Critical Reasoning: Assumption Questions
Toddlers are watching television more than twice as much as they did two decades ago. Recent research shows that because of this, toddlers today develop their motor skills more slowly than children their age in the compared period. Therefore, toddlers who spend most of their time in front of the TV have less developed motor skills than those who spend the majority of their time in other activities.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice contradicts the author's conclusion and therefore cannot be the assumption made by him or her.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice goes beyond the scope of the conclusion, expanding the negative effects of TV beyond motor skills. Since the conclusion focuses on motor skills, this cannot be the assumption underlying the argument.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice is phrased as a conclusion (recommendation); while this may be a valid inference based on the premises, it does not explain how the author got to the existing conclusion.
Right on the spot!
[[snippet]]Even if TV causes a slower development of motor skills, in order to conclude that toddlers who watch TV have less developed motor skill than those who don't, the author had to assume that toddlers who don't watch TV actually do something that does develop motor skills, and not just supplant TV with other body-numbing activities.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]Incorrect.
[[snippet]]This answer choice is phrased as a conclusion (recommendation); while this may be a valid inference based on the premises, it does not explain how the author got to the existing conclusion.
