Some studies indicate that alcohol advertisements on television cause people to increase their alcohol consumption. In Arcadia, however, where there has been a ban on alcohol advertising for the last ten years, alcohol consumption per capita is at least as high as in countries that do not have such a ban in place.
Which of the following statements draws the most reliable conclusion from the information above?The passage says alcohol ads may increase alcohol consumption, but Arcadia has no alcohol ads and still has alcohol consumption at least as high as countries with no such ban.
The safest conclusion is that advertising is not the only thing that affects
alcohol consumption.
(A) People tend to consume more alcohol if they are exposed to alcohol advertisements than if they are not exposed to those advertisements.
This is too strong. Some studies suggest this, but Arcadia’s case shows that lack of advertising does not necessarily mean lower consumption.
(B) Advertising has no effect on whether people consume more or less alcohol.
This is too strong. The studies indicate that advertising may have an effect. The Arcadia example only shows advertising is not the only factor.
(C) Advertising cannot be the only factor that determines an individual's consumption of alcohol.
This is correct. If Arcadia has banned alcohol advertising but still has high alcohol consumption, then other factors besides advertising must affect alcohol consumption.
(D) Most people continued to consume alcohol after the ban was implemented.
This is not supported. We know per capita consumption is high, but not whether most people consume alcohol.
(E) If advertising for alcohol were allowed in Arcadia, it would be extremely effective.
This is not supported. The passage does not tell us what would happen if Arcadia allowed alcohol ads.
Answer: (C).
Hardique
I have a doubt
This is not the conclusion it is inference isn't it.
I’d say yes, this is an
inference / must be true question.
The stimulus itself does not contain an argument conclusion. It only gives facts:
Alcohol ads may increase drinking.
Arcadia bans alcohol ads.
Arcadia still has high alcohol consumption.
So the answer choice must be the safest conclusion we can draw from those facts. That is (C): advertising cannot be the
only factor affecting alcohol consumption.