The conclusion of the argument is: "it would be a mistake to conclude that these problems are caused by the difficulty the children have adjusting to divorce."
Why? Because even though "the rate of psychological problems are higher among children of divorced parents than among other children, it is just as reasonable to infer that certain behaviors that increase the likelihood of divorce--hostility distrust, lack of empathy--are learned by children from their parents, and that it is these learned behaviors . . . that cause children's psychological problems."
So, what is the role of the first sentence, i.e. "the assertion that children of divorced parents have a higher rate of psychological problems than other children," in the argument?
Well, the argument uses this first sentence as a fact that it then offers an underlying explanation for. We know that "the rate of psychological problems is higher among children of divorced parents than among other children." The reason for this could be "that certain behaviors that increase the likelihood of divorce are learned by children from their parents" and cause them to have these psychological problems.
Answer choice (E) very clearly illustrates this exact role. "It is cited as an established finding for which the argument proposes an explanation." Therefore, answer choice (E) is our correct answer.
Hope that was helpful! Please let us know if you have any other questions.
huntlavenderApril 15, 2018
Can you explain what is wrong with answer choice D
MehranApril 16, 2018
Hi @huntlavender, thanks for your post.
The statement in question - "children of divorced parents have a higher rate of psychological problems than other children" - is consistent with any number of explanations that might be given for this fact. Put differently, this statement is presented as a baseline factual truth, and the rest of the stimulus puts forth an explanation that might explain it. The statement itself is not evidence for the point that "certain behaviors are often responsible for divorce." Whether or not that latter point is true, it is true that "children of divorced parents have a higher rate or psychological problems than other children."
Hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
