LSAT Explanation PT 28, S1, Q26: Modern navigation systems, which are found

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, LEAST strengthens the argument above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses modern navigation systems in commercial aircraft, which use low-power circuitry that is more susceptible to interference than the vacuum-tube circuitry found in older planes. The passage provides an example of a plane veering off course during landing when a passenger turned on a laptop computer. The conclusion of the argument is that modern aircraft navigation systems are being put at risk by passengers' electronic devices, such as cassette players and laptop computers.

To make this more relatable, let's use a simple example: Imagine you're driving a car with a GPS system that is sensitive to interference from electronic devices. If someone in your car turns on their phone and your GPS starts giving wrong directions, you might conclude that electronic devices are putting your GPS system at risk.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is there a direct correlation between the use of electronic devices and interference with low-power circuitry in aircraft navigation systems?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices for the question, which is a StrengthenX question. We are looking for the answer choice that least strengthens the argument.

a) This answer choice strengthens the argument by showing that when the cause (laptop computer) is removed, the effect (interference) also disappears, supporting the causal relationship between electronic devices and interference.

b) This answer choice strengthens the argument by providing general information that electronic devices emit electromagnetic radiation, which is known to interfere with circuitry, supporting the idea that electronic devices may cause interference with low-power circuitry in aircraft navigation systems.

c) This answer choice strengthens the argument by showing that when the cause (electronic devices) is absent, the effect (interference) does not occur, supporting the causal relationship between electronic devices and interference.

d) This answer choice strengthens the argument by showing that electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices can travel far enough to reach the navigation systems, making it possible for electronic devices to cause interference.

e) This answer choice does not strengthen the argument, as it only states that low-power circuitry and electronic devices became popular around the same time. This does not provide any supporting evidence for the causal relationship between electronic devices and interference with low-power circuitry. Therefore, this is the correct answer.