class and cultural variables such as education, income, and social capital.
B. Contradicting the previous optimism, latter researchers have proved that there is no consistent relationship between sports participation and deviance.
C. Statistical and empirical weaknesses stand in the way of inferring any relationship between sports participation and deviance.
D. There is a direct relationship between sport participation and delinquency but it needs more empirical evidence.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: C
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
The core idea of the passage is that the connection between sports participation and deviance has not been found or established. After going through the options, we can quickly eliminate Options A and D.
Option A has elements (education, income, and social capital) which have not been discussed in the passage.
Option D asserts a direct relationship between sport participation and delinquency, however it has not been proved so far.
Now we need to pick the correct answer from two probable options.
At the first look, Option B seems to be awfully similar to the first sentence of the passage – however, there is a catch. The passage states that, “researchers failed to find any consistent relationships between sports participation and deviance”; and the option states that, “researchers have proved that there is no consistent relationship”. Not finding any proof or relation implies that there is room for research, that there could be or could be not a connection. However, the Option has distorted the implication to state that there is proof for no relation at all. Hence, Option B can be eliminated.
Option C adequately summarizes the core idea that there is not enough data (“empirical weaknesses”) to draw a connection between sports and deviance. Hence, Option C is the correct answer.
Word 1: Delinquency
Context:
"The early optimism about sport's deterrent effects on delinquency was premature as researchers failed to find any consistent relationships between sports participation and deviance." - Academic Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
Delinquency refers to behavior, especially among young people, that is illegal or not socially acceptable. It often involves minor crimes or antisocial conduct, like vandalism or skipping school. The term is frequently used in the context of juvenile delinquency, highlighting a societal concern about youth development and law enforcement.
Meaning: Minor crime or wrongdoing, especially by young people (Noun)
Pronunciation: dih-LING-kwuhn-see
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *delinquere*, meaning "to fail or be lacking in duty", combining *de-* (away from) and *linquere* (to leave).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a key word in legal, social, and psychological contexts. Understand its use in phrases like “juvenile delinquency” and how it reflects broader social concerns. The root 'linquere' is useful—it appears in 'relinquish' as well.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: misbehavior, misconduct, offense, transgression, wrongdoing
Antonyms: obedience, good conduct, responsibility, compliance
Usage Examples:
- School programs aimed at reducing delinquency among students have shown promising results.
- The rise in juvenile delinquency has sparked national debates about parenting and education systems.
- His repeated delinquency led the judge to place him in a rehabilitation center.
- Delinquency often stems from a combination of social neglect and lack of supervision.
Cultural Reference:
"Juvenile delinquency is a modern problem with ancient roots. Even in Plato’s time, elders complained of unruly youth." - Sociology Review
Think About It:
To what extent should society be held accountable for the delinquent behavior of its youth?
Quick Activity:
List three factors that can lead to delinquency and pair each with a preventive solution.
Memory Tip:
Think of “delinquency” as “delayed in doing one's duty” – like a student skipping school or a teen dodging responsibilities.
Real-World Application:
Delinquency is a key topic in law enforcement, child psychology, and public policy. Understanding it helps in designing programs for youth rehabilitation, education reform, and community development.
Word 2: Cross-Sectional
Context:
"As the initial studies were based upon cross-sectional data and the effects captured were short-term, it was problematic to test and verify the temporal sequencing of events suggested by the deterrence theory." - Academic Research Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
The term “cross-sectional” refers to a type of research or data analysis that examines information from a population or a sample at one specific point in time. It contrasts with longitudinal studies, which observe variables over an extended period. Cross-sectional analysis helps researchers identify patterns and relationships but does not capture changes over time.
Meaning: Involving observation or analysis of data collected at one specific point in time (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kraws-SEK-shuh-nuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From "cross" (across) + "section" (a cut or slice), used metaphorically to describe a 'slice' of data across a population at one time.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This term is frequently used in academic and scientific writing, especially in sociology, psychology, and economics. Understand its contrast with "longitudinal"—cross-sectional is like a snapshot, while longitudinal is like a time-lapse video.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: snapshot, point-in-time analysis, static view
Antonyms: longitudinal, continuous, over-time study
Usage Examples:
- The cross-sectional study revealed significant differences in health behavior across age groups.
- Because it was cross-sectional, the survey could not determine cause-and-effect relationships.
- Researchers used cross-sectional data to analyze current trends in youth employment.
- Cross-sectional designs are useful for identifying correlations but limited in tracking progress over time.
Cultural Reference:
"In contrast to the dynamic narratives of documentaries, cross-sectional reporting offers a snapshot of a single moment, similar to a still photograph." - Journalism Studies
Think About It:
How might relying solely on cross-sectional studies mislead policy-makers trying to implement long-term solutions?
Quick Activity:
List three research questions that are better answered by cross-sectional data and three that require longitudinal data.
Memory Tip:
Think of “cross-sectional” as “crossing the section once”—you take one slice of time, not the whole timeline.
Real-World Application:
Cross-sectional studies are widely used in public health, marketing, and social research to quickly assess conditions, opinions, or traits across a population at a particular moment.
