PrepTest 106, Section 3, Question 6
Jane: Television programs and movies that depict violence(87 more words not shown)
Which one of the following,(6 more words not shown)
- AThe most violent(17 more words not shown)
- BThe movies that(20 more words not shown)
- CThe people who(24 more words not shown)
- DMany adolescents who(17 more words not shown)
- EAmong the producers(19 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
Jane needs more than the observation that violent entertainment is popular. Does it actually make young viewers behave violently? Perhaps another factor explains their behavior. I would want evidence connecting the depictions to the violence, not just a general statement that media influence people.
There is also a separate step from causing harm to prohibiting the material. Even if Jane establishes the effect, should the government impose this restriction? Maurice's censorship objection draws attention to that policy question. His observation that violence is older than television doesn't settle the causal question; a new influence could still worsen an old problem.
What we’re looking for
Now we're asked to strengthen Jane's argument. I can see two useful directions: evidence supporting the proposed effect on young people, or a principle supporting prohibition when that effect exists. Let's see what help the choices provide without requiring one fact to establish every part of the recommendation.
Working the answers
- A
Adult characters being the most violent doesn't answer the concern about depictions of teenage violence. Something can have a harmful influence without being the most extreme example. A neither establishes the relevant effect on young audiences nor justifies the proposed restriction.
- BCorrect
This supports the focus Jane specifically proposes: movies promoted to young audiences have the greatest demonstrated influence on young people's behavior. Restricting the relevant depictions in those movies would target the material with the strongest influence on the group Jane is concerned about.
B doesn't prove that this influence always produces violence or that every restriction is justified. It gives the recommendation a more specific evidential basis than the broad claim that media are influential. That additional support is enough for this question.
- C
The most profitable audience strategy isn't the issue. Producers could earn more by appealing to both age groups without that telling us whether teenage viewers become violent or whether the relevant depictions should be prohibited. C supplies a business comparison, not support for Jane's reasoning.
- D
Prior violent behavior gives us reason to question whether exposure to violent movies explains its origin in these adolescents. That works against Jane's causal case rather than strengthening it.
It doesn't show that later viewing can have no additional effect. But a possible later contribution is not what D supplies; D supplies evidence of violence before the exposure.
- E
Voluntary restrictions on subject matter don't establish that the depictions cause violence or that a prohibition is needed. They might reduce the need for an imposed restriction, although we aren't told whether the existing limits cover this material or go far enough. Either way, E doesn't provide the causal evidence or support for the recommendation that Jane needs.
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