How does character impact decision making?

Concept: A literal-comprehension question is settled only by what the passage itself asserts. The reader locates the sentence that names the exact relationship the stem asks about, accepts the statement that paraphrases that sentence, and does not import outside plausibility or personal opinion about the topic.

Applying this to the passage:

1. The stem asks what character does to decision making, so the sentence to locate is the one in which the passage speaks about decisions.

2. The passage asserts: “In addition to that character influences one's ability to make sound decisions especially under pressure and maintain resilience through difficult times.”

3. That sentence credits character with improving the ability to decide soundly, and it names being under pressure as the condition in which this shows.

4. The statement that paraphrases this assertion is “It helps in making sound decisions under pressure.”, so that is the answer.

Cross-check against the other statements:

• “It increases focus on short-term gains.” — the passage ties character to honesty, integrity, responsibility, empathy, commitment, ownership and resilience, and says nothing about the time horizon or payoff of a choice.

• “It makes people indecisive.” — the passage credits character with ability in deciding; hesitation or delay is never mentioned.

• “It encourages people to avoid taking risks.” — risk-taking is not discussed anywhere in the passage.

Result: the only effect on decision making that the passage itself states is that character helps a person make sound decisions under pressure.