PrepTest 73, Section 2, Question 5
Science writer: Lema�tre argued that the universe began with the explosion of a "primeval atom," a singular point of infinite gravity in space and time. If this is correct, our current observations should reveal galaxies accelerating away from one another. This is precisely what we observe. Yet because there is another theory�the oscillating universe theory�that makes exactly this same prediction, Lema�tre's theory must be considered inadequate.
Science writer: Lema�tre argued that the universe began with the explosion of a "primeval atom," a singular point of infinite gravity in space and time. If this is correct, our current observations should reveal galaxies accelerating away from one another. This is precisely what we observe. Yet because there is another theory�the oscillating universe theory�that makes exactly this same prediction, Lema�tre's theory must be considered inadequate.
Science writer: Lema�tre argued that the universe began with the explosion of a "primeval atom," a singular point of infinite gravity in space and time. If this is correct, our current observations should reveal galaxies accelerating away from one another. This is precisely what we observe. Yet because there is another theory�the oscillating universe theory�that makes exactly this same prediction, Lema�tre's theory must be considered inadequate.
Science writer: Lema�tre argued that the universe began with the explosion of a "primeval atom," a singular point of infinite gravity in space and time. If this is correct, our current observations should reveal galaxies accelerating away from one another. This is precisely what we observe. Yet because there is another theory�the oscillating universe theory�that makes exactly this same prediction, Lema�tre's theory must be considered inadequate.
Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the science writer's reasoning?
The conclusion is derived partly from assertions attributed to a purported expert whose credibility is not established.
The conclusion is based on a shift in meaning of a key term from one part of the argument to another part.
The science writer takes for granted the existence of a causal connection between observed phenomena.
The science writer fails to see that one theory's correctly predicting observed data cannot itself constitute evidence against an alternative theory that also does this.
The science writer presumes, without providing justification, that there are only two possible explanations for the phenomena in question.
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