E for me

There is wide variation in the surgical procedures that are performed in different geographical positions. It is possible that the variations are local to locations. That is, in other words procedures are performed unnecessarily for particular locations.

A. A local board of review at each hospital examines the records of every operation to determine whether the surgical procedure was necessary. [If this is in place then there wouldn’t be variations in the procedures PLUS no guarantee that the procedures are performed unnecessarily]

B. The variation is unrelated to factors (other than the surgical procedures themselves) that influence the incidence of diseases for which surgery might be considered. [Hold]

C. There are several categories of surgical procedure (other than hysterectomies, prostatectomies, and tonsillectomies) taht are often performed unnecessarily. [Fine but this should be uniform across all locations – shouldn’t culminate in variations per location]

D. For certain surgical procedures, it is difficult to determine after the operation whether the procedures were necessary or whether alternative treatment would have succeeded.[ Out of scope]

E. With respect to how often they are performed unncessarily, hysterectomies, prostatectomies, and tonsillectomies are representatives of surgical procedures in general. [Fine but doesn’t aid the argument]

B!

Look at B.

Stimulus is saying Geographical factors -> unnecessary operations

How do we strengthen?

(1) by inducing a statement that says GF are the cause

(2) by inducing a statement that says nothing else can cause.

B exactly does (2). This is a strategy used in assumption Q's but helpful here.

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