The discussion centers on a study involving eighteen rhesus monkeys that explores the effects of birth order on stimulation levels, particularly cortisol production. Firstborn monkeys exhibit up to twice the cortisol levels compared to their younger siblings in stimulating situations, paralleling findings in firstborn humans. Additionally, first-time mother monkeys show higher cortisol levels during pregnancy than those with multiple offspring. This study serves as a critical example for understanding behavioral responses linked to birth order.
PREREQUISITESPsychologists, behavioral researchers, and students interested in the impact of birth order on individual development and physiological responses.
EXAMPLES OF ARGUMENT TOPICS.
Each Argument topic consists of a passage that presents an argument followed by specific task instructions that tell you how to analyze the argument. The wording of some topics in the test might vary slightly from what is presented here. Also, because there may be multiple versions of some topics with similar or identical wording but with different task instructions, it is very important to read your test topic and its specific task directions carefully and respond to the wording as it appears in the actual test.
1) The following appeared as part of a letter to the editor of a scientific journal.
“A recent study of eighteen rhesus monkeys provides clues as to the effects of birth order on an individual’s levels of stimulation. The study showed that in stimulating situations (such as an encounter with an unfamiliar monkey), firstborn infant monkeys produce up to twice as much of the hormone cortisol, which primes the body for increased activity levels, as do their younger siblings. Firstborn humans also produce relatively high levels of cortisol in stimulating situations (such as the return of a parent after an absence). The study also found that during pregnancy, first-time mother monkeys had higher levels of cortisol than did those who had had several offspring.”
Write a response in which you discuss one or more alternative explanations that could rival the proposed explanation and explain how your explanation(s) can plausibly account for the facts presented in the argument.