Repressors-people who unconsciously inhibit their display of emotion -

(A) is correct.

The conclusion here is that repressing emotions is key to increasing heart rate. What would help justify this? If heart rate is not increased whenever emotions are not repressed.

In logical terms, a -> b, then !b -> !a must be true. So, if we are given !b -> !a, this justifies a -> b.


To help see why A is correct, let's look at why B-E are incorrect.

(B) The degree to which non-repressors can inhibit their emotions is immaterial, as long as the act of inhibition causes a spike in heart-rate. Eliminated.

(C) The level of excitement is not necessarily tied to heart-rate; if it is, the passage does not indicate anything about this connection. Eliminated.

(D) Note the wording: refrain from *feeling*, not from expressing. Refraining from actually feeling the emotions does not have to do with the conclusion, which draws a link between expression of emotions and heart rate. Eliminated.

(E) Our conclusion talks about a "spike" in heart rate, or, in other words, an increased heart rate as a result of repressing displays of emotion. It says nothing about the actual number to which the heart rate increased or by how much. Since this is a relative measure (one greater than the other) and not an absolute one (ie, exact number), the average heart rate of the two groups is immaterial (does not matter for the comparison). Eliminated.

Choice A and E are the main contenders here.

Author's claim suggests that nothing else but the act of inhibiting display of emotions causes heart rate to rise rapidly. Choice A points out another possible cause of increase in heart rate. Thus, author assumes this is not the case.

Choice E is a trap because argument clearly states that heart rates of both repressors and nonrepressors increased rapidly. Starting point is not really important here.

Ans is A

The clear assumption that the author makes is that the increase in heart rate in Nonrepressors is caused by the act of inhibiting the response.
Option A says just that.

Option E is unrelated as it talks about situations that do not provoke emotions.

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