Critical Reasoning: Conclusion Weakening Questions
Since Java coffee shop began advertising on the local radio station 3 months ago, its business volume has increased by 15%. In order to increase its business volume, Java's next door competitor, Kahva, should also start advertising on the local radio station.
Which of the following most weakens the argument's conclusion?
You're right!
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens the argument's second assumption that the example of Java's case is something that may apply to all coffee shops that advertise. It does so by stating that the success rate of radio commercials for coffee shops is 1 out of 9.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]Because this answer choice deals with the past, it neither weakens nor strengthens the argument's conclusion. The argument, and more importantly the conclusion, deals with the positive effect of radio advertising on business volume. This answer choice does not even mention radio advertising. Kahva's history is irrelevant to our task since the conclusion focuses on a possible future event.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice strengthens the conclusion whereas we were asked to weaken it. The success rate of 78% presented by this statement supports the belief that radio advertising works. However, we are supposed to be showing that this is not always true.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens nor strengthens the conclusion. The conclusion favors radio advertising as a way of increasing business volume. In order to weaken the conclusion, we need to show that radio advertising does NOT contribute to such an increase. We cannot assume that over 10,000 listeners is a small number or that these listeners ignore the commercials broadcasted on the station. Therefore, we cannot assume that this figure is information that undermines the author's view.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens not strengthens the conclusion. The conclusion favors radio advertising as a way of increasing business volume. In order to weaken the conclusion, we need to show that radio advertising does NOT contribute to such an increase. We cannot assume that 15% of total air time is too little to have any effect on listeners. Therefore, we cannot assume that this percentage is information that undermines the author's view.
