naren485 wrote:
Scientist: A recently-completed study found that owning a cat can reduce the risk of a heart attack by one-third. This finding was attributed to the stress relief that comes from having a cat in the home. Since dogs are also usually kept as companions, owning a dog should also reduce the risk of heart attack by one-third.
All of the following weaken the scientist's hypothesis EXCEPT:
A. The researchers believe that the stress relief comes from the unique act of petting a cat held in the lap.
B. The difficulty of finding someone to watch a dog means that dog owners are rarely able to take a vacation or make visit friends and family.
C. Some people who choose cats have other elements of a lower stress lifestyle while dog owners usually do not.
D. Dogs often react to sounds with loud barking that prevents the owner from getting a full night's rest.
E. Dogs require frequent walks that can add to an already hectic schedule.
Stem : C = owning cats D = owning dogs
C = stress < 1/3 . So D also 1/3.
Assumption C similar to D. To weaken, we show C not similar to D.
A. Clearly says only unique to cat. This does weaken. Out.
B. Another difference
C. This goes out of scope. Excellent choice. We are not interested in some. We were only interested in ' How owning a pet affects the owner.' Hence this is neither strengthening nor weakening. Hold it
D. Weakens
E. Weakens
So out of this, only C provides info absolutely irrelevant to argument.
Please note : Does not weaken != strengthen
I can see that people are trying to find an option that strengthens the author's argument. Don't!!!