Which of the following reflects an effect of disparate impact?

The correct choice illustrates the concept of disparate impact, which refers to policies or practices that may appear neutral on the surface but inadvertently result in a disproportionate negative impact on a particular group based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristics. A hiring practice that disadvantages minority groups aligns with this definition, as it highlights how certain hiring criteria could unintentionally exclude certain demographics, even if the intention is not discriminatory.

In contrast, the other options do not directly exemplify disparate impact. A significant wage gap between genders represents a disparity but may not fit the legal criteria for disparate impact without the identification of a specific, neutral policy causing that disparity. Promotions awarded based on seniority can reflect fairness and do not typically lead to disparate impact unless they are assessed within a broader context that shows they disadvantage particular groups. Strict attendance policies might apply equally to all employees and thus would not necessarily result in a disparate impact unless they disproportionately affect certain groups, which is not inherent in the description.