▶ Your Answer :
In the above argument, the author argues that a recent study of eighteen rhesus monkeys show clues as to the effects of birth order on an individual’s levels of stimulation. The author cites that firstborn infant monkeys produce up to twice as much of the hormone cortisol when they meet unexpected situation. Although the argument may seem convincing at first, the unsubstantiated assumptions lead me to conclude that the argument is flawed on many grounds. First of all, the author assumes that firstborn monkeys produce high levels cortisol in stimulation situations. However, there is no clear evidence about the study. For example, in many case, accepting stress has individual difference and external factors. When firstborn monkeys are alone, some situations are very stressful so that they have high level cortisol. On the other hand, in same situations, firstborn monkeys living in a large family, with many young cousins may not suffer from same situations so that they show lower level of cortisol. Further research should be investigated same conditions and the effect of companionship on cortisol levels.
Secondly, The validity of the survey is open to doubt because this sample size is far too small. Suppose that ten monkeys show high level cortisol in stressful situation, but in fact, some of the firstborn monkeys could have had nervous disorders or mental problems. In this case, they show high level cortisol regardless of stressful situation. Therefore, a more reliable study would research scores of monkeys with normal mentality. To summarize, the author’s assumption that firstborn infant monkeys produce more cortisol in stressful situations is logically flawed based on the above mentioned reasons. To strengthen his or her argument, the author should closely examine all the possible factors under the same conditions and enough sample. In conclusion, the author’s argument reflects unsupported claims without clear reasons or evidence. |