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#24070
Complete Question Explanation

Flaw—CE. The correct answer choice is (B)

The researcher’s conclusion is presented in the first sentence of the stimulus, followed by the premise. The argumentation is basically as follows:
  • Premise: ..... The treatment has severe side effects.

    Conclusion: ..... Use of this treatment should be discontinued.
This argument is of course flawed, because the researcher has only considered the associated detriments, not the benefits provided by the treatment. For example, if the treatment can save one from even worse trauma, or death, then perhaps the referenced side effects are tolerable.

Answer choice (A): There is no need to specify what is meant by “normal functioning of the human body,” so this answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. The researcher does not consider the positive side of the equation, or, as this answer choice puts it, doesn’t consider the effects of not administering the treatment.

Answer choice (C): There is no such presumption present in the researcher’s argument, so this answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (D): This answer choice regards the irrelevant consideration of the time necessary for the treatment to take effect. This has nothing to do with the simple argument presented in the stimulus.

Answer choice (E): Like the incorrect answer choices above, this choice presents a consideration which is not relevant to the inquiry. The variance in severity has no effect on the argument that the treatment’s side effects justify it’s discontinuance.

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