Premium coffee shops in major metropolitan areas typically charge $4-6 for specialty drinks, while independent cafes in the same neighborhoods...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Premium coffee shops in major metropolitan areas typically charge $4-6 for specialty drinks, while independent cafes in the same neighborhoods charge $2-3 for similar beverages. Standard business practices suggest that higher prices reflect premium ingredients, superior preparation methods, or enhanced customer service. However, blind taste tests reveal that beverages from both types of establishments receive similar quality ratings from consumers. Business consultants hypothesized that the price difference stems from premium coffee shops' strategic location advantages—securing high-traffic corner spots and prime real estate that independent cafes cannot afford.
Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken the consultants' hypothesis?
Premium coffee shops invest significantly more in interior design and ambiance than independent cafes do.
Independent cafes and premium coffee shops show no significant difference in foot traffic or location desirability ratings.
Premium coffee shops typically sign longer-term leases that lock in lower rental rates compared to independent cafes.
Consumer surveys indicate that customers choose premium coffee shops primarily based on convenience and location accessibility.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Premium coffee shops in major metropolitan areas typically charge $4-6 for specialty drinks, while independent cafes in the same neighborhoods charge $2-3 for similar beverages.' |
|
| 'Standard business practices suggest that higher prices reflect premium ingredients, superior preparation methods, or enhanced customer service.' |
|
| 'However, blind taste tests reveal that beverages from both types of establishments receive similar quality ratings from consumers.' |
|
| 'Business consultants hypothesized that the price difference stems from premium coffee shops' strategic location advantages—securing high-traffic corner spots and prime real estate that independent cafes cannot afford.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Business consultants propose that location advantages, not quality differences, explain why premium coffee shops charge more than independent cafes.
Argument Flow: The passage sets up a puzzle—premium shops charge more but don't offer better quality—then presents the consultants' location-based theory as a potential solution.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which finding would most directly weaken the consultants' hypothesis
What type of answer do we need? Evidence that undermines their location-advantage theory
Any limiting keywords? 'Most directly' means we want the strongest, most relevant counter-evidence
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The consultants claim that premium coffee shops can charge more because they secure better locations—high-traffic spots that independent cafes can't afford
- To weaken this hypothesis, we'd need evidence showing either:
- Location advantages don't actually exist between these types of shops
- Location isn't what's driving the price difference
- The premise about location accessibility/desirability is false
- So the right answer should provide evidence that contradicts the core assumption that premium shops have location advantages over independent cafes
Premium coffee shops invest significantly more in interior design and ambiance than independent cafes do.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests premium shops invest more in interior design and ambiance
- While this offers an alternative explanation for higher prices, it doesn't directly address whether location advantages exist
Independent cafes and premium coffee shops show no significant difference in foot traffic or location desirability ratings.
✓ Correct
- This directly contradicts the consultants' core claim about location advantages
- If there's no significant difference in foot traffic or location desirability ratings, then the foundation of their hypothesis crumbles
Premium coffee shops typically sign longer-term leases that lock in lower rental rates compared to independent cafes.
✗ Incorrect
- This actually makes the price puzzle more confusing since premium shops would have lower rent costs
- It doesn't address whether location advantages exist—just rental arrangements
Consumer surveys indicate that customers choose premium coffee shops primarily based on convenience and location accessibility.
✗ Incorrect
- This would actually support the consultants' hypothesis by showing customers do choose premium shops for location reasons