PrepTest 133

Incorrect. First, there's no indication that bananas are among Jocko's favorite foods. Second, he was given a banana on both days, so if this were true, his behavior should have been the same.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Weaken

Stimulus Summary:
Background - Jocko, a less dominant chimp, was given a bunch of bananas when alone, excitedly barked out, and had the more dominant chimps come back and take his bananasPhenomenon - The next time he was given one banana when alone, and he was silentExplanation - Jocko didn't want the other chimps to take his food

Answer Anticipation:
Whenever an argument falls into the phenomenon/explanation structure, it's important to start considering alternative explanations. When weakening an argument that falls into this structure, evidence supporting one of these alternative explanations is a very common type of answer choice.

This is especially important when the stimulus itself suggests an alternative explanation. One key difference between the first and second instances of Jocko being given food is that the second time he had experienced the theft of the first—that's the difference the argument focuses on in its conclusion. However, there's another key difference—Jocko was given a bunch of bananas the first time, but only a single banana the second time. If "food barks" are associated with larger amounts of food, then that could serve as an alternative explanation for the different behavior.

Answer Explanation:
This answer provides evidence that the other relevant difference we're told about the two observations is more likely to be the proper explanation for Jocko's different behavior. If food barks are only uttered when there's a large quantity of food, then it makes sense that Jocko barked for a bunch of bananas but not a single one, and it had nothing to do with wanting to keep the food for himself.

Key Takeaway:
First, for phenomenon/explanation arguments in Weaken questions, focus on evidence for alternative explanations—especially ones that are raised in the stimulus. Second, when trying to explain a difference or change in behavior, make sure you pick an answer that features a difference or change itself.

Incorrect. This answer doesn't address Jocko's behavior of staying silent on the second day.

Incorrect. This answer might explain Jocko's barking on day one, but not his silence on day two, so it can't support an alternative explanation and thus undermine the argument.

Incorrect. Since this doesn't provide any information that would explain a change in behavior for Jocko, it can't weaken the argument that concludes an explanation for that change in behavior.