Columnist: Neuroscientists have found that

Answer choices

1. A

   Bad Description12% picked this

   takes for granted that there is a causal connection between the hippocampus and being in a

   The argument does not need a causal connection between the hippocampus and creativity. The argument is about whether music can produce creativity via theta waves; the hippocampus is just one place theta waves occur. Even if no causal connection exists between the hippocampus and creativity, the argument's real flaw — the leap from theta-wave accompaniment to creativity production — remains.

   12%
2. B

   Bad Objection8% picked this

   fails to consider that music is not necessary for one to be in a state

   The argument concludes one can attain creativity by listening to music — it does not claim music is the only way. So failing to consider that music is unnecessary for creativity is not a flaw; the conclusion is consistent with other paths to creativity. This objection does not actually weaken the argument.

   8%
3. C

   Bad Objection3% picked this

   does not rule out the possibility that listening to music by means other than a tape recording

   Whether other ways of listening to music also raise theta waves is irrelevant. The conclusion is about tape-recorded music — if tapes work, the conclusion stands. Even if live music or radios also work, that does not undermine the argument; it would just expand the conclusion.

   3%
4. D

   Correct76% picked this

   ignores the possibility that an increase in theta waves may not always be accompanied by a

   Why this is right

   This is the gap. The stimulus only says profound creativity is accompanied by increased theta waves — meaning when creativity occurs, theta waves occur. It does not say increased theta waves are always accompanied by creativity. So music could send theta waves shooting up without any creativity to show for it. The argument needed the reverse direction (theta waves → creativity) and never established it.

   Skill tested: Flaw · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

   76%
5. E

   Bad Description2% picked this

   provides insufficient reasons to believe that people who are not in states of profound creativity have low levels

   The argument is not making a claim about non-creative people. It does not say uncreative states have low theta waves — only that creative states accompany high theta. Failing to support a claim the argument never made is not a flaw in the argument.

   2%