Word 3: Temporal
Context:
"It was problematic to test and verify the temporal sequencing of events suggested by the deterrence theory." - Academic Research Discussion
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Temporal” relates to time or the sequence of events. In academic and scientific contexts, it often describes the timing, order, or duration of occurrences. For example, when researchers talk about the "temporal sequencing" of events, they are referring to the specific order in which those events happen over time. It is distinct from “spatial,” which refers to space or physical arrangement.
Meaning: Relating to time or the sequence of time (Adjective)
Pronunciation: TEM-puh-ruhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *temporalis*, derived from *tempus* meaning “time”.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a classic academic word, common in philosophical, scientific, and legal writing. Keep in mind its dual use: temporal as time-related, and in older contexts, referring to worldly (non-spiritual) matters. The root *tempus* also gives us “temporary” and “contemporary.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: chronological, time-based, sequential, temporary (in a different sense)
Antonyms: eternal, timeless, permanent
Usage Examples:
- The study examined the temporal relationship between exercise and sleep quality.
- Historians often debate the temporal accuracy of ancient texts.
- The effects were observed, but without a clear understanding of their temporal order.
- Temporal variables can influence how cause and effect are interpreted in research.
Cultural Reference:
"Time is the wisest counselor of all." — Pericles. This quote reflects the essence of temporal understanding in both life and scholarship.
Think About It:
Why is understanding the temporal sequence of events so crucial in both scientific research and storytelling?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph describing three events in your day using clear temporal transitions like "first," "then," and "finally."
Memory Tip:
Think “temporal = time.” Both start with “t-e-m,” and “temporary” also relates to time — a short one!
Real-World Application:
Temporal analysis is vital in fields like medicine (tracking symptom progression), computer science (event logs), and history (chronological records of events).
Word 4: Deterrence
Context:
"It was problematic to test and verify the temporal sequencing of events suggested by the deterrence theory." - Academic Research Discussion
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Deterrence” refers to the act of discouraging someone from taking an action, especially through fear of punishment or negative consequences. In legal, military, and social sciences contexts, deterrence is a strategy used to prevent undesirable behavior. For example, in criminal justice, harsh penalties are often justified as deterrents to crime.
Meaning: The act of discouraging an action through fear of consequences (Noun)
Pronunciation: dih-TUR-uhns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *deterrere*, meaning “to frighten from” or “discourage,” combining *de-* (away) and *terrere* (to frighten).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a concept-heavy word frequently used in criminology, international relations, and policy studies. Remember that deterrence operates on the principle of anticipated consequences—think of a sign that says "Trespassers will be prosecuted" as a real-life deterrent.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: prevention, discouragement, inhibition, dissuasion
Antonyms: encouragement, incitement, provocation, incentive
Usage Examples:
- Strict laws are enacted in the hope of deterrence against drug trafficking.
- Military deterrence remains a cornerstone of international defense policy.
- Visible security cameras serve as a deterrence to theft in public places.
- The theory of deterrence suggests that people weigh risks before committing crimes.
Cultural Reference:
"Mutual assured destruction" during the Cold War was a form of nuclear deterrence strategy, where neither side attacked for fear of total annihilation.
Think About It:
Is deterrence a more ethical approach than punishment, or does it simply shift the motivation without solving the root cause?
Quick Activity:
List three examples of deterrence used in everyday life (e.g., traffic fines) and describe what behavior they aim to prevent.
Memory Tip:
“Deterrence” contains “terror” — imagine being scared away from doing something wrong. That’s deterrence at work!
Real-World Application:
Deterrence plays a crucial role in legal systems, national defense policies, parenting strategies, and organizational compliance frameworks.
Word 5: Disentangled
Context:
"The correlation between sport and delinquency could not be disentangled from class and cultural variables known." - Academic Research Analysis
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Disentangled” means to free something from a tangled or complicated state. In both literal and figurative senses, it involves separating elements that are closely intertwined. In academic and analytical writing, disentangling means clarifying the relationships between variables or factors that influence each other, often in a complex way.
Meaning: Freed or separated from a complicated or confused situation (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: dis-en-TANG-guhld
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle English *entangle*, with the prefix *dis-* meaning "apart" or "away," forming the sense of "untangle."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great analytical verb, especially in research and logic-based writing. It signals complexity and the effort needed to understand multiple, overlapping causes. Always look for what is being "untied" or clarified when this word appears.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: untangle, unravel, separate, clarify, simplify
Antonyms: entangle, confuse, complicate, intertwine
Usage Examples:
- It took the scientist years to disentangle the genetic causes of the disease.
- The counselor helped the family disentangle emotional issues built up over decades.
- Economic effects cannot be easily disentangled from political motivations.
- The necklace was so knotted it took an hour to disentangle it.
Cultural Reference:
"To know the truth, one must first disentangle it from the web of lies." — Inspired by detective fiction and investigative journalism themes.
Think About It:
Why do you think disentangling causes in social sciences is often harder than in physical sciences?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence each using the words: entangled, disentangled, and disentanglement — showing progression of an idea or situation.
Memory Tip:
Imagine pulling apart tangled earphones — that's you trying to “disentangle” the mess and make sense of it!
Real-World Application:
Disentangling is essential in legal arguments, scientific research, therapy, and even tech troubleshooting—whenever you need to separate causes, issues, or narratives to solve a problem.
