Since the creation of the personal computer in the late 1970s, the

The argument talks about how, despite people learning a lot about computers since the 1970s, the average person still may not understand the internal details well enough to make a smart computer purchase. The argument suggests that companies can take advantage of this lack of knowledge.

A. "manufacturers of internal computer components price their products according to the development of trends in the consumer market"
This talks about how manufacturers set prices based on trends, but it doesn't explain why companies can exploit the lack of knowledge mentioned in the argument.

B. "the average consumer often relies on the advice of a relative or friend who has expert understanding"
This suggests that people seek advice from knowledgeable friends or relatives, but it doesn't explain how companies exploit the lack of knowledge.

C. "although the differences in the quality of components are indiscernible to the average user, they are significant to the companies in terms of cost" - indiscernible meaning (unclear)
This explains that even though people can't tell the differences in component quality, those differences matter to companies in terms of cost. This aligns with the argument and provides a logical reason for exploitation.

D. "there are more people concerned with the functional capabilities of a computer than those who concentrate on the exterior design"
This talks about people's preferences, but it doesn't directly address how companies exploit the lack of knowledge mentioned in the argument.

E. "Internet forums have affected the way consumers purchase computers, ultimately leading to the minimization of misinformation"
This talks about the impact of internet forums but doesn't explain how companies exploit the lack of knowledge.

IMO-C

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Which of the following most logically completes the argument?

Since the creation of the personal computer in the late 1970s, the general population has learned a great deal about computing, and electronic engineering, in general. Still, the knowledge of the average consumer does not enable an accurate analysis of a specific computer and its internal components for the purpose of making a wise purchase. It follows that many companies selling computers are capable of exploiting this lack of knowledge because __________.


A. manufacturers of internal computer components price their products according to the development of trends in the consumer market

Incorrect.

This is a "Complete the Argument" format question. The missing argument part follows the reason conjunction because, so it's a premise, which supports the conclusion. Therefore, this is a Conclusion Strengthening question:

Premise A: most people have learned quite a lot about computers
+
Premise B: what they know doesn't help them choose a computer
=
Conclusion: companies that sell computers can use this lack of knowledge to their advantage

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to complete the argument with data that supports the conclusion.

This answer choice neither strengthens nor weakens the conclusion and, therefore, cannot logically complete the argument. The pricing of almost everything is affected by trends in the market. The fact that the manufacturers of internal components follow these trends has nothing to do with the knowledge of consumers.


B. the average consumer often relies on the advice of a relative or friend who has expert understanding

Incorrect.

This answer choice weakens the conclusion and therefore cannot logically complete the argument. If the average consumer has access to expert advice, then companies cannot utilize the consumer's lack of knowledge.


C. although the differences in the quality of components are indiscernible to the average user, they are significant to the companies in terms of cost

This answer choice strengthens the conclusion and therefore logically completes the argument. If consumers can't tell how good a component is, companies can sell low-quality components at standard or high prices and and make a buck by cutting down their production costs.


D. there are more people concerned with the functional capabilities of a computer than those who concentrate on the exterior design

Incorrect.

This is a "Complete the Argument" format question. The missing argument part follows the reason conjunction because, so it's a premise, which supports the conclusion. Therefore, this is a Conclusion Strengthening question:

Premise A: most people have learned quite a lot about computers
+
Premise B: what they know doesn't help them choose a computer
=
Conclusion: companies that sell computers can use this lack of knowledge to their advantage

Strengthening Data: ?

You are required to complete the argument with data that supports the conclusion.

This answer choice weakens the conclusion and therefore cannot logically complete the argument. If most people are concerned with how a computer functions, then most people are interested in its internal parts. Therefore, it is unlikely that companies will be able to exploit their ignorance on this issue.


E. Internet forums have affected the way consumers purchase computers, ultimately leading to the minimization of misinformation

Incorrect.

This answer choice weakens the conclusion and therefore cannot logically complete the argument. If misinformation has been minimized, then more people now know the truth about which type of computer to buy. Therefore, companies will not be able to utilize lack of knowledge.