The correct answer is option (C). All the other options introduce factors that add to the pet owner's stress. To elaborate:
A. The researchers propose that the stress relief is specifically derived from the unique act of petting a cat held in the lap. This implies that stress reduction is associated only with petting a cat in this particular way, suggesting that petting a dog would not provide the same stress relief. Therefore, this weakens the hypothesis.
B. The challenge of finding someone to care for a dog implies that dog owners may struggle to take vacations or visit friends and family. This weakens the hypothesis by suggesting that the responsibilities associated with owning a dog may hinder opportunities for stress-reducing activities, such as vacations and social visits, thus potentially adding to stress.
C. Some individuals who opt for cats may already have other aspects of a lower-stress lifestyle, while dog owners typically do not. While this introduces a potential confounding factor, it does not directly challenge the scientist's claim that petting dogs can reduce stress. Therefore, this option does not weaken the hypothesis and is the correct answer!
D. Dogs frequently respond to sounds with loud barking, which can disrupt the owner's sleep, potentially preventing a full night's rest. Given the importance of quality sleep for stress management, this weakens the hypothesis by suggesting that owning a dog may contribute to sleep disturbances, counteracting the potential stress relief from pet ownership.
E. Dogs necessitate regular walks, which can further burden an already hectic schedule. This directly weakens the hypothesis, as the additional demands on time and schedule associated with owning a dog could lead to increased stress.
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