Journalist: In physics journals, the number of articles reporting the results of experiments involving particle accelerators was lower last year than it had been in previous years. Several of the particle accelerators at major research institutions were out of service the year before last for repairs, so it is likely that the low number of articles was due to the decline in availability of particle accelerators.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the journalist's argument?
83. Journalist: In physics journals, the number of articles reporting the results of experiments involving particle accelerators was lower last year than it had been in previous years. Several of the particle accelerators at major research institutions were out of service the year before last for repairs, so it is likely that the low number of articles was due to the decline in availability of particle accelerators. Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the journalist’s argument? (A) Every article based on experiments with particle accelerators that was submitted for publication last year actually was published. (B) The average time scientists must wait for access to a particle accelerator has declined over the last several years. (C) The number of physics journals was the same last year as in previous years. (D) Particle accelerators can be used for more than one group of experiments in any given year. (E) Recent changes in the editorial policies of several physics journals have decreased the likelihood that articles concerning particle-accelerator research will be accepted for publication.
此题我认为DE都可以,但正确答案只有E OG说D的错误原因是:If the accelerators can be used for multiple experiments, then it is reasonable to expect more articles related to them, not fewer.
我很困惑,既然‘ it is reasonable to expect more articles related to them, not fewer’ 那不就刚好证明记者的assumption(the low number of articles was due to the decline in availability of particle accelerators)是错误的了吗?
我觉得这道题的正确理解方式是这样的 根据CR bible 里对于 CE weaken 的理解 正确的答案可以有五种情况 1. alternate cause 2. cause occurs, effect doesn't occur 3. effect occur, cause doesn't occur 4. reverse relationship 5. 是关于data的跟这道题无关。 很多人在 B 和 D 上confused 应为觉得 effect occur 但是 cause 确不是题目形容的那样可以用来削弱 在这道题上这是个误解。 题目给的cause 是 “the decline in availability of particle accelerators" (B) 和 (D)的形容并不是说cause 没有occur 只是说它的影响没我们想象的那么多 但是事实上不管多少太partical accelerator out of service 都证明了 "decline in availability" 真正符合答案的只有 (E) 给出的 alternative cause.