LSAT Explanation PT 30, S4, Q22: In a recent study, a group

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. In the study, there are two groups of subjects. The first group had their normal daily caloric intake increased by 25 percent, and this increase was entirely in the form of alcohol. The second group had alcohol replace nonalcoholic sources of 25 percent of their normal daily caloric intake. Both groups gained body fat over the course of the study, and the amount of body fat gained was the same for both groups.

To simplify the information in the passage, imagine a scenario where Group A normally consumes 1000 calories per day. After the study, they consume 1250 calories per day, with the additional 250 calories coming from alcohol. Group B also normally consumes 1000 calories per day, but they replace 250 calories of non-alcoholic sources with alcohol, so they still consume a total of 1000 calories per day.

The question type for this problem is Most Strongly Supported (MSS), which asks us to identify the answer choice that is most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Alcohol is metabolized more quickly by the body than are other foods or drinks.

This answer choice is out of scope because the passage doesn't provide any information about how alcohol is metabolized compared to other foods or drinks.

b) In the general population, alcohol is the primary cause of gains in body fat.

This answer choice is too broad. The passage only discusses the results of a specific study and does not make any claims about the general population.

c) An increased amount of body fat does not necessarily imply a weight gain.

This answer choice discusses the relationship between body fat and weight, which is not addressed in the passage.

d) Body fat gain is not dependent solely on the number of calories one consumes.

This answer choice is correct. The passage shows that both groups gained the same amount of body fat, even though Group A consumed more calories. This supports the idea that body fat gain is not solely dependent on the number of calories consumed.

e) The proportion of calories from alcohol in a diet is more significant for body fat gain than are the total calories from alcohol.

This answer choice is contradicted by the passage. Group A added 25% more calories in the form of alcohol, while Group B replaced 25% of their caloric intake with alcohol. If the proportion of calories from alcohol was more significant, we would expect Group B to gain more body fat than Group A, but both groups gained the same amount of body fat.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D, as it is most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.