The primary purpose of the passage is to
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- present findings that contradict one explanation for the effects of a particular advertising practice
- argue that theoretical explanations about the effects of a particular advertising practice are of limited value without empirical evidence
- discuss how and why particular advertising practices may affect consumers' perceptions
- contrast the research methods used in two different studies of a particular advertising practice
- explain why a finding about consumer responses to a particular advertising practice was unexpected
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a "main idea" or "primary purpose" question. It asks for the overall goal of the passage. The correct answer must encompass the entire scope of the text, not just one part of it. The options suggest the passage might be about contradicting a theory, advocating for empirical evidence, explaining a phenomenon, comparing research methods, or explaining an unexpected result.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Based on the collection of questions (49-52), the passage appears to revolve around advertising, consumer perception, economic signaling theory, and the research of Kirmani, Marquardt, and McGann.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Question 49 mentions "economic signaling theory" and a "finding."} \\ \bullet & \text{Question 51 mentions "Kirmani's research" and "consumers' expectations about the quality of advertised products."} \\ \bullet & \text{Question 52 focuses on "Kirmani's third study" and black-and-white vs. color advertisements.} \\ \end{array}\]
This collection of topics strongly suggests a broad discussion about advertising's impact on consumers. Let's evaluate the options:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) is too narrow. While the passage might present contradictory findings (as suggested by Q49), its main goal is likely broader than just refutation.} \\ \bullet & \text{(B) is a general methodological argument. The passage seems more focused on the specific topic of advertising effects rather than making a general point about theory vs. evidence.} \\ \bullet & \text{(C) is broad and encompassing. It covers "how and why" (the mechanisms, including theories like signaling) "particular advertising practices" (like color vs. B&W ads) "affect consumers' perceptions" (the core topic). This seems to fit all the clues from the questions.} \\ \bullet & \text{(D) is too narrow. It focuses on research methods, but the other questions are about findings and their implications.} \\ \bullet & \text{(E) is also too narrow. Explaining one unexpected finding might be part of the passage, but likely not its entire purpose.} \\ \end{array}\]
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most comprehensive and fitting answer is (C). The passage as a whole appears to be an exploratory discussion that uses various theories and research studies to explain the complex relationship between advertising techniques and consumer psychology.
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