Question

Although Apple products have continued to enjoy record-breaking profits worldwide, iPod retailers have recently reported that the numbers of the touch-screen devices sold have steadily decreased in the past two years. However, in the past two years, the numbers of iPhones sold have nearly doubled. Thus, more people are choosing to buy iPhones than iPods when selecting from Apple's products.
The reasoning in the argument is questionable primarily because the argument:

• A. assumes an inherent preference in people for one product over another.
• B. lacks specific numbers to bolster the conclusion.
• C. doesn't admit alternative explanations for the situation.
• D. suggests iPod retailers and iPhone retailers are one and the same.
• E. limits the scope of its argument to only two of Apple's products.

Hint:

When evaluating an argument, always consider other possible explanations or factors that could influence the results.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the flaw in the argument.
The argument assumes that the increase in iPhone sales is the result of a preference for iPhones over iPods, but it doesn't consider other possible explanations, such as marketing strategies, changes in pricing, or demographic shifts.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) The argument doesn't explicitly assume a preference for one product over another; it focuses on sales figures.
- (B) While lacking numbers may be an issue, the main flaw is not addressing other factors that might explain the sales increase.
- (C) This option is correct, as the argument fails to consider other reasons for the sales changes, such as changes in market conditions or consumer behavior.
- (D) The argument doesn't suggest that iPod and iPhone retailers are the same, it focuses on the products themselves.
- (E) The argument's focus on two products doesn't create a flaw in reasoning but rather narrows the scope to compare their sales.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C), as the argument fails to consider other factors that could explain the sales shift.