In research designed to investigate the possibility of animals developing friendship with other, unrelated, members of their species, a group of $29$ chimpanzees were reared together for $15$ years. At the end of that time the chimps were presented with two options for obtaining food: press a lever and feed themselves, or press another identical lever and feed themselves, and at the same time deliver food to the chump next door. (The chimps were able to see each other). The researchers found that the chimps were no more likely to choose the lever that fed a neighbour. The researchers concluded that the chimps had no concept of friendship. However, one critic has suggested that the animals were in an artificial environment from which little can be concluded, and that, at the least, the test ought to have involved the animals being able to touch.
What role do that parts in boldface play in the argument above?
- The first is a position that the critic opposes. The second is a position that the critic supports.
- The first is an observation that supports the researcher’s position. The second is an observation that opposes the researcher’s position.
- The first is a finding on which the researchers base their conclusion. The second is a suggestion that might cast doubt on that finding.
- The first is an observation that supports the critic’s conclusion. The second is the critic’s conclusion.
- The first is the part of the evidence that the critic disputes. The second is a suggestion that the researchers do not accept.