Text 1: Economist Dr. Helen Park supports occupational licensing. "Licensing protects consumers from unqualified practitioners," Park argues. "Medical, legal, and engineering licenses ensure minimum competency in fields where errors cause serious harm."
Text 2: Labor economist Dr. Ryan Moore critiques licensing expansion. "Licensing for florists, interior designers, and hair braiders serves incumbent protection, not consumer safety," Moore contends. "Entry barriers reduce competition and raise prices without demonstrable quality improvements."
Based on the texts, Park and Moore would most likely agree about which of the following?
That all occupational licensing should be eliminated
That consumer protection is a legitimate goal of licensing
That hair braiding requires extensive training
That competition always improves prices and quality
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Park argues licensing protects consumers. Moore criticizes some licensing for failing to actually protect consumers—implying consumer protection is the legitimate standard. Both agree protection matters.
- Evidence: Park supports protection; Moore criticizes where protection isn't achieved.
- Reasoning: Moore's critique presupposes protection is the proper purpose.
- Conclusion: Both accept consumer protection as licensing's legitimate goal.
Choice A is incorrect because Park supports licensing. Choice C is incorrect because Moore implies opposite. Choice D is incorrect because neither makes this universal claim.