Question

According to Dr. Sean, people who consume broccoli everyday are half as likely to be diagnosed with heart diseases as compared to others. Dr. Sean stated this after he had monitored diet of 100 patients for 12 months. Which of the following options weakens the argument stated above?

• A. According to a famous Science Journal, broccoli has no relation with heart diseases at all.
• B. People who were monitored during this study belonged to the same town.
• C. Everyone whose diet was being monitored was supposed to spend 30 minutes each day jogging.
• D. There are different kinds of broccoli available in the market these days, some of which are artificially manufactured.
• E. Dr. Sean doesn't hold a degree from one of the lesser known universities.

Hint:

Consider potential confounding variables when evaluating a small study. In this case, the town's specific factors could affect the results.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the argument.
Dr. Sean claims that eating broccoli reduces the likelihood of heart disease. The argument is based on a small, controlled study of 100 patients.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) According to a famous Science Journal, broccoli has no relation with heart diseases at all: Incorrect. While this contradicts Dr. Sean's claim, it is not directly related to the study.
- (B) People who were monitored during this study belonged to the same town: Correct. This weakens the argument because it suggests that other environmental or lifestyle factors within the same town could explain the results, rather than broccoli consumption alone.
- (C) Everyone whose diet was being monitored was supposed to spend 30 minutes each day jogging: Incorrect. This may strengthen the argument by introducing a health factor, not weaken it.
- (D) There are different kinds of broccoli available in the market these days, some of which are artificially manufactured: Incorrect. This doesn't directly weaken the claim but might introduce variability in the type of broccoli consumed.
- (E) Dr. Sean doesn't hold a degree from one of the lesser known universities: Incorrect. This doesn't affect the validity of the study or the argument itself.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) People who were monitored during this study belonged to the same town.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(B) \, \text{People who were monitored during this study belonged to the same town.}} \]