Q4 - Computer manufacturers and retailers

[jamiejames]

could someone explain why D is correct? Thank you!

[timmydoeslsat]

could someone explain why D is correct? Thank you!

The conclusion of our argument is that "The complexity involved in connection the various components of personal computers is a widespread obstacle to their use." (I rephrased the sentence with the formulation of the author believing that the original statement was wrong).

To weaken this argument, we want to show that the complexity is not a widespread obstacle to their use.

The evidence given to us in this stimulus is when customers install the accessories to computers and the issues that can arise.

Choice D weakens this argument by telling us that a PC is usually sold with free installation. This would indicate that the complexity is not an obstacle to its use since the customers are not the ones dealing with the complexity.

Other answer choices:

A) Manuals usually explain the purpose. Doesn't matter what the purpose is if it is complicated.

B) Even if it is free, it is still complicated and could be a widespread obstacle.

C) Not talking about the future.

E) Explains the reason why the process is going on, which doesn't matter to us in weakening the argument.

[js_martin01]

Just to expand on the answer choices:

A)"Purposes" of computer components is irrelevant to the argument. Does this impact our conclusion that these various components are an obstacle to using computers? It doesn't.
B)This is tempting, but incorrect. While it may appear that obtaining these components for free makes it easier to use said computers, our conclusion explicitly mentions "connecting the various components" as the source of the obstacle. Even if they're being given away for free, this does not weaken the conclusion that installing the components is a significant obstacle.
C)Deals with temporality, but our conclusion is limited to the present. So what if this will be the case in the future? It doesn't change the fact that the obstacle is a current problem.
D)A winner. If most computers are sold as part of a package that includes free installation and accessories, it weakens the argument by bringing to light the idea that perhaps these people have computer know-it-alls installing the computer components for them. Obstacle averted.
E)Has no impact on the conclusion. If anything, this might strengthen the author's argument.