Infotek, a computer manufacturer in Katrovia, has just introduced a new personal computer model that sells for significantly less than any other model. Market research shows, however, that very few Katrovian households without personal computers would buy a computer, regardless of its price. Therefore, introducing the new model is unlikely to increase the number of computers in Katrovian homes.
Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?
(A) Infotek achieved the lower price of the new model by using components of lower quality than those used by other manufacturers.
(B) The main reason cited by consumers in Katrovia for replacing a personal computer is the desire to have an improved model.
(C) Katrovians in households that already have computers are unlikely to purchase the new Infotek model as an additional computer for home use.
(D) The price of other personal computers in Karovia is unlikely to drop below the price of Infotek’s new model in the near future.
(E) Most personal computers purchased in Katrovia are intended for home use.
Let’s look at the stimulus given-
Infotek has just introduced a new personal computer model that sells for significantly less than any other model.
Market research shows, however, that very few Katrovian households without personal computers would buy a computer, regardless of its price.
Conclusion/opinion-
Therefore, introducing the new model is unlikely to increase the number of computers in Katrovian homes.
We need to find an assumption on which the argument depends. An assumption will always support the conclusion and connects the premise with the conclusion.
There is a subtle language shift in the conclusion. While the premise mentions households without personal computers, the conclusion talks about all types of Katrovian homes ie; those with computers as well as those without. Therefore, the logical conclusion is that the conclusion assumes that the households that already have a computer too would not purchase the new computer launched by Infotek (since the premise already tells us that the households without computers would not buy it).
Let us analyze the answer options:
(A) Infotek achieved the lower price of the new model by using components of lower quality than those used by other manufacturers. The conclusion is regarding households purchasing computers, which is not addressed by this option. Irrelevant. Eliminate.
(B) The main reason cited by consumers in Katrovia for replacing a personal computer is the desire to have an improved model. This does not tell us anything about how lower price impacts computer purchase decisions of Katrovia households. Eliminate.
(C) Katrovians in households that already have computers are unlikely to purchase the new Infotek model as an additional computer for home use. Correct. Consistent with our pre-thinking. Please not the explanation provided above as to why this is relevant to the conclusion.
(D) The price of other personal computers in Karovia is unlikely to drop below the price of Infotek’s new model in the near future. Same as (A). Eliminate.
(E) Most personal computers purchased in Katrovia are intended for home use. Same as (A) and (D). Eliminate.