Research indicates that individuals who frequently experience stress are often more prone to digestive issues than those who do not experience high levels of stress. This observation suggests that this specific combination of traits—the so-called stress-related digestive syndrome—may lead a person with these traits to develop digestive problems. The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that the argument

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takes a correlation between stress and digestive issues as proof that stress causes digestive problems.

Correct

fails to define the term 'stress-related digestive syndrome'.

presupposes that individuals have fixed personality traits.

simply restates the claim that there is a 'stress-related digestive syndrome' without providing evidence to support that claim.

focuses solely on stress, ignoring other factors that may contribute to digestive issues.

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Official Explanation

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The argument claims that individuals who experience stress are more likely to have digestive issues and suggests that this relationship indicates a causal link. However, this reasoning is flawed because it assumes that correlation implies causation. Just…

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Comments

MuhammadMar 22, 2025

Can you explain more?

SanjayApr 26, 2024

This is definitely a test-day trap

JosephJan 9, 2025

thanks

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.