Answer Choice:
A
Explanation:
The logical error that the author describes has the following pattern:
Cause - > Observed Primary Effect
Cause - > Inferred Secondary Effect
The author states that it is illogical to infer the secondary effect.
(A) Socialite -> donates to orphanage (observed primary effect)
Socialite -> volunteers at cancer institute (inferred secondary effect)
This answer choice infers that, since the person has the characteristic of being a socialite, he not only must have donated to the orphanage, but also must have volunteered at a cancer institute. This is the only answer choice that infers a direct, secondary effect for the same cause. It is illogical because the socialite's characteristic of being a donor does not have any other effect except that he donates. Volunteering would require the socialite to have the characteristic of being a volunteer as well.
(B) Radioactive material -> genetic variations and mutations -> birth defect
Radioactive material -> birth defect
This answer choice uses the logic that if A->B->C, then A->C. It simply abridges the chain of causality.
(C) Highly complex structure of uranium atom -> great power
This answer choice infers that a particular characteristic causes the primary effect. It does not introduce a secondary effect.
(D) Civic-minded administration -> More funds to local bands at farmer's festival
This answer choice infers a cause for a particular effect. It does not introduce a secondary effect.
(E) Premise 1: Cool liquid water -> Condenses
Premise 2: Cool some liquids like water -> Condense
Conclusion: Cool all liquids like water -> Condense
This answer choice has the logical error of being too extreme. It infers that since some items in a group act in a certain way, all the items in that group must act in a certain way.