Scope and Boundary Recognition Practice Test

A psychologist comments on the popularity of “micro-habits,” such as doing one push-up a day or writing one sentence. The psychologist does not argue that micro-habits guarantee transformation; instead, they claim that micro-habits can be useful as entry points for people who are intimidated by large goals, because the small action lowers the barrier to starting. The psychologist notes that, without later adjustments—gradually increasing effort or changing the environment—micro-habits may plateau and produce little measurable change. As an example, the psychologist describes a person who begins with one sentence daily and later builds a routine of scheduled writing time. The psychologist explicitly avoids comparing micro-habits to clinical interventions for depression or anxiety.

Which option exceeds the boundaries of the author’s discussion?

An environmental writer describes a community initiative to plant trees along a few heavily trafficked streets. The writer argues that, in this local effort, residents valued the trees not only for potential air-quality benefits but also for shade and neighborhood pride. The writer notes that measuring air-quality change is difficult because pollution levels fluctuate with weather and traffic patterns; the initiative did not collect enough data to isolate the trees’ effect. The writer therefore avoids claiming that the planting measurably reduced pollution, while still treating the project as meaningful in social terms. The writer does not discuss rural reforestation or global carbon accounting.

The author’s argument does NOT support which of the following?