A marriage counselor noted that couples who have occasional violent ar...
Relevant Information:
A marriage counselor observed that couples who have occasional violent arguments are less likely to divorce within the next six months than those who have frequent but less violent arguments.
Counselor's Conclusion:
The counselor concluded that frequent arguing is a major factor in the causation of severe marital disharmony.
Weakening Observation:
The observation that weakens the counselor's conclusion is option 'A': Couples who have already come to the point of divorce argue continuously over small matters.
Explanation:
The counselor's conclusion is based on the premise that frequent arguing is a major factor in the causation of severe marital disharmony. However, the weakening observation states that couples who have already come to the point of divorce argue continuously over small matters. This observation weakens the counselor's conclusion because it suggests that the severity of arguments, rather than the frequency, is a more important factor in causing marital disharmony.
Analysis:
The counselor's conclusion assumes that the frequency of arguing is the primary factor influencing marital disharmony. However, the weakening observation indicates that the severity of arguments, rather than the frequency, plays a more significant role in causing severe marital disharmony. Couples who argue continuously over small matters, despite the low frequency, are more likely to reach the point of divorce. This suggests that it is not the frequency of arguing alone that leads to severe disharmony, but the intensity and seriousness of the arguments.
Conclusion:
Option 'A' weakens the counselor's conclusion by suggesting that the severity of arguments, rather than the frequency, is a more important factor in causing severe marital disharmony. Therefore, the counselor's conclusion that frequent arguing is a major factor in causing severe marital disharmony is not strongly supported by the given information.
A marriage counselor noted that couples who have occasional violent ar...
The counselor suggests that frequent arguments are a cause of marital disharmony. One way to weaken that conclusion is to show that the disharmony came before the arguments (i.e. the disharmony caused the arguments). This is suggested in A which is the best answer.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed GMAT study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in GMAT.