Question

A physically active lifestyle has been shown to help increase longevity. In the Wistar region of Bellaria, the average age at death is considerably higher than in any other part of the country. Wistar is the only mountainous part of Bellaria. A mountainous terrain makes even such basic activities as walking relatively strenuous; it essentially imposes a physically active lifestyle on people. Clearly, this circumstance explains the long lives of people in Wistar. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

• A. In Bellaria all medical expenses are paid by the government, so that personal income does not affect the quality of health care a person receives.
• B. The Wistar region is one of Bellaria’s least populated regions.
• C. Many people who live in the Wistar region have moved there in middle age or upon retirement.
• D. The many opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities that Wistar’s mountains offer make it a favorite destination for vacationing Bellarians.
• E. Per capita spending on recreational activities is no higher in Wistar than it is in other regions of Bellaria.

Hint:

When evaluating causal claims, look for evidence that questions the proposed cause and suggests alternative explanations.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understanding the argument.
The argument suggests that the physical activity imposed by the mountainous terrain leads to greater longevity in Wistar. To weaken this argument, we need evidence that challenges the claim that physical activity is the cause of longevity.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) While this provides a potential factor in health, it does not directly weaken the argument about physical activity and longevity in Wistar.
- (B) The population size doesn’t directly weaken the argument about the impact of physical activity.
- (C) This suggests that many people move to Wistar in middle age or later, which could challenge the idea that physical activity over their lifetime is the main cause of longevity. However, it doesn’t directly weaken the argument.
- (D) This suggests that outdoor activities are attractive to vacationers, but does not directly challenge the argument about physical activity and longevity.
- (E) This is the correct answer. If people in Wistar do not spend more on recreational activities than elsewhere, it suggests that physical activity may not be the main factor explaining their greater longevity.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E), as it directly challenges the argument by suggesting that physical activity is not the key factor in explaining longevity.