A new fitness tracker claims to improve sleep quality by monitoring heart rate and suggesting optimal bedtimes. However, a study found that users of the tracker reported no significant improvement in sleep quality compared to a control group. The manufacturer argues that the study is flawed because the control group did not receive any sleep advice, whereas the tracker users received personalized recommendations. The manufacturer's argument relies on the assumption that:
- AUsers of the fitness tracker accurately followed the personalized recommendations.
- BThe personalized recommendations provided by the tracker are effective in improving sleep quality.
- CThe tracker's heart rate monitoring feature is accurate.
- DThe control group would have shown improved sleep if they had received generic sleep advice.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The personalized recommendations provided by the tracker are effective in improving sleep quality.
The manufacturer argues the study is flawed because the control group lacked sleep advice, implying that the *tracker's advice* is the key factor that *should* have improved sleep. If the tracker's advice itself is ineffective, then the lack of advice in the control group is irrelevant to the tracker's failure to improve sleep in the test group. Thus, the argument assumes the tracker's recommendations *are* effective.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While important for the tracker's efficacy, the manufacturer's argument about the *study's flaw* is that the control group *lacked* advice, implying the *advice itself* is the crucial variable, not whether it was perfectly followed in the test group. The assumption is about the *potential effectiveness* of the advice.
- C. The accuracy of heart rate monitoring is a premise for the tracker's function, but not a necessary assumption for the manufacturer's specific argument about the *study's flaw* concerning advice.
- D. The argument focuses on the *tracker's* advice. Whether generic advice would help the control group is outside the scope of the manufacturer's specific claim about the *study's flaw* regarding their product.
Implicit Assumption
An implicit assumption is an unstated belief or premise that is taken for granted within an argument, without which the conclusion does not logically follow from the stated premises.
- It's a foundational, unstated truth for the argument.
- Often reveals a gap in the reasoning.
- If false, the argument collapses.
Memory trick: Beneath the words, a silent truth must reside, or the argument will slide.