The rise in the prosperity of England subsequent to 1840 can be attributed to the adoption of the policy of free trade, since economic conditions improved only when that policy had been implemented. The reasoning in the above argument most closely parallels that in which one of the following?
A: An exhaustive search of the marshes last year revealed no sign of marsh hawks, so it can be assumed that a similar search this year would reveal equally little sign of that kind of bird.
B: Before the banks raised their interest rates, people on average incomes could almost afford a mortgage for an amount twice their salary, hence the rate increase has now put mortgages beyond their reach.
C: Since the improvement in the company's profitability began to occur after the vice president's new morale-building program was put in place, that program can be credited with the improved result.
D: The extinction of the dinosaurs was brought about by an asteroid colliding with Earth, so their extinction could not have come before the collision.
Choose A, B, C or D as your solution.
C