LSAT Explanation PT 25, S4, Q24: Sociologist: Research shows, contrary to popular

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the sociologist's argument? 

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 break down the argument in the passage. The sociologist argues that most people who have pets are less happy than most people who do not, given that all other things are equal. From this, the sociologist concludes that any person who wants to be as happy as possible would do well to consider not having a pet. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: Most people who have pets are less happy than most people who do not (all other things being equal).

Conclusion: Any person who wants to be as happy as possible should consider not having a pet.

This question is a Weaken question, which means we are looking for an answer choice that weakens the sociologist's argument.

To make this argument more relatable, let's use a simple example. Imagine that people who own bicycles are generally less fit than people who do not own bicycles. From this information, we might conclude that to be as fit as possible, one should avoid owning a bicycle. However, this conclusion might not be valid if there are other factors at play, such as the initial fitness levels of bicycle owners compared to non-bicycle owners.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do people who have pets initially have the same happiness levels as those who do not have pets?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) Some people who have pets are happier than most people who do not.

This answer choice does not weaken the argument because it only refers to "some" people, which could be a small minority. It doesn't address the overall trend that the sociologist is discussing.

b) Most people who have no pets occasionally wish that they had pets.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument because it focuses on people's wishes rather than their actual happiness levels.

c) Most people who have pets are reasonably happy.

This answer choice does not weaken the argument because it doesn't address the comparison between pet owners and non-pet owners. It only provides information about the happiness of pet owners.

d) Most people who have pets feel happier because they have pets.

This answer choice weakens the argument because it suggests that having a pet actually increases happiness for most pet owners. This contradicts the sociologist's conclusion that not having a pet would lead to greater happiness.

e) All people who have no pets admit to feeling unhappy sometimes.

This answer choice does not weaken the argument because it only tells us that people without pets sometimes feel unhappy. It doesn't provide any information about the happiness levels of pet owners compared to non-pet owners.

The correct answer is D, as it directly challenges the sociologist's conclusion by suggesting that having a pet actually increases happiness for most pet owners.