In a study, participants explored a deserted amusement park. Half of the participants were informed that the park was cursed, while the other half were told it was simply closed for maintenance. The first group reported significantly more eerie sensations than the second group. The researchers concluded that reports of strange occurrences are primarily influenced by pre-existing beliefs about such phenomena.

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the researchers’ conclusion?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

A. All participants in the maintenance group thought the eerie sensations they reported were real.

B. Every participant in the cursed group believed that the researchers’ claim about the park being cursed was exaggerated.

C. Prior to the study, participants in both groups had widely differing beliefs about the existence of curses.

D. Each eerie sensation reported by participants had a rational explanation unrelated to curses.

Correct

E. The researchers themselves did not believe that the park was cursed.

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

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To weaken the researchers' conclusion that reports of strange occurrences are influenced by pre-existing beliefs, we need evidence that suggests the experiences reported were not due to those beliefs. Option D states that each eerie sensation reported by participants had a rational…

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Comments

MishalApr 21, 2025

Amazing

NurayJun 8, 2024

Can you explain more?

NafisSep 5, 2024

thank you very much!

What this question tests

What it tests

Whether you can identify the option that most undermines an argument's conclusion.

Common trap

Choosing an irrelevant objection or one that attacks the premise rather than the reasoning.