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06 Jun 2025, 09:16
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C
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
95%
(hard)
Question Stats:
33% (01:47) correct
67%
(02:15)
wrong
based on 103
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
An analysis published in August by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests the debunking messages posted by medical experts on TikTok are more effective if overlaid with high-tempo music. The academics believe the music helps swamp the brain’s ability to present counter-arguments, making the message more persuasive to the listener.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument regarding the effect of high-tempo music on the persuasiveness of debunking messages?
A) Viewers who dislike high-tempo music often skip debunking videos entirely.
B) The high-tempo music actually enhances viewers' cognitive focus on the message details, thereby reducing the formation of counter-arguments.
C) Studies show that high-tempo music increases emotional arousal, which independently enhances persuasion without reducing counter-arguments.
D) Medical experts choosing to use high-tempo music typically have backgrounds that make them better communicators.
E) High-tempo music often increases the likelihood of sharing these videos, expanding reach but with no direct effect on the message.
A) Irrelevant to the persuasiveness per viewer; addresses viewership but not the causal mechanism proposed for effectiveness.
B) This option actually supports the argument by confirming that music reduces counter-arguments, thereby aligning with rather than undermining the causality.
C) Effectively weakens by providing an alternative explanation for music's persuasive effect: independent emotional arousal that does not affect counter-arguments, thus challenging the proposed mechanism.
D) Introduces a confounding factor about communicator skill but fails to directly challenge the role of music in reducing counter-arguments; thus, it doesn't weaken the argument's specific claim.
E) Relates to sharing behavior and reach extension, not to the persuasiveness per viewer, so is irrelevant to the argument.
The argument credits music's persuasiveness specifically to its effect on reducing counter-arguments. To weaken this, we need an option that severs this causal link. Option C achieves this by showing the effect arises from emotional arousal independently, rendering the claimed mechanism unnecessary. Option B wrongly supports the mechanism. Options A, D, and E do not attack the causal relationship.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument regarding the effect of high-tempo music on the persuasiveness of debunking messages?
A) Viewers who dislike high-tempo music often skip debunking videos entirely.
B) The high-tempo music actually enhances viewers' cognitive focus on the message details, thereby reducing the formation of counter-arguments.
C) Studies show that high-tempo music increases emotional arousal, which independently enhances persuasion without reducing counter-arguments.
D) Medical experts choosing to use high-tempo music typically have backgrounds that make them better communicators.
E) High-tempo music often increases the likelihood of sharing these videos, expanding reach but with no direct effect on the message.
Show SpoilerHints
Focus on identifying the specific causal claim: that music increases persuasiveness BY reducing counter-arguments. Any option that supports this link, provides an alternative, or introduces unrelated factors must be evaluated. Beware distractors that may appear to weaken but actually strengthen the argument.
Show SpoilerExplanations
A) Irrelevant to the persuasiveness per viewer; addresses viewership but not the causal mechanism proposed for effectiveness.
B) This option actually supports the argument by confirming that music reduces counter-arguments, thereby aligning with rather than undermining the causality.
C) Effectively weakens by providing an alternative explanation for music's persuasive effect: independent emotional arousal that does not affect counter-arguments, thus challenging the proposed mechanism.
D) Introduces a confounding factor about communicator skill but fails to directly challenge the role of music in reducing counter-arguments; thus, it doesn't weaken the argument's specific claim.
E) Relates to sharing behavior and reach extension, not to the persuasiveness per viewer, so is irrelevant to the argument.
The argument credits music's persuasiveness specifically to its effect on reducing counter-arguments. To weaken this, we need an option that severs this causal link. Option C achieves this by showing the effect arises from emotional arousal independently, rendering the claimed mechanism unnecessary. Option B wrongly supports the mechanism. Options A, D, and E do not attack the causal relationship.
Archived Topic
Hi there,
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06 Jun 2025, 09:43
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Argument:
Music with high tempo along with Persuasive message > Decline in Ability of Counter Argument > Effectiveness of Counter Argument increases
Option B and Option C were remaining
Option B states that
As Cognitive Focus increases > Ability of Counter Argument Decreases > Persuasion Message increases.
It doesn't weaken at all.
Option C states that
Emotional arousal is the reason behind increased Persuasion and not Ability of Counter Argument
So Answer C IMO
NOT SURE IF THIS IS A PROPER WEAKEN QUESTION AS IT SOUNDS MORE LIKE A FLAW IN ARGUMENT QUESTION
KarishmaB need help
Music with high tempo along with Persuasive message > Decline in Ability of Counter Argument > Effectiveness of Counter Argument increases
Option B and Option C were remaining
Option B states that
As Cognitive Focus increases > Ability of Counter Argument Decreases > Persuasion Message increases.
It doesn't weaken at all.
Option C states that
Emotional arousal is the reason behind increased Persuasion and not Ability of Counter Argument
So Answer C IMO
NOT SURE IF THIS IS A PROPER WEAKEN QUESTION AS IT SOUNDS MORE LIKE A FLAW IN ARGUMENT QUESTION
KarishmaB need help
08 Jun 2025, 22:57
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The question is acceptable and so is your analysis. It is a weaken question and the difference between weaken and flaw can blur sometimes. Don't worry too much about it. Answer as per exactly what is asked in the question. Here you are asked to weaken "High tempo Music reduces Ability of Counter Argument leading to better persuasion".
(C) says the high temp music increases emotional arousal without reducing counter argument ability. Hence it weakens the logic given by the argument.
(B) tells you how high tempo music reduces counter argument ability (by enhancing viewers' cognitive focus on the message details). It does not imply that counter argument ability is not reduced.
(C) is correct
(C) says the high temp music increases emotional arousal without reducing counter argument ability. Hence it weakens the logic given by the argument.
(B) tells you how high tempo music reduces counter argument ability (by enhancing viewers' cognitive focus on the message details). It does not imply that counter argument ability is not reduced.
(C) is correct
Aabhash777
Archived Topic
Hi there,
This topic has been closed and archived due to inactivity or violation of community quality standards. No more replies are possible here.
Where to now? Join ongoing discussions on thousands of quality questions in our Critical Reasoning (CR) Forum
Still interested in this question? Check out the "Best Topics" block above for a better discussion on this exact question, as well as several more related questions.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
