Various studies have concluded that song overlapping, the phenomenon

Question

Various studies have concluded that song overlapping, the phenomenon where one bird begins a song while another of its species is singing, is a signal of aggression. These studies are based solely on receiver-response tests, which seek to derive conclusions about the intent of a signal based on how others respond to it. However, any response-even no response-can be interpreted as a reaction to perceived aggression. Therefore, __________________.

Which one of the following most logically completes the argument?

(A) Birds did not respond in a predictable manner to signals of aggression

(B) Receiver-response tests can provide no insight into bird behavior

(C) Song overlapping is likely not a signal of aggression

(D) Song overlapping has no communicative function

(E) The conclusion of these studies in unconvincing

MartyMurray · Accepted Answer

Here's the passage:

Various studies have concluded that song overlapping, the phenomenon where one bird begins a song while another of its species is singing, is a signal of aggression. These studies are based solely on receiver-response tests, which seek to derive conclusions about the intent of a signal based on how others respond to it. However, any response-even no response-can be interpreted as a reaction to perceived aggression. Therefore, __________________.

We see that the passage says that the studies "are based solely on receiver-response tests, which seek to derive conclusions about the intent of a signal based on how others respond to it."

Then, the passage brings up an issue with that approach: "However, any response-even no response-can be interpreted as a reaction to perceived aggression."

The conclusion, "Therefore, __________________," follows from the fact that that issue exists.

So, what would follow from that fact?

Here's (C).

(C) Song overlapping is likely not a signal of aggression

Notice that the issue brought up in the passage is that "any response ... can be interpreted as a reaction to perceived aggression."

The passage does not say that the responses are  not likely  truly reactions to perceive aggression. Rather, the issue is simply that the responses may not be reactions to perceived aggression.

So, we don't have support for the conclusion that "Song overlapping is  likely not  a signal of aggression." It may be a signal of aggression. The studies simply don't show conclusively that it is. In other words, the studies don't show that it likely is or that it likely is not a signal of aggression.

Now, lets consider choice (E).

(E) The conclusion of these studies is unconvincing

We see that this choice is supported by the passage. After all, if "any response ... can be interpreted as a reaction to perceived aggression," then it's not clear whether the responses observed are indeed reactions to perceive aggression. So, the studies' conclusion that "song overlapping ... is a signal of aggression" is not well supported, and therefore "is unconvincing."

So, (E) the best choice to place after "therefore."

Bhavyam · Answer

While reading, we need to focus on keywords that indicate transition:
These studies are based  solely on  receiver-response tests, which seek to derive conclusions about the intent of a signal based on how others respond to it.  However , any response-even no response-can be interpreted as a reaction to perceived aggression.

The studies have only one method which is incomplete in its analysis. No reaction does not mean aggression.

gayatri1696 : A is out of scope. The study did not predict the reaction of birds and compare the actual reaction vs predicted reaction. It just noted what the reaction was and labelled 'aggressive or not aggressive'. Also, giving no reaction is not unpredictable. Maybe for that specific bird species, that is typical. We don't have enough information to make the statement of A.

bidskamikaze · Answer

The structure of the passage is as follows:

CONCLUSION of some studies is stated > Basis of these studies is stated > A doubt regarding the basis is stated > THEREFORE..........

The "Therefore" at the end signals that whatever follows this word must be the conclusion of the argument. So what is (or must be) the conclusion of the argument?

Option E.

Guest96 · Answer

Could someone comment on why E is stronger than C?
I selected (E) but (C) also seems to be a strong contender.

nikitathegreat · Answer

Why is option B incorrect? It can't provide any insight into bird behaviour -whether the bird is aggressive or not

Haffun · Answer

This option is about bird behaviour, not about the aggression reaction.
It's too strong to say that the test can provide NO insight into bird behaviour. The passage is only specifically questioning the conclusion on agression. No other bird behaviour is mentioned.

unraveled · Answer

Various studies have concluded that song overlapping, the phenomenon where one bird begins a song while another of its species is singing, is a signal of aggression. These studies are based solely on receiver-response tests, which seek to derive conclusions about the intent of a signal based on how others respond to it. However,  any response-even no response-can be interpreted as a reaction to perceived aggression . Therefore, __________________.

Which one of the following most logically completes the argument?

(A) Birds  did not respond in a predictable manner  to signals of aggression - WRONG. This only covers one side of the story. It did respond predictively, however, there is another better option.

(B) Receiver-response tests can  provide no insight  into bird behavior - WRONG. It provides info based on which there is some conclusion.

(C) Song overlapping is  likely not a signal of aggression  - WRONG. Goes opposite to what is already mentioned.

(D) Song overlapping  has no communicative function  - WRONG. Like C this too is wrong.

(E) The conclusion of these studies in unconvincing - CORRECT. The conclusion does seem to not make much sense if soem possibility exists as can be seen from blue text.

Answer E.

VerbalBot · Answer

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Various studies have concluded that song overlapping, the phenomenon

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