Question #5 Argument Structure

I thought the conclusion was that manufactures manipulate and create consumer demands ; therefore how does it play a role as a CLAIM the conclusion is based?

The conclusion is the last sentance indicated by the word "since." That makes the role of the statement in question is one of the two premises used to come to the conclusion.

Hey there, thanks for your posts. Let's carefully dissect the stimulus first. The stimulus presents an argument. The conclusion of the argument is "[mainstream economic theorists'] motive in advancing this theory must be something other than disinterested concern for scientific truth. The premises given in support of this conclusion are: (1) most major manufacturers manipulate and even create consumer demand (2) which anyone who watches TV knows (3) mainstream economic theorists watch TV. The question stem asks you what the function is of the first premise identified above. Because it is a premise, "it is one of the claims on which the conclusion is based." That's answer choice (A). Hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

Can you please explain why the answer choice is A and not the other four options?