basis of data

[dimbulb]

A large group of hyperactive children whose regular diets included food containing large amounts of additives was observed by researchers trained to assess the presence or absence of behavior problems. The children were then placed on a low-additive diet for several weeks, after which they were observed again. Originally nearly 60 percent of the children exhibited behavior problems; after the change in diet, only 30 percent did so. On the basis of these data, it can be concluded that food additives can contribute to behavior problems in hyperactive children.

 

The evidence cited fails to establish the conclusion because

 

(A) there is no evidence that the reduction in behavior problems was proportionate to the reduction in food-additive intake

 

(B) there is no way to know what changes would have occurred without the change of diet, since only children who changed to a low-additive diet were studied

 

© exactly how many children exhibited behavior problems after the change in diet cannot be determined, since the size of the group studied is not precisely given

 

(D) there is no evidence that the behavior of some of the children was unaffected by additives.

(E) the evidence is consistent with the claim that some children exhibit more frequent behavior problems after being on the low-additive diet than they had exhibited when first observed.

 

.:crazy: I always get these wrong. Pls explain the right ans

[gmat168]

A) Actually, there is evidence...the 30% drop in kids who didn't have problems anymore.

 

B) Correct! We have no idea if the behavioral problems fluctuate...what if these kids, without changing their diet, just weren't so problematic on the second test date?

 

C) The number is not relevant.

 

D) Irrelevant.

 

E) No, this is opposite of what was observed./

[alex_cute]

I would choose B. What is the OA?

(A) there is no evidence that the reduction in behavior problems was proportionate to the reduction in food-additive intake - doesn't have to be propotional to establish the conclusion

(B) there is no way to know what changes would have occurred without the change of diet, since only children who changed to a low-additive diet were studied - possible answer

 

© exactly how many children exhibited behavior problems after the change in diet cannot be determined, since the size of the group studied is not precisely given - we don't need the numbers here, percentage is enough, although I am afraid that it is statistics tested here... , I would cross this out.

 

(D) there is no evidence that the behavior of some of the children was unaffected by additives. - it can be the case but it does not influence the conclusion

(E) the evidence is consistent with the claim that some children exhibit more frequent behavior problems after being on the low-additive diet than they had exhibited when first observed. - does not influence the conclusion.

[dimbulb]

B it is.