A store was vandalized

Answer choices

1. A

   Alternate Explanation1% picked this

   There had been an increase in police patrolling of

   This weakens by giving a different reason for the Curious disappearance of the vandalism problem. The vandalism could have disappeared because there were more cops patrolling the area, so we have less reason to think the store owner installed bright lights.

   1%
2. B

   Hurts Author's Explanation5% picked this

   Bright lights must be specially ordered from a security company, and installation by the company usually takes

   If installing lights takes a minimum of 5 months, but friend talked to the store owner 3 months ago. At that point the store owner was still considering this plan of installing lights, so he was still at least 5 months from having them up and operational. Thus, it's very unlikely, if not impossible, that the author's explanation could be correct.

   5%
3. C

   Correct86% picked this

   The store owner reported that all the stores adjacent to the perimeter also experienced a reduction in vandalism, although stores

   Why this is right

   This adds some plausibility to the prediction that perimeter lights were installed. Perimeter lighting is a deterrent for the building it's on, but the glare of those lights usually makes the adjacent area still pretty brightly lit. By the time you get a block or more away, it could be very dark again. So the fact that the stores within range of the glare of the lights have less vandalism, whereas the stores a block away don't makes it seem like there is a VERY local causal difference-maker. What could be putting a stop to vandalism on one specific block? Knock-knock. Who's there. Perimeter lighting. (note: the correct answer did not need to Strengthen. It's only because this is an earlier, easier problem that the correct answer is going the opposite direction. Often, if not mostly, on EXCEPT questions, the correct answer just has no impact)

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

   86%
4. D

   Hurts Author's Explanation5% picked this

   The store’s budget did not allow for the installation of bright lights

   This makes it sound like the perimeter lighting plan would not have happened, since they wouldn't have been able to afford it.

   5%
5. E

   Alternate Explanation3% picked this

   The store owner brought in a watchdog to protect the store

   Sgt. Slobber, on duty. Protecting the store against vandals. The ongoing vandalism could have stopped stopped because the store brought in a watch dog, so we have less reason to assume they installed perimeter lighting. (I don't know why, but I'm definitely picturing a bulldog, wearing a denim-vest with a badge, smiling and not looking all that intimidating)

   3%