argument 2
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.
conclusion:A recent study of eighteen rhesus monkeys provides clues as to the effects of birth order on an individual's levels of stimulation.
Evidence:(1)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.
(2)Firstborn humans also produce relatively high levels of cortisol in stimulating situations (such as the return of a parent after an absence).
(3)The study also found that during pregnancy,first-time mother monkeys had higher levels of cortisol than did those who had had several offspring."
提纲:
In this letter, the author claims that the birth order has direct effects on an individual’s levels of stimulation. To justify his/ her claims, he/she cites the finding of a study that first infant monkeys tend to produce twice as much of hormone cortisol when in stimulating situations and so do firstborn human infants. Also, the study finds that mother monkeys have higher levels of cortisol during their first pregnancy. However, there exist a number of alternative explanations in interpreting these facts which render the author’s claim unconvincing.
正文:
1.怀疑18个猴子样本量不足且不具代表性。可能正好选取了hormone cortisol水平高的猴子所以到这这样的观测结果。
2。猴子和人cortisol高的原因可能是年龄大体型大,从食物中摄取,或与父母呆的时间多等等。
3.mother monkey第一胎有high level of cortisol 是因为第一胎比较兴奋或者压力比较大。