🧠 GRE Exam Prep

An argument asserts: "The new streetlights installed in downtown have significantly reduced nighttime crime rates, proving their effectiveness." What unstated assumption is most critical to this argument's conclusion?

A The streetlights are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to urban beautification.
B Crime rates would not have decreased in the absence of the new streetlights.
C Other cities have also implemented similar streetlighting programs with positive results.
D The cost of installing and maintaining the streetlights was financially justifiable.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The argument assumes a direct causal link, overlooking other potential factors that might have contributed to the decrease in crime. This is a classic 'post hoc ergo propter hoc' fallacy.

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