LSAT Explanation PT 22, S2, Q4: Most small children are flat-footed. This

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most calls into question the efficacy of the traditional treatment described above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument states that most small children are flat-footed, and if this condition persists past early childhood, it can result in discomfort and pain later in life. The traditional treatment for flat-footedness in children is to have them wear special shoes that provide extra support to the foot, fostering the development of the arch. The structure of the argument consists of two premises and a conclusion:

Premise 1: Most small children are flat-footed.

Premise 2: Flat-footedness can result in discomfort and pain later in life if it persists past early childhood.

Conclusion: The traditional treatment for flat-footedness in children is to wear special shoes to foster the development of the arch.

Now, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Do the special shoes actually help flat-footed children develop natural arches?"

The question type for this problem is Weaken, which means we need to find the answer choice that, if true, would most call into question the efficacy of the traditional treatment described in the passage.

Now, let's go through the answer choices:

a) Many small children who have normal feet wear the same special shoes as those worn by flat-footed children.

- This answer choice is irrelevant because it deals with children who do not have flat feet, and therefore does not have any impact on the efficacy of the traditional treatment for flat-footed children.

b) Studies of flat-footed adults show that flat feet are subject to fewer stress fractures than are feet with unusually high arches.

- This answer choice is also irrelevant because it compares flat-footedness to another type of foot problem and does not address the efficacy of the traditional treatment for flat-footed children.

c) Although most children's flat-footedness is corrected by the time the children reach puberty, some people remain flat-footed for life.

- This answer choice is not strong enough to weaken the argument, as it only tells us that "some" children do not benefit from the traditional treatment. It does not give us enough information to assess the effectiveness of the special shoes.

d) Flat-footed children who do not wear the special shoes are as likely to develop natural arches as are flat-footed children who wear the special shoes.

- This is the correct answer choice. If there is no discernable difference in the development of natural arches between flat-footed children who wear the special shoes and those who do not, then the efficacy of the traditional treatment is called into question.

e) Some children who are not flat-footed have hip and lower leg bones that are rotated excessively either inward or outward.

- This answer choice is incorrect for the same reason as answer choice (a): it deals with a group of children who are not flat-footed and therefore does not impact the efficacy of the traditional treatment for flat-footed children.