Took more than the optimum time to solve this, but got it correct. Here is my thought process -
Conclusion : The marketing group concluded that increased
product recognition had a positive effect on the toothpaste's sales.
Now how did they come to that conclusion?
They changed the packaging and got a new logo ---> this led to sales increases.
Hence, they are assuming that "bright packing and distinctive logo" increases the "product recognition", which leads to more sales.
Which of the following is an assumption on which the marketing group's conclusion is based?
A. Brightly colored and distinctive packaging increased the product recognition of the toothpaste. [
matches with the pre-thinking and should be the answer]
B. The new package of toothpaste was sold at a slightly lower price. [
Out of Scope - we are not told anything about the price]
C. The package design of the toothpaste is more important than the quality of the toothpaste. [
We are not told anything about the quality of the toothpaste, hence we should not take the into consideration. But let us apply negation test to be 100% sure. ]
"The package design of the toothpaste is NOT more important than the quality of the toothpaste." Now even if it not more important than quality, does this in anyway tell me that it will impact the sales of the toothpaste. No it does not! Hence, this can't be the answer.D. Even a less popular brand of toothpaste would have sold as well in the new package. [
This could have been a weakener, but this cannot be an assumption, if a less popular brand would have sold well, this tell us that the distinct logo does not help in brand recognition, which is not the case, as per the premises.]
E. Even a simpler, less distinctive package design would have increased the product recognition of the toothpaste.[
Out of Scope - this cannot be the assumption for product recognition and high sales.]
Regards,
Squib