LSAT Explanation PT 25, S2, Q17: Nicotine has long been known to

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, helps LEAST to resolve the apparent discrepancy described above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and understand the apparent discrepancy. The passage states that nicotine is known to cause heart attacks and high blood pressure. However, a recent study found that cigarette smokers who do not chew tobacco have a higher incidence of heart attacks and high blood pressure than nonsmokers exposed to an equal amount of nicotine through tobacco chewing. This creates a paradox because both groups are exposed to the same amount of nicotine, yet the smokers have a higher incidence of heart attacks and high blood pressure.

The question type is a Paradox question, and we are asked to identify the answer choice that helps LEAST to resolve the apparent discrepancy.

a) If people who smoke but do not chew tobacco tend to exercise less than those who chew tobacco but do not smoke, this could help explain the higher incidence of heart attacks and high blood pressure among smokers. Lack of exercise could be a contributing factor to these health issues. So, this choice helps resolve the paradox.

b) If chemicals other than nicotine in chewing tobacco mitigate the effects of nicotine on the cardiovascular system, this could help explain why nonsmokers exposed to nicotine through tobacco chewing have a lower incidence of heart attacks and high blood pressure. These chemicals could be protecting them from the harmful effects of nicotine. So, this choice helps resolve the paradox.

c) If people who chew tobacco but do not smoke tend to have healthier diets than those who smoke but do not chew tobacco, this could help explain the higher incidence of heart attacks and high blood pressure among smokers. A healthier diet could be a contributing factor to better cardiovascular health. So, this choice helps resolve the paradox.

d) If chemicals other than nicotine in chewing tobacco cause cancer, this does not help resolve the paradox, as it does not explain the difference in heart attacks and high blood pressure between the two groups. This choice is the correct answer because it helps LEAST to resolve the discrepancy.

e) If chemicals other than nicotine in cigarette smoke raise blood pressure, this could help explain the higher incidence of heart attacks and high blood pressure among smokers. These chemicals could be causing additional harm to their cardiovascular system. So, this choice helps resolve the paradox.

In summary, the correct answer is D, as it does not help resolve the apparent discrepancy between the two groups in terms of heart attacks and high blood pressure.