LSAT Explanation PT 19, S4, Q20: There is strong evidence that the
LSAT Question Stem
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy in the information above?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Paradox question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is C.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
First, let's break down the passage. The passage states that there is strong evidence that migraines are not caused by psychological factors but are purely physiological. However, studies have found that people who are professionally treated for migraines rate higher on a standard psychological scale of anxiety than those who are not. This creates an apparent discrepancy that the question asks us to resolve.
To help you understand this better, let's use a simple example. Imagine that people who have a certain type of car tend to have more car accidents. However, it's been proven that this type of car is not more dangerous than other cars. We are now looking for an explanation as to why this type of car seems to be involved in more accidents despite not being more dangerous.
The question type is a Paradox, and we are asked to find the answer choice that best helps resolve the apparent discrepancy in the information provided.
Answer choice (A): This choice suggests that migraines could be hereditary, but it doesn't help resolve the discrepancy between migraines being physiological and the higher anxiety levels in those seeking treatment. It's not relevant to the paradox we're trying to resolve.
Answer choice (B): This choice suggests that emotional stress might trigger migraines. However, the passage already states that migraines are not caused by psychological factors, so this choice only adds more confusion to the issue.
Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer. It explains that people with higher anxiety levels are more likely to seek professional treatment for migraines. This means that the higher anxiety levels are not causing the migraines, but rather influencing the decision to seek treatment. If studies included people with migraines who did not seek treatment, the results might be different, and the apparent discrepancy would be resolved.
Answer choice (D): This choice mentions that studies suggesting a psychological cause for migraines have been widely publicized, but it doesn't help resolve the discrepancy. It doesn't explain why people seeking treatment have higher anxiety levels despite migraines being physiological.
Answer choice (E): This choice discusses how long people stay in treatment for migraines, but it doesn't address the discrepancy between migraines being physiological and the higher anxiety levels in those seeking treatment. It's not relevant to the paradox we're trying to resolve.
In summary, answer choice (C) best helps resolve the apparent discrepancy by explaining that people with higher anxiety levels are more likely to seek professional treatment for migraines, which accounts for the higher anxiety levels found in those being treated for migraines.