A recent study has revealed that the use of a new anti-theft device in

Question

A recent study has revealed that the use of a new anti-theft device in cars has reduced the number of stolen vehicles by 15% in the last year. The device works by disabling the ignition system when it detects an unauthorized attempt to start the car. Law enforcement officials credit the decrease in thefts largely to the widespread adoption of this device. However, some skeptics argue that the reduction in car thefts could also be attributed to an increase in fuel prices over the same period, which they suggest might have made the operation of stolen vehicles more expensive and thus less appealing to thieves.

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the law enforcement officials' attribution of the reduction in car thefts to the new anti-theft device?

A) Other anti-theft measures, such as improved car alarms and tracking systems, have not been shown to significantly reduce car thefts when used alone.

B) The number of attempted car thefts that failed due to the anti-theft device was higher than the number of successful thefts of cars not equipped with the device.

C) Fuel prices had been steadily increasing for several years prior to the introduction of the new anti-theft device, with no corresponding decrease in car thefts until last year.

D) The new anti-theft device is inexpensive and has been installed in a wide variety of car models, including those that are most frequently stolen.

E) In areas where the new anti-theft device has been installed in fewer cars, the reduction in car thefts has been significantly smaller than in areas with higher adoption rates of the device.

Prob2303 · Answer

Can someone help me out with the answer explanation for this question? I don't see any in the discussion forum.

rRathi99 · Answer

I think it’s a toss up between E and C, but E is the correct choice

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rRathi99 · Answer

So basically the law enforcement is saying that the reduction in car theft is majorly attributed to the device. The question asks for an argument that would strengthen the law enforcement’s conclusion. E provides statistical evidence that the device works.

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WINIFREDWU1103 · Answer

The reason why I didn’t choose C: the answer says steadily increase over the past few years, but this year the increase can be a sharp increase .

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Fish181 · Answer

The thing that makes this problem tricky is that it throws in something to distract you with the fuel prices and an alternative theory. What skill you need to answer the question correctly here is the ability to identify what is in scope and out of scope.

They're asking what strengthens the claim the device works. Therefore, you only need to focus on answers that directly mention how the device is proven effective. You may get tricked into thinking that by choosing "C" weakening the other claim would actually strengthen the officer's claim. But that isn't in scope. It's not what's being asked.

If that isn't enough for you to see why C isn't correct. Also see that answer choice C basically says that fuel prices have been going up and it's had no effect on the crime rate but then all of a sudden last year something happened and the crime rate went down. Well that "something" could possibly be the device or it could possibly be some other unmentioned variable. So it doesn't really strengthen the claim the device is effective at all.

E on the other hand, clearly directly strengthens the claim that the device itself works and is effective.

kakarot10 · Answer

The fuel prices are the same regardless of the city . Option E touches that fact , where it's comparing the rates of theft in 2 cities, according to percentage of adoption of anti theft module . Thus supports the policeman view of why theft is low

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Fish181 · Answer

B is a trick answer. It basically says that the device is effective and preventing thefts when used. Yes, you could logically deduce from that fact that maybe it would be the reason car theft is going down because they are effective but there's no proof that this is true and you'd be extrapolating if you do so. I see it as out of scope of what's being asked.

E on the other is like B but it definitely strengthens. "In areas where the new anti-theft device has been installed in fewer cars, the reduction in car thefts has been significantly smaller than in areas with higher adoption rates of the device."

It basically says that when people use the device, car thefts in general go down because it is a detterrance and car thieves don't want to mess with it.

Sorry I know this is confusing haha but it is a very nuanced but important difference. LMK if you need more clarification

abhilashsingh · Answer

My first quick POE boiled down to B, C, and E

My reasons for further POE'ing:

B - confused me but the stat is not leading to strengthening that the car thefts decreased due to the widespread adoption.

C - yes, initial thought would be that what if the prices of fuel had been increasing already, but what if the previous price-rise still could've been affordable.

E - presents a stat that makes much more sense than the other options. Also, fills the gap of reduced car thefts due to the widespread adoption of the device.  (CORRECT)

GMATcracker101 · Answer

Please note -

A)  Incorrect. Option states 'when used alone', improved car alarms and tracking systems can be used together without the new anti-theft device.

B)  Incorrect. The comparison does not stand - failed car thefts due to anti-theft device > successful thefts of car not equipped. While this could seem like the right answer, the key is to understand that when comparing two statements/options it has be an an apples to apples comparision it cannot be an apples to orange comparision.

C)  Incorrect. Misleading option, the law enforcement officials' statement has nothing to do with fuel prices.

D)  Incorrect. The price of the anti-theft device is irrelevant to the passage.

E)  Correct. Cohesiveness in the comparison, areas where more adoption> areas where less adoption.

vibhor1902 · Answer

The reason I eliminated answer E:- the passage clearly mentioned that the reduction can also be attributed to fuel price. It didn't say that anti theft systems didn't contribute to the reduction. 
can anyone please share there input!!

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