When first looking at the raw data without controlling for case characteristics, RAND found that large race effects with the decision to seek the death penalty are more likely to occur when the defendants are white and when the victims are white. However, these disparities disappeared in each of the three studies when the heinousness of the crimes was taken into account. The RAND study concludes that the findings support the view that decisions to seek the death penalty are driven by characteristics of crimes rather than by race. RAND's findings are very compelling because three independent research teams, using the same data but different methodologies, reached the same conclusions.

Question

When first looking at the raw data without controlling for case characteristics, RAND found that large race effects with the decision to seek the death penalty are more likely to occur when the defendants are white and when the victims are white. However, these disparities disappeared in each of the three studies when the heinousness of the crimes was taken into account. The RAND study concludes that the findings support the view that decisions to seek the death penalty are driven by characteristics of crimes rather than by race. RAND's findings are very compelling because three independent research teams, using the same data but different methodologies, reached the same conclusions.

1 Is this passage an argument?
2 what are the premises and the conclusion of this argument?

I have choose this passage as an argument, I would like to know If this is correct.

Answer 1

Yes, this paragraph is an argument.

Answer 2

Yes, the passage can be considered an argument. An argument typically consists of premises, which are statements that provide reasons or evidence, and a conclusion, which is the main claim or point being made.

In this passage, the premises are:
- RAND found that large race effects with the decision to seek the death penalty are more likely when defendants and victims are white.
- Disparities disappeared when the heinousness of the crimes was taken into account.
- The findings support the view that decisions to seek the death penalty are driven by characteristics of crimes rather than by race.
- Three independent research teams, using the same data but different methodologies, reached the same conclusions.

The conclusion can be inferred as:
- RAND's findings indicate that race is not a significant factor in decisions to seek the death penalty, as the disparities disappeared when accounting for the characteristics of the crimes.

It is important to note that while the passage presents an argument based on the presented information, further analysis or examination of the RAND study and its methodology could be conducted to strengthen or challenge the argument.