PrepTest 115

Incorrect. If eyewitness reports are what most commonly leads to a conviction, and they're frequently mistaken, then they would be a common reason for a mistaken conviction.

Incorrect. This answer strengthens the contention that eyewitnesses frequently misidentify culprits, strengthening the hypothesis.

Incorrect. If eyewitnesses have distorted memories, then that increases the likelihood that they'll mistakenly identify the perpetrator, thus strengthening the argument.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Bizarro Strengthen

Stimulus Summary:
Hypothesis - Eyewitness misidentification commonly leads to mistaken convictions

Answer Anticipation:
Almost all Strengthen questions will feature an argument, but this one just presents a conclusion/hypothesis—that eyewitness testimony commonly leads to mistaken convictions. In particular, misidentification by these eyewitnesses commonly leads to those convictions.

Since the stimulus provides no premises, we're pretty wide open in what we can look for in the answer choices. Anything that suggests eyewitnesses are frequently wrong, and yet their testimony is important in convictions, will serve to strengthen the hypothesis. In this Bizarro question, let's find the answer that doesn't do that.

Answer Explanation:
If anything, this answer provides a reason to believe that mistaken testimony by an eyewitness might not sway a jury, as they may know how to tell if the testimony is mistaken. That cuts against the hypothesis, so it doesn't strengthen it, and this is therefore the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
When a Bizarro Strengthen question presents just a conclusion/hypothesis, you're wide open for what to look for in the answers!

Incorrect. If eyewitnesses who are giving unreliable testimony have an outsized influence on jurors, then the hypothesis that they'll lead to wrongful convictions is strengthened.