I feel that correct answer E is missing the crucial detail that "A theory of criminal sentencing that criminals should receive longer sentences for repeat offenses that are exactly the same offense as the initial offense is accesptable only if it is a rehabilitationist theory."

If a criminal was sentenced to 5 years for robbery but 30 years for manslaughter, that is consistent with retributivist theory...

i can see how answer A is a question that this study would answer, but how does the info in the passage play into this at all?