Economists analyzed four neighborhoods' rent changes (% over 2 years) along with two factors: presence of nearby tech-hub jobs (yes/no) and rent-control policy (yes/no): Block A, tech-hub + rent control, +6%; B, tech-hub + no rent control, +28%; C, no tech-hub + rent control, +3%; D, no tech-hub + no rent control, +5%. The researchers argued that rent control's restraining effect on rent growth is largest where tech-hub pressures exist. The strongest support is ______
Which choice most logically completes the text using the data above?
- A
the average rent change.
- Bcheck_circle
the within-tech contrasts: A vs. B (both tech: rent control trims growth by 22 points, 28→6) and C vs. D (no tech: rent control trims growth by only 2 points, 5→3).
- C
Block B's largest rise of +28%.
- D
Block D's +5% rise.
Explanation
"Rent control's effect is largest where tech-hub pressures exist" requires comparing rent control's effect within each tech-hub stratum. Choice B captures the 22-point vs. 2-point difference, supporting the differential claim.