LSAT Explanation PT 26, S3, Q6: First legislator: Medical research is predominantly

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following rejoinders, if true, most directly counters the second legislator's objection? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we have two legislators discussing medical research. The first legislator argues that medical research predominantly focuses on male patients, and that government-sponsored medical research should be required to include studies of women. The second legislator objects, stating that considerations of male/female balance are inappropriate with respect to research and have no place in science. The question type is Weaken, and we are asked to find a rejoinder that most directly counters the second legislator's objection.

Let's analyze the argument in the passage. The first legislator's statement is a premise, and the second legislator's statement is a conclusion. The conclusion is that considerations of male/female balance are inappropriate with respect to research and have no place in science.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Does the exclusion of women from medical research have a negative impact on the quality of scientific findings?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices:

a) Government-sponsored research is supported by all taxpayers, both male and female.

This answer choice does not directly counter the second legislator's objection. While it highlights that both male and female taxpayers support government-sponsored research, it does not directly address the issue of male/female balance in research having a place in science.

b) Serving as a subject for medical research can provide a patient access to new treatments but also can subject the patient to risks.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the second legislator's objection, as it does not address the issue of male/female balance in research.

c) Government-sponsored medical research is often done in military hospitals or prisons that hold only male residents.

This answer choice provides a reason for the current male/female imbalance in research but does not address whether or not such considerations have a place in science.

d) The training of male and female scientists does not differ according to their sex.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the second legislator's objection, as it focuses on the training of scientists rather than the issue of male/female balance in research.

e) Restriction to males of the patient base on which data are collected results in inadequate science.

This is the correct answer. It directly counters the second legislator's objection by stating that the restriction to males in the patient base leads to inadequate science, implying that considerations of male/female balance do have a place in science.

In conclusion, the correct answer is E, as it most directly counters the second legislator's objection by showing that the male/female balance in research does have a place in science, as it affects the quality of scientific findings.