WeakenDiff: Hardest
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: A scientist noticed that kids who act on impulse often have a certain gene, so they concluded that the gene is what makes them act that way.
Conclusion: The specific gene variant that increases dopamine sensitivity is the cause of thrill-seeking behavior.
Reasoning: Research indicates that children exhibiting impulsive behavior are twice as likely to possess this particular gene variant compared to their peers.
Analysis: The scientist is making a classic leap from correlation to causation. Just because the gene and the behavior appear together doesn't mean the gene is the driver; perhaps the behavior influences the gene, or a third factor influences both. To weaken this, look for an answer choice that provides an alternative explanation for why these two things are linked or suggests the sample of children isn't representative of the general population.
Conclusion: The specific gene variant that increases dopamine sensitivity is the cause of thrill-seeking behavior.
Reasoning: Research indicates that children exhibiting impulsive behavior are twice as likely to possess this particular gene variant compared to their peers.
Analysis: The scientist is making a classic leap from correlation to causation. Just because the gene and the behavior appear together doesn't mean the gene is the driver; perhaps the behavior influences the gene, or a third factor influences both. To weaken this, look for an answer choice that provides an alternative explanation for why these two things are linked or suggests the sample of children isn't representative of the general population.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage20.Which one of the following, if true, most calls into question the scientist's argument?
Correct Answer
B
B strikes at the foundation of the evidence. If we cannot reliably distinguish impulsive behavior from other behavior, then the classification of children as “impulsive” is unreliable, so the reported correlation—and thus the causal conclusion drawn from it—is seriously undermined.
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