PT1.S4.Q12 - A recent study found that snoring...

mn22551

Hi, I am still confused on how choice D doesn't weaken the argument? Choice A seems like a weak answer choice doesn't it?

maco4538

Hi there so in a general sense any argument type has a prefixed set of assumptions, and these assumptions ultimately create a flawed argument that we can exploit. This is a causal argument and for any causal argument there are three assumptions:

• Correlation is causation.

• There are no alternative causal explanations.

• The cause is not being confused with the effect.

In this case the author is assuming that the correlation is causation.

Premise: "Snoring is more common among smokers than nonsmokers" is a correlation.

Conclusion: "Smoking induces snoring" is a causation.

To put forth any causal argument you must prove that the correlation is causation, there are no alterative causal explanations, and the cause is not being confused with the effect.

AC A is a super strong weakening answer as it purports an alternative causal explanation, stress. Stress causes smoking and snoring. So, the correlation we see between smoking and snoring is actually indicative of a common cause which is stress. So smoking is not what is causing the snoring.

Here is why D is wrong:

"Most smokers don't snore" - even if this is true it wouldn't negate the fact that smoking could cause snoring. Just because most people who tan don't get skin cancer doesn't necessarily mean that tanning doesn't cause skin cancer.