EPSO AD5 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Conclusion versus premise

The conclusion is the claim an argument seeks to establish; premises are the stated reasons offered in support. Locate the conclusion first, then test whether the premises actually justify it.

Necessary condition

In the statement 'A only if B', B is necessary for A: A implies B, but B does not imply A. Denying B therefore rules out A entirely.

Correlation versus causation

Two variables moving together does not show that one causes the other; a third factor, coincidence, selection effects or reverse causation may explain the observed link.

Contrary propositions

'All A are B' and 'No A is B' are contraries: they cannot both be true, but both can be false when only some A are B.

Scope ambiguity

'Every student read a book' is ambiguous: one shared book may be meant, or a possibly different book for each student. Check which reading the passage requires.

Percentage point change

The arithmetic difference between two percentages. Moving from 20% to 25% is an increase of five percentage points but a relative increase of 25%.

Compound growth formula

Future value equals present value multiplied by (1 + r) raised to the power n, where r is the periodic rate and n the number of periods. Discounting divides instead.

Weighted average

The sum of each value multiplied by its weight, divided by the total of the weights. Use it when groups differ in size instead of averaging group averages.

Index number

A value expressed relative to a base period set at 100: index equals current value divided by base value, times 100. An index of 120 means a 20% rise.

Inclusion–exclusion principle

For two overlapping sets, the union equals the sum of the sets minus their intersection. For three sets, subtract the three pairwise intersections and add back the triple intersection.

Reverse percentage

To recover an original amount after a percentage change, divide by the multiplier: after a 20% rise, original equals final divided by 1.20, not final minus 20%.

XOR superposition

A common abstract rule in which shapes appearing in both source figures cancel out, while shapes appearing in only one of the sources are kept in the result.

Alternating series

When no single rule fits a sequence, treat odd and even positions as two separate series, each with its own progression, then predict the next term.

Handedness under reflection

Reflection produces a mirror image and reverses orientation, so clockwise becomes anticlockwise. Rotation preserves orientation, so a reflected figure cannot be reached by rotation alone.

Attribute independence in matrices

In a matrix, each attribute such as shape, colour, size or position usually follows its own rule across rows or columns. Solve each attribute separately rather than seeking one combined rule.

Element count sequences

Counts of sides, dots, enclosed regions or intersections often form arithmetic progressions such as plus one, plus two, plus three across a series. Counting is usually faster than visual intuition.

Conflict of interest

A situation where personal, financial or family interests could improperly influence official duties. It must be declared to the hierarchy and the task reassigned or otherwise managed, even if no bias results.

Escalation threshold

Refer a matter upward when it exceeds your competence, carries legal, financial or safety risk, or involves a colleague's misconduct. Handle routine difficulties yourself first.

Whistleblowing

Reporting suspected fraud, corruption or serious misconduct through the designated channel, such as OLAF, rather than to the press. EU staff have protected reporting routes under the Staff Regulations.

Proportionate response

The action taken should be no more than necessary to correct the problem and matched to its seriousness, while preserving working relationships and the institution's reputation where possible.

Confidentiality duty

EU staff must not disclose information received in the course of duty that has not already been made public, including after leaving service, unless authorised or required by law.

Ordinary legislative procedure

The standard EU law-making route: the Commission proposes, and the European Parliament and the Council of the EU amend and adopt the act jointly, with up to three readings and conciliation.

Qualified majority voting

In the Council, a qualified majority requires at least 55% of member states, that is 15 of 27, representing at least 65% of the EU population. A blocking minority needs four states.

Subsidiarity principle

The principle that the EU acts only where objectives cannot be sufficiently achieved by member states and can be better achieved at Union level. It does not apply to exclusive EU competences.

Regulation versus directive

A regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all member states without transposition; a directive binds member states as to the result while leaving form and methods to them.

Yellow card procedure

A subsidiarity check: if one third of national parliaments, or one quarter in the area of justice and home affairs, object to a Commission proposal, the Commission must review and justify it.

Recitals in EU drafting

Numbered 'whereas' paragraphs in the preamble of an EU act that set out the reasons and legal context. They assist interpretation but do not themselves create binding obligations.

STAR technique

A structure for behavioural answers: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Describe the context briefly, your specific responsibility, what you did, and the measurable outcome achieved.

Behavioural evidence

Competency assessment predicts future performance from past behaviour. Answers should cite real, specific examples where possible rather than general opinions about your own strengths.

Resilience competency

Maintaining performance under pressure, setback or criticism: staying objective, adapting plans, recovering quickly and learning from the experience without disengaging from colleagues or duties.

Leadership competency

Setting direction, taking responsibility for decisions and outcomes, motivating and developing others, and intervening when performance or conduct falls short, demonstrated through concrete past examples.

Delegation with accountability

Assigning tasks with a clear mandate, deadline and resources while retaining responsibility for the result; checking progress without taking the work back and giving credit for success.