Question

The recording industry is fighting a losing battle: it simply does not have the resources to prosecute all of the individuals who illegally download music from the Internet. Because the number of individuals who will be charged with a crime is so limited, the actions of the recording industry will have a minimal impact on the number of people who illegally download music.
The answer to which of the following questions would best help evaluate the accuracy of the conclusion above?

• A. Will recording industry lawyers dedicate the majority of their time to prosecuting those who illegally download music?
• B. Is a small minority of individuals responsible for the majority of illegal song downloads?
• C. Do many individuals who illegally download songs share their music files with other Internet users?
• D. Will new Internet security technology permit the recording industry to more quickly and easily identify individuals who illegally download music?
• E. Will the threat of prosecution alter the behavior of those who illegally download music?

Answer 1

The correct option is E Will the threat of prosecution alter the behavior of those who illegally download music?

If threatening prosecution of illegal downloaders "alters the behavior" of illegal downloaders, the actions of the recording industry could significantly affect the accuracy of the argument's conclusion.