Several studies conducted over a decade have shown that most of the people in the mountain states of the US listen to music primarily in an active manner: i.e. they listen specifically to listen rather than being in a space where music is playing in the background. On the other hand, the majority of people in the coastal states of the US primarily consume their music in a passive manner. As they are trying to attract as many active listeners as possible, record labels should conduct maximum marketing activities in the mountain states and not in the coastal ones.
Which of the following indicates a flaw in the author’s reasoning?
A.
Out of Scope, nothing to do with argument The author doesn’t take into account the possibility that there might be far fewer restaurants and pubs, places where music plays in the background, in the mountain states.
B.
Irrelvant/ trap because record companies aren't taking into account intersections. Pure numbers matter to them more. The author doesn’t consider listeners who consume their music in both possible ways.
C.
This makes the most sense. Suppose, mountains have 100 people, all active listeners. But 1000 ppl live at the coast, half of them lsiten actively. 500 is bigger than 100, making this more in line with the argument.Coastal states can have more active listeners than mountain states.
D.
It's not the style or loyalty of the listeners that matters to record company. They want their immediate campaigns to succeed. Less of a flaw than C. As tastes change, campaigns can also change/ adapt. Hence, irrelevant. The author does not account for the fact that listening to music in an active way in the mountain states may only be a passing phase.
E.
same as AWord of mouth recommendations can sometimes be more effective than marketing activities.