LSAT Explanation PT 25, S2, Q1: Psychiatrist: We are learning that neurochemical

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion of the psychiatrist's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The psychiatrist discusses how neurochemical imbalances can cause various behaviors, from extreme mental illness to less serious but irritating behaviors. They then argue that these findings will promote compassion and tolerance when looking at mental illness, quirks, or differences between people, as being mentally healthy can be seen as having the same neurochemical balances as most people. The conclusion of the argument is that these findings will promote compassion and tolerance. The premise is that neurochemical imbalances can cause various behaviors.

To make this concept more understandable, let's use a simple example. Imagine a classroom where some students struggle with math while others excel. If we learn that the struggling students have a specific brain difference that makes math more challenging, we might be more compassionate and tolerant towards their struggles, knowing that it's not their fault and that they might need extra support.

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. The question type is Main Conclusion, which means we need to identify the answer choice that most accurately expresses the conclusion of the psychiatrist's argument.

a) Understanding the role of the neurochemical in behavior will foster empathy toward others.

This is the correct answer choice because it restates the conclusion that these findings will promote compassion and tolerance. Empathy, compassion, and tolerance are all related to understanding and sympathizing with others' feelings and experiences.

b) Neurochemical imbalances can cause mental illness and other behaviors.

This answer choice is incorrect because it restates the premise of the argument, not the conclusion. It talks about the cause of various behaviors but doesn't mention promoting compassion and tolerance.

c) Neurochemical balances and imbalances are the main determinants of mental behavior.

This answer choice is incorrect because it introduces a new idea that wasn't mentioned in the passage. The passage doesn't claim that neurochemical balances and imbalances are the main determinants of mental behavior, only that they can cause various behaviors.

d) Being mentally healthy is a matter of having the same neurochemical balances as most people.

This answer choice is incorrect because it focuses on the definition of mental health rather than the conclusion about promoting compassion and tolerance. Although it's mentioned in the passage, it doesn't capture the main conclusion of the argument.

e) Advances in neurochemistry enhance our theories of mental illness.

This answer choice is incorrect because it talks about enhancing theories of mental illness, which isn't the main conclusion of the argument. The main conclusion is about promoting compassion and tolerance, not improving our understanding of mental illness.

In summary, the correct answer choice is A, as it most accurately expresses the conclusion of the psychiatrist's argument, which is that understanding the role of neurochemicals in behavior will promote compassion and tolerance.