Critical Reasoning: Conclusion Strengthening 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 business volume, Java's next door competitor, Kahva, should also start advertising on the local radio station.
Which of the following most strengthens the argument's conclusion?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice weakens the argument's conclusion but you are required to strengthen it. In order to strengthen the conclusion, we need to show that radio advertising contributes to a business increase. However, this answer choice states that in 11 out of 12 cases, there was no such increase.
Correct!
[[snippet]]This answer choice strengthens the conclusion as the premise presented in it clearly supports the belief that radio advertising works by stating it works for the majority (78%) of businesses that use it.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens not strengthens the conclusion. In order to strengthen the conclusion, we need to show that radio advertising clearly contributes to a business increase. However, we cannot assume that over 10,000 listeners is a large enough number to promise a rise in business or that these listeners actually listen to the commercials broadcast on the station and follow the recommendations in them.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens not strengthens the conclusion. In order to strengthen the conclusion, we need to show that radio advertising clearly contributes to a business increase. We cannot assume that 15% of total air time is a large enough amount to have the desired effect on listeners.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice neither weakens not strengthens the conclusion. The conclusion deals with the radio advertising causing a rise in Kahva's business volume. Kahva's current status in business is irrelevant, as it does not help us determine whether the radio will help improve business.
