Question

The question in this section is based on the reasoning contained in brief statement or passages. For the question, more than one of the choices could conceivably answer the question. However, you are to choose the best answer; that is, the response that most accurately and completely answer the question. You should not make assumptions that are by common sense standards implausible, superfluous or incompatible with the passage.

Psychologist: It is well known that becoming angry often induces temporary incidents of high blood pressure. A recent study further showed, however, that people who are easily angered are significantly more likely to have a permanently high blood pressure than are people who have more tranquil personalities. Coupled with the long established fact that those with permanently high blood pressure are especially likely to have heart disease, the recent findings indicate that heart disease can result from psychological factors. Which one of the following would, if true, most weaken the psychologist's argument?

Options

• Those who are easily angered are less likely to recover fully from episodes of heart disease than are other people.

• Medication designed to control high blood pressure can greatly affect the moods of those who use it.

• People with permanently high blood pressure who have tranquil personalities virtually never develop heart disease.

• The physiological factors that cause permanently high blood pressure generally make people quick to anger.

Answer 1

Medication designed to control high blood pressure can greatly affect the moods of those who use it.

Explanation:

'Medication designed to control high blood pressure can greatly affect the moods of those who use it.' makes this assumption incorrect as those with permanent high blood pressure will have to take medication for the same and this medication will make them quick to anger (mood swings). Hence, in light of option (b), being quick to anger in an effect of permanent high B.P and not the other way round. This means that both psychological factors and heart diseases are a result of permanent high blood pressure.