Question

Advertisers are often criticized for their unscrupulous manipulation of people's tastes and wants. There is evidence, however, that some advertisers are motivated by moral as well as financial considerations. A particular publication decided to change its image from being a family newspaper to concentrating on sex and violence, thus appealing to different readership. Some advertisers withdrew their advertisements from the publication, and this must have been because they morally disapproved of publishing salacious material. Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument? (A) The advertisers switched their advertisements to other family newspapers. (B) Some advertisers switched from family newspapers to advertise in the changed publication. (C) The advertisers expected their product sales to increase if they stayed with the changed publication, but to decrease if they withdrew. (D) People who generally read family newspapers are not likely to buy newspapers that concentrate on sex and violence. (E) It was expected that the changed publication would appeal principally to those in a different income group.

Short answer

Option A strengthens the argument by showing moral disapproval.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Argument

The argument claims that advertisers withdrew their ads from a publication because they morally disapproved of its shift to salacious content. The argument needs strengthening evidence that supports the moral motivation behind the advertisers' withdrawal.

Read Each Choice Carefully

Go through each of the given options (A to E) and analyze what effect they have on strengthening the idea that the advertisers' withdrawal was due to moral reasons rather than financial or other concerns.

Analysis of Option A

Option A states that advertisers switched to other family newspapers. This suggests they preferred to be associated with family-friendly content, supporting the idea of a moral disapproval of the salacious content. It directly aligns with strengthening the moral side of the argument.

Analysis of Option B

Option B indicates that some advertisers moved to the changed publication. This contradicts the idea of moral disapproval, as it suggests that some advertisers were not concerned with morality and actually embraced the new focus.

Analysis of Option C

Option C indicates financial motivations; advertisers expected increased sales if they remained. This undermines the argument by suggesting financial concerns were primary, not moral ones.

Analysis of Option D

Option D suggests family newspaper readers are unlikely to buy the new publication. This relates more to readership trends than to why advertisers withdrew, offering insights on reader behavior rather than the advertisers' moral motivations.

Analysis of Option E

Option E suggests that the new publication primarily attracted a different income group, which again does not necessarily speak to moral disapproval, but rather appeals to economic demographics.

Make a Conclusion

Select the option that strengthens the argument about moral disapproval the most. Option A shows advertisers preferred to associate with family-friendly content, aligning with moral motivations. Thus, Option A provides the strongest reinforcement for the argument that moral considerations led to the withdrawal of advertisements.

Key concepts

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning is the process of using rational thinking to reach valid conclusions. It involves analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, and identifying assumptions. In the context of LSAT critical reasoning questions, logical reasoning skills help determine the strength or weakness of arguments. The given exercise requires you to assess an argument stating that advertisers withdrew their ads for moral reasons. By evaluating each option provided, you learn how to apply logical reasoning. You examine if each choice validates or refutes the underlying moral consideration motivation. Logical reasoning is key because it allows you to dissect arguments using objective thinking, making informed decisions based on specific evidence.

Argument Analysis

Argument analysis involves breaking down an argument into its core components, examining each part critically. This skill is crucial in identifying the underlying assumptions and premises that support a conclusion. In the exercise, the argument posits that advertisers withdrew ads due to moral disapproval. Analyzing this assertion requires understanding the difference between moral and financial motivations. By dissecting the argument, we look for evidence supporting moral motivations, such as shifting to other family newspapers. Argument analysis sharpens your ability to identify key elements within a discourse and enhances critical thinking by focusing on logical consistency and clarity.

Moral Considerations

Moral considerations refer to the ethical aspects that influence decision-making. They are concerned with distinguishing right from wrong based on societal standards or personal ethics. In advertisements and media, these considerations often surface when content changes to controversial themes like sex and violence. The exercise highlights advertisers potentially withdrawing due to moral reasons, suggesting they prefer aligning with family-friendly environments. Understanding moral considerations requires sensitivity to ethical values guiding decisions, demonstrating why certain content might clash with an advertiser's ethical standards, prompting withdrawal to maintain a certain public image.

Advertising Ethics

Advertising ethics involve the principles and moral values governing how advertisers create and disseminate their messages. Ethical advertising practices respect consumers and avoid manipulating emotions or spreading harmful content. The exercise reflects on advertisers choosing to distance themselves from salacious material, possibly to uphold advertising ethics. By withdrawing, advertisers might emphasize maintaining integrity, promoting responsible and ethical content that aligns with their brand values. Understanding advertising ethics is important for analyzing how businesses navigate moral challenges, remain true to ethical standards, and avoid potential backlash or damage to their reputation.