A local wine shop recently alternated the background music it played, switching between classical music and pop music. The store's records show that on days when classical music was played, the average price of a purchased bottle of wine was 20 percent higher than on days when pop music was played. The store owner concludes that listening to classical music induces customers to purchase more expensive wines.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the store owner's argument?
- The average income and demographics of the customers visiting the shop were nearly identical on both classical music days and pop music days.Answer
- BOn days when classical music was played, the store prominently displayed its most expensive vintage wines near the entrance.
- CThe store's digital sales tracking system is known to occasionally miscategorize the exact time of day a purchase is finalized.
- DStudies in grocery stores show a strong correlation between the tempo of background music and the speed at which customers walk through the aisles.
- EA significantly higher total number of wine bottles were sold on pop music days than on classical music days.
Answer
The average income and demographics of the customers visiting the shop were nearly identical on both classical music days and pop music days.
The argument claims a direct causal relationship between the type of music played and the amount of money spent per bottle. A classic way to strengthen a causal claim is to rule out a viable alternate cause. If the customers on classical music days were generally much wealthier than those on pop music days, that wealth difference would be a strong alternate explanation for the higher spending. The correct answer eliminates that alternate cause by stating the demographics and incomes were identical across both scenarios, thereby strengthening the likelihood that the music itself caused the behavior.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Strengthening causal arguments by ruling out alternate causes
Estimated Time:1m 15s