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Directions: Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.
Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.
Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:
  • a)
    assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.
  • b)
    lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.
  • c)
    doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.
  • d)
    suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.
  • e)
    limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are bas...
The correct response is (C). This question asks about a flaw in logic. Reflect upon the argument and expose its logical flaw before reading the answer choices. The reasoning here is that if one product’s popularity increases, while another’s decreases, it must mean that consumers are choosing the one over the other. The assumption is that there is no other reason to explain these statistics. Any number of things could have caused these changes in patterns of consumption, so it is irresponsible to assume that one was directly linked to the other.
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Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are bas...
Understanding the Argument
The argument presents a scenario where iPod sales are declining while iPhone sales are increasing, leading to the conclusion that consumers prefer iPhones over iPods. However, this reasoning has flaws.
Key Flaw in the Reasoning
The correct answer is option 'C', which states that the argument "doesn't admit alternative explanations for the situation." Here’s why this is significant:
- Alternative Explanations: The decline in iPod sales could be attributed to various factors other than consumer preference. For instance, it could be that the market for touch-screen devices is saturated, or that consumers are opting for multifunctional devices like iPhones which combine features of multiple gadgets, including iPods.
- Market Trends: There may also be external market trends affecting sales, such as economic conditions, competition from other brands, or changes in consumer behavior that are not directly related to a preference for one Apple product over another.
- Product Lifecycle: Additionally, the iPod may simply be at the end of its product lifecycle, while the iPhone continues to innovate and attract buyers.
Why Other Options Are Weaker
- Option A: While it does assume a preference, this is not the core issue.
- Option B: Specific numbers would strengthen the argument but do not address alternative explanations.
- Option D: iPod and iPhone retailers being separate does not inherently affect the conclusion.
- Option E: Limiting the argument to two products is valid but doesn’t address the reasoning flaw.
Conclusion
In critical reasoning, it's essential to consider all possible explanations for observed trends. The argument's failure to explore alternatives makes its conclusion less robust and highlights the need for a more nuanced analysis of consumer behavior.
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Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2025 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GMAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GMAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions:Each of these critical reasoning practice questions are based on a short argument, a set of statements, or a plan of action. For each question, select the best answer of the choices given.Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple’s products.Q. The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:a)assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.b)lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.c)doesn’t admit alternative explanations for the situation.d)suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.e)limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple’s products.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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