Medium
argument-weakeningcritical-reasoningcausation

Which Option Most Weakens the Argument?

Problem Statement

Argument: 'Crime rates dropped after the new police chief was hired. Therefore, the new police chief caused the crime rate to drop.' Which option most weakens this argument? A) The police chief has 20 years of experience. B) Crime rates were already declining before the new chief arrived. C) The police chief implemented new training programs. D) Citizens approve of the new police chief.

Answer

B) Crime rates were already declining before the new chief arrived

Step-by-Step Explanation

  1. 1

    The argument claims causation: New chief → Crime drop.

  2. 2

    To weaken this, we need to show the chief might not be the cause.

  3. 3

    Option A: Experience supports the chief's competence — strengthens.

  4. 4

    Option B: If crime was already declining, the chief didn't cause the change — weakens significantly.

  5. 5

    Option C: Training programs suggest the chief took action — strengthens.

  6. 6

    Option D: Approval is neutral or slightly strengthening.

  7. 7

    Option B weakens by showing an alternative explanation: the trend existed before the chief.

  8. 8

    This is a classic 'correlation vs. causation' issue.

  9. 9

    The crime drop might be due to other factors (economy, demographics, etc.).