In a survey to collect data about sales of cars in various towns, it was found that the residents of the town BMWdorf buy more cars than the residents of the town Volkswagendorf. From this information it was concluded that the residents of the town BMWdorf are more fascinated with cars than those of the town Volkswagendorf.
All of the following statements, if true, weaken the argument, except which one?
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A. The population of BMWdorf is higher than that of Volkswagendorf.
If the population of BMWdorf is higher than that of Volkswagendorf, then the residents of the town BMWdorf will buy more cars than the residents of the town Volkswagendorf. The statement weaken the conclusion that the residents of the town BMWdorf are more fascinated with cars than those of the town Volkswagendorf.
Incorrect
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B. The residents of Volkswagendorf have a lower average income than those of BMWdorf.
If the residents of Volkswagendorf have a lower average income than those of BMWdorf., then the residents of the town BMWdorf will buy more cars than the residents of the town Volkswagendorf simply because they have more money. The statement weaken the conclusion that the residents of the town BMWdorf are more fascinated with cars than those of the town Volkswagendorf.
Incorrect
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C. Environment related rules restricting buying of personal vehicles are not as strictly implemented in BMWdorf as in Volkswagendorf.
If Environment related rules restricting buying of personal vehicles are not as strictly implemented in BMWdorf as in Volkswagendorf., then the residents of the town BMWdorf will buy more cars than the residents of the town Volkswagendorf simply because they have less environmental related rules restricting buying of personal vehicles. The statement weaken the conclusion that the residents of the town BMWdorf are more fascinated with cars than those of the town Volkswagendorf.
Incorrect
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D. Using public transport is cheaper and more convenient in BMWdorf than in Volkswagendorf.
If using public transport is cheaper and more convenient in BMWdorf than in Volkswagendorf, then the residents of BMWdorf should use public transport more than using personal vehicles. But the contrary is true. This statement does not weaken the conclusion but strenghtens it.
Correct.
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E. The roads of Volkswagendorf have marked bicycle lanes making it safer for bicycle riders there than in BMWdorf.
If the roads of Volkswagendorf have marked bicycle lanes making it safer for bicycle riders there than in BMWdorf., then the residents of the town BMWdorf will buy more cars than the residents of the town Volkswagendorf simply because it is not safe to ride bicycles in BMWdorf. The statement weaken the conclusion that the residents of the town BMWdorf are more fascinated with cars than those of the town Volkswagendorf.
Incorrect
IMO D