LSAT Explanation PT 25, S4, Q3: The manager of a nuclear power

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most calls into question the manager's claim? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The manager of a nuclear power plant defends the claim that the plant is safe by presenting the following premise: the plant has an injury rate of 3.2 injuries per 200,000 hours of work, which is less than half the national average for all industrial plants. Based on this premise, the manager concludes that, by the standard of how many injuries occur, the plant is safer than most other plants where the employees could work.

To help you understand the argument, let's use a simple example. Imagine a school that has a lower rate of student injuries in the playground compared to the national average for all schools. The principal claims that, by the standard of how many injuries occur, the playground is safer than most other playgrounds in other schools.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Are there any other factors or potential risks that could affect the safety of the workers at the nuclear power plant?"

The question type for this problem is Weaken, and we are asked to find the answer choice that most calls into question the manager's claim.

a) This answer choice strengthens the argument by suggesting that workers at nuclear power plants receive extra training in safety precautions, which could contribute to the lower injury rate.

b) This answer choice also strengthens the argument by indicating that workers at nuclear power plants are required to report cases of accidental exposure to radiation, which could help maintain a safe working environment.

c) This answer choice is neutral or slightly strengthens the argument by stating that the exposure of the workers to radiation is within safe levels according to the government.

d) This answer choice is weak and does not directly address the safety of the specific nuclear power plant in question. It refers to workers at nuclear power plants in general and the number of lawsuits they file, which does not provide a clear comparison to other types of workplaces.

e) This is the correct answer. It weakens the manager's claim by introducing a factor that could affect the safety of the workers at the nuclear power plant, which is not accounted for in the injury rate statistics. Medical problems arising from work at a nuclear power plant might not appear until after an employee has left employment at the plant. These medical problems could be considered as injuries, and thus, the injury rate may not accurately represent the safety of the plant compared to other workplaces.

In summary, answer choice E weakens the manager's claim by pointing out a potential risk to workers' safety that is not reflected in the injury rate statistics. This suggests that the plant may not be as safe as the manager claims when compared to other plants where employees could work.