LSAT Explanation PT 20, S1, Q21: Some people have been promoting a

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes the method of reasoning the cold sufferer uses to reach the conclusion of the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first break down the passage and analyze its argument structure. The cold sufferer presents a hypothesis that the herbal mixture is an effective cold remedy. They then present a premise: if the mixture were effective, almost everyone with a cold would be using it. However, they observe that not everyone with a cold is using the mixture, which leads them to conclude that the mixture is not effective. The argument can be structured as follows:

Premise (1): If the mixture is effective, then almost everyone with a cold would be using it (Effective ‚Üí Everyone uses).

Premise (2): Not everyone with a cold is using the mixture (¬Everyone uses).

Conclusion: The mixture is not effective (¬Effective).

The question type for this problem is Method of Reasoning (MOR), which asks us to identify the method of reasoning the cold sufferer uses to reach their conclusion.

Now let's discuss each answer choice in detail:

a) Finding a claim to be false on the grounds that it would, if true, have consequences that are false.

This answer choice accurately describes the cold sufferer's method of reasoning. They reject the claim (the mixture is effective) because it would have a consequence (almost everyone with a cold using the mixture) that is observed to be false (not everyone with a cold is using the mixture). Therefore, this is the correct answer choice.

b) Accepting a claim on the basis of public opinion of the claim.

The cold sufferer does not accept a claim; they actually reject one (the mixture being effective). Moreover, their reasoning is not based on public opinion but on the observed consequence of the claim. This answer choice is incorrect.

c) Showing that conditions necessary to establish the truth of a claim are met.

This answer choice describes the opposite of what the cold sufferer does. The conditions required to establish the truth of the claim (the mixture is effective) are not met, as not everyone with a cold is using the mixture. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

d) Basing a generalization on a representative group of instances.

The cold sufferer does not base a generalization on a representative group of instances. Instead, they hypothesize what would happen if the mixture were effective and reject the claim based on the observed consequences. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) Showing that a measure claimed to be effective in achieving a certain effect would actually make achieving the effect more difficult.

The cold sufferer does not argue that the mixture would make recovery more difficult; they simply argue that it is not effective. This answer choice is incorrect.

In summary, the correct answer choice is (a): finding a claim to be false on the grounds that it would, if true, have consequences that are false. This accurately describes the method of reasoning used by the cold sufferer to reach their conclusion that the herbal mixture is not an effective cold remedy.