Question

In research designed to investigate the possibility of animals developing friendship with other, unrelated, members of their species, a group of 29 chimpanzees were reared together for 15 years. At the end of that time the chimps were presented with two options for obtaining food: press a lever and feed themselves, or press another identical lever and feed themselves, and at the same time deliver food to the chimp next door. (The chimps were able to see each other). The researchers found that the chimps were no more likely to choose the lever that fed a neighbour. The researchers concluded that the chimps had no concept of friendship. However, one critic has suggested that the animals were in an artificial environment from which little can be concluded, and that, at the least, the test ought to have involved the animals being able to touch.
What role do the parts in boldface play in the argument above?
(A) The first is a position that the critic opposes. The second is a position that the critic supports.
(B) The first is an observation that supports the researcher’s position. The second is an observation that opposes the researcher’s position.
(C) The first is a finding on which the researchers base their conclusion. The second is a suggestion that might cast doubt on that finding.
(D) The first is an observation that supports the critic’s conclusion. The second is the critic’s conclusion.
(E) The first is part of the evidence that the critic disputes. The second is a suggestion that the researchers do not accept.

Hint:

In boldface questions, determine if the part is evidence, conclusion, or a counterpoint, and check how it relates to the main argument.

Answer 1

Step 1: The first boldface part states that chimps were no more likely to choose the lever feeding a neighbor, a finding from the research.
Step 2: The researchers use this finding to conclude that chimps lack a concept of friendship.
Step 3: The second boldface part is the critic’s suggestion that the artificial environment limits the conclusion’s validity and proposes a test with physical touch.
Step 4: Option C correctly identifies the first as the finding supporting the researchers’ conclusion and the second as a suggestion casting doubt on that finding.
Step 5: Option A is incorrect because the first is a finding, not a position, and the critic does not oppose it but questions its interpretation.
Step 6: Option B is wrong as the second is a suggestion, not an observation.
Step 7: Option D is incorrect because the first supports the researchers, not the critic, and the second is not a conclusion.
Step 8: Option E is wrong as the critic does not dispute the evidence itself but its interpretation due to the environment.
Verification: Option C matches the roles: finding (first) and doubt-casting suggestion (second).