Particle Accelerators – CR
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.
Shouldn’t E be eliminated as it talks about the Recent changes to the editorial policies whereas argument is concerned about the articles published last year? Out of this confusion, I ended up choosing D.
Thanks
there is nothing wrong with “recent” referring to the last year; after all, time is relative 🙂
If particle accelerators can be used for more than one thing, it strongly suggests that “decline in availability” caused the reduction in number of articles.