LSAT Explanation PT 30, S4, Q20: Consumer advocate: The introduction of a

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's begin by analyzing the argument in the passage. The argument can be broken down as follows:

Premise: The introduction of a new drug should be contingent upon having a good understanding of its social impact.

Premise: The social impact of the newly marketed antihistamine is far from clear.

Conclusion: There should be a general reduction in the pace of bringing to the marketplace new drugs that are now being tested.

The question type is Strengthen, which means we are looking for an answer choice that provides additional information that supports the conclusion.

Now, let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) The social impact of the new antihistamine is much better understood than that of most new drugs being tested.

This answer choice strengthens the argument because it implies that if the social impact of the new antihistamine is far from clear and it is better understood than most new drugs being tested, then the social impact of most new drugs being tested is even less clear. This supports the conclusion that there should be a general reduction in the pace of bringing to the marketplace new drugs that are now being tested. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

b) The social impact of some of the new drugs being tested is poorly understood.

This answer choice is tempting, but it is not as strong as answer choice (a). It only states that "some" of the new drugs being tested have a poorly understood social impact, which does not necessarily support a "general reduction" in the pace of bringing new drugs to the marketplace.

c) The economic success of some drugs is inversely proportional to how well we understand their social impact.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument, as it discusses the economic success of drugs rather than their social impact.

d) The new antihistamine is chemically similar to some of the new drugs being tested.

This answer choice is also irrelevant to the argument, as it does not address the understanding of the social impact of the new drugs being tested.

e) The new antihistamine should be on the market only if most new drugs being tested should be on the market also.

This answer choice does not strengthen the argument because it does not provide any information about the social impact of the new drugs being tested or the pace at which they should be brought to the marketplace.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (a), as it most strengthens the argument by showing that if the social impact of the new antihistamine is far from clear and it is better understood than most new drugs being tested, then the social impact of most new drugs being tested is even less clear, supporting the conclusion that there should be a general reduction in the pace of bringing to the marketplace new drugs that are now being tested.