Critical Reasoning: Assumption Questions
Better-Vision-Maker is a liquid that enhances the visual ability of a person with average eyesight by almost 500 times. The drug is intended for use by police, rescue, and medical service professionals. Research shows that a change in visual ability can alter the dynamics of the brain so that the new functionality can be adapted to. More testing into the side-effects of the drug should be performed before it is distributed for use.
The author's conclusion relies on which of the following assumptions?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]The word side-effects in the conclusion tells us that the author is concerned about adverse or negative effects the drug may have, not additional positive effects that might improve its sales. The author's assumption is what led to the conclusion and therefore must have the same tone as the conclusion.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]If the author assumed any tool available should be used, he or she wouldn't recommend to run more tests on the new drug. The assumption can never be a statement that weakens the conclusion; it's supposed to be the link between the given premises and the conclusion.
Alternately, further justification of why the drug would be useful is irrelevant, as the premises already define that it is intended for the aforementioned use. Premises do not need support, they are given; hence, avoid answer choices that support premises.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice presents a new premise about the brain's relationship with the other senses. This new data is irrelevant to the author's conclusion because we know nothing about how the brain adapts to increased ability of other senses. Remember, what you are looking for is the assumption, which should explain how the author drew the conclusion based on the existing premise.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice presents a new premise about the actual influence of the drug on the professional's level of performance. Focus on the conclusion: side-effects indicates that the author is not really concerned about the how the drug will affect performance, but more about how it will affect the professionals themselves.
Bravo!
[[snippet]]The author's recommendation to test the drug further tells us that he or she is not 100% sure about it for some reason. This answer choice provides a reason - an assumption that the drug's effect on the brain may be harmful and, therefore, unfavorable.
