LSAT Explanation PT 28, S3, Q7: Sam: In a recent survey, over

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes how Tiya's response is related to Sam's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this problem, we are asked to identify how Tiya's response is related to Sam's argument. The question type is Weaken. Let's first analyze the argument in the passage.

Sam's argument has the following structure:

1. Premise: Over 95 percent of people who purchased a Starlight automobile last year said they were highly satisfied with their purchase.

2. Premise: People who have purchased a new car in the last year are not highly satisfied if that car has a manufacturing defect.

3. Conclusion: Starlight automobiles are remarkably free from such defects.

Tiya's response: But some manufacturing defects in automobiles become apparent only after several years of use.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do manufacturing defects in Starlight automobiles only become apparent after several years of use?"

Now let's discuss the answer choices:

a) Tiya's response does not argue that Sam's conclusion is correct. Instead, it raises a concern that undermines the support Sam offers for his conclusion. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

b) Tiya's response does not provide evidence that the survey results are inaccurate. Instead, it suggests that the survey might not be sufficient to support Sam's conclusion. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

c) Correct answer. Tiya's response offers a consideration that undermines the support Sam offers for his conclusion. By pointing out that some manufacturing defects become apparent only after several years of use, Tiya suggests that the survey results might not be sufficient to support Sam's conclusion.

d) Tiya's response does not point out that Sam's argument presupposes the truth of the conclusion he is defending. Instead, it raises a concern about the sufficiency of the survey results to support Sam's conclusion. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

e) Tiya's response does not present new information that implies that Sam's conclusion is false. Instead, it suggests that Sam's conclusion may not be well-supported by the survey results. There is a difference between telling someone that their conclusion is FALSE and telling them that their conclusion is unfounded or unsupported. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

In summary, the correct answer is C, as Tiya's response offers a consideration that undermines the support Sam offers for his conclusion by suggesting that the survey results might not be sufficient to determine whether Starlight automobiles are remarkably free from manufacturing defects.