In a study, participants explored a dimly lit, old library. Half of the participants were informed that the library was rumored to be cursed, while the other half were told it was simply closed for renovations. The first group reported significantly more strange occurrences than the second group. The researchers concluded that the reports of supernatural encounters were primarily influenced by the participants' expectations.

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

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

A. All participants in the second group were skeptical about the existence of any supernatural phenomena.

B. Participants in the first group were aware that the library was not actually cursed.

C. The participants in both groups had varying beliefs about supernatural events prior to the study.

D. Each strange occurrence reported by participants had a logical explanation unrelated to the supernatural.

Correct

E. The researchers themselves did not believe in the curse of the library.

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

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To weaken the researchers' conclusion that reports of supernatural encounters are influenced by expectations, we need evidence that suggests the experiences reported were not due to those expectations. Option D states that each strange occurrence reported had…

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Comments

PrashantMar 21, 2025

thankss

GOct 22, 2024

thanks!

RohanAug 9, 2024

Greatt

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.