Researchers tested the effects of classical music on concentration by

Question

Researchers tested the effects of classical music on concentration by giving the same tasks to two different groups of 25 each. Group A worked in silence while Bach was played for group B. They found that the group exposed to classical music had a greater efficiency and completion rate than the group that worked in silence. Therefore, music helps increase concentration.

Which of the following would be most useful to determine in order to evaluate the argument?

A) Would instrumental music further increase the efficiency of group B?
B) Were the members of the two groups equally receptive to music?
C) Did conversation lower the efficiency of group A?
D) How effective would group B be in the absence of music?
E) How long was this experiment conducted for?

FloatingGMAT

Pritam_Pf · Answer

Option B talks about the prerequisite of the experiment.

Isn't is required to evaluate the prerequisite if we want to get the result satisfactory?

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Tarun Dokania · Answer

The experiment should affect everyone, regardless of their receptivity. Hence, B is not a pre-requisite.  Pritam

AkshdeepS · Answer

Let us talk about B:

It says we need to check whether both groups are equally affected by the music.

I think B does not affect the argument more than D.

Even if we say both the groups are not affected equally, that inequality may be very close or very far.

Say, group A gets affected 49.99 % and Group B can be affected 51.11% or vice - versa.

Say, group A gets affected 1% and Group B can be affected 99% or vice - versa.

So this will not help that much in evaluating the case in the question.

Researchers tested the effects of classical music on concentration by

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