Question 166·Easy·Inferences
In a series of experiments, a psychologist placed speakers in two nearly identical supermarket aisles that sold the same products. In one aisle, the speakers played slow-tempo instrumental music; in the other, they played fast-tempo instrumental music. Cameras showed that shoppers spent an average of six minutes in the slow-music aisle but only two minutes in the fast-music aisle, and the daily sales from the slow-music aisle were roughly 30 percent higher.
These results led the psychologist to infer that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
For SAT inference questions, start by pinpointing exactly what was manipulated or described (here, music tempo) and what outcomes were measured (time in aisle and sales). Then scan the answer choices and immediately cross out any that introduce new, untested ideas (like spoilage, different types of music, or no music) or that go beyond what the evidence supports. Choose the option that restates or tightly summarizes the relationship shown by the data without adding extra assumptions.
Hints
Focus on what changed
Look back at the description of the two aisles. What was the single factor that the psychologist changed between them?
Connect the setup to the results
What two main differences did the cameras and sales data show between the slow-music aisle and the fast-music aisle?
Eliminate ideas not in the experiment
Check each answer choice and ask: does this involve something the psychologist actually tested (like tempo and its effects), or does it bring in a new idea (like a different kind of music, no music, or product quality)?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what was tested
The psychologist compared two nearly identical supermarket aisles that sold the same products. The only difference was the music: one aisle had slow-tempo instrumental music, and the other had fast-tempo instrumental music.
Identify the results
Cameras showed that shoppers spent more time in the slow-music aisle (six minutes) than in the fast-music aisle (two minutes). Also, daily sales from the slow-music aisle were about 30 percent higher than sales from the fast-music aisle.
Think about what can logically be inferred
An inference must be a conclusion that is directly supported by the experiment's setup and results. It should connect the change in music tempo to the changes in time spent and sales, without introducing new variables that were never measured (like product spoilage, vocal music, or no music).
Match the conclusion to the evidence
The only choice that stays within what was tested—music tempo—and matches both observed effects—more time browsing and higher sales in the slow-music aisle—is: slow-tempo background music can increase both the time customers browse and the amount they buy